Bono received backlash from netizens after he called music nowadays as girly. The singer also commented that only hip-hop channels young male rage.
Bono caused quite a stir on social media following an interview about how he connects with his children over music. The 57-year-old musician explained how his kids helped him and his band U2 discover new music.
"Jordan is a music snob, an indie snob. Eve is hip-hop. Elijah is in a band, and he has got very strong feelings about music, but he doesn't make any distinction between, let's say, the Who and the Killers. Or, you know, Nirvana and Royal Blood, Bono said in an interview with Rolling Stone.
Bono added that his son Elijah believes that a rock and roll revolution is around the corner. At this statement, the interviewer then asked whether Bono believed that rock 'n' roll was headed toward a revolution.
"I think music has gotten very girly," Bono replied.
The musician also commented that nowadays only hip-hop music channels male angst and not rock 'n' roll. He said that it is the "only place for young male anger at the moment," which he believes is not good.
Bono then recalled his teenage years when he was full of anger and he channeled that anger through music. He pointed out that rock 'n' roll helped him overcome the anger he had when he was 16 years old. Bono said that in the end, rage is at the heart of rock 'n' roll.
The musician's comments stirred different reactions but mostly Twitter users are not happy. Some called his comments about music being girly as sexist and racist. Music correspondent Roisin O'Connor called his comments as "racist stereotyping."
Where do you even start with this: The sexism? The racist stereotyping? The positioning of hyper-masculine aggression as a positive thing? Fuck off Bono. pic.twitter.com/6b7Z2PPTyh
— Roisin O'Connor (@Roisin_OConnor) December 28, 2017
A Twitter user named Ian Penman indirectly called Bono a "macho honker" and a "snotty critic." A couple of other users thought that maybe the musician feels neglected or forgotten and that is why he made those comments. They assumed that Bono just needs attention and wants people to talk about him again.
Funnily enough "girly" is precisely the intended-as-dismissive slur most used by macho honkers & snotty critics to dismiss Chet Baker back in the day - playing & singing. Too... *pretty*, music for ... *girls.* #Bono #SoCallMeGirly — Ian Penman (@pawboy2) December 28, 2017
Did he just say that so that people can talk about him again? will we have to endure another apology song, now? pic.twitter.com/VCeMz5KTRa
— Maurizio Barbieri (@MGBarbieri) December 27, 2017
Meanwhile, another Twitter user pointed out that Bono is accurate in his comment that music nowadays is girly. However, the user clarified that the women artists conquered music in 2017.
I don't know Bono's intent here, but he is accurate in that The best music this year was "girly" @k_crutchfield, @bully, @daddyissuesband, @cherryglazzer, etc...Women OWNED 2017. Looking to dominate 2018 as well with the new @lissiemusic record and others. Thank you Ladies! — MLB 27 (@Cardman3190) December 28, 2017
Others thought that perhaps Bono should have used a different word other than "girly." After all, he is a women's rights advocate and a feminist, so his remark does not align with his belief.
I find this hard to believe when he’s such a women’s rights activist & feminist. Seems he’d choose a better word...
— Steve Bermel (@SteveBermel) December 27, 2017
