‘Accidental Racist’ by Brad Paisley and LL Cool J is sparking a great deal of controversy. The message of the song is that it’s time to put slavery behind us, but can a very white guy like Conan O’Brien truly relate to it?
The message of this song has not been well received by many African Americans – and one gangly Irish American talk show host, Conan O’Brien. Listen in to the thoughts of bass-player Mike Merritt, while Conan expounds on the ill-advised message to sweep slavery under the rug, and talks passionately about how it affects him and his African brothers and sisters. Hint: Mike feels that Conan is so white that a daring exploit for him is to turn the bass up when he listens to NPR. Could Mike be wrong? perhaps Conan has embraced his inner Black child?