Navigating Uncomfortability: Is It Homophobia if I Don’t Like Lil Nas X’s ‘MONTERO’ Video?

Have you ever come across a piece of entertainment that you simply can’t watch, even though you don’t outright disapprove of the creators? Irecently found myself in a similar situation with Lil Nas X’s controversial track “MONTERO.” While I don’t dislike LGBT individuals, I find it uncomfortable to watch the music video. Here, we’ll explore whether this discomfort (or similar feelings) qualifies as homophobia and how to navigate such situations.

Understanding Your Uncomfortability

There are many reasons why one might find certain content uncomfortable or displeasing, even within the LGBT community. For instance, my initial reaction to the video stemmed from the sexual content featured. However, I must point out that not all Asexual individuals feel uncomfortable with such content.
Sex is often considered a private matter, and a video that sexualizes it—regardless of the sexual orientation of the artist—can understandably make people feel uncomfortable. In my case, I find sexual music videos unacceptable, especially when it comes to viewing scenes involving more than a romantic partner.

Is Uncomfortability Homophobia?

Homophobia, in its traditional sense, refers to prejudice or discrimination against LGBT individuals due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Therefore, feeling uncomfortable with a particular song or video does not automatically make you a homophobe, especially if your discomfort is derived from the sexual content or relationship dynamics within the piece.

Let’s consider this from another perspective. Would you feel the same level of discomfort if the artist were of the opposite gender? Some might argue that the sexual nature of the content makes the piece uncomfortable, regardless of the artist's sexual orientation. It’s important to understand that discomfort is subjective and can vary widely among individuals.

Exploring the Broader Context

Lil Nas X’s controversial track and music video serve as a broader commentary on society’s reactions to LGBT representation. The song and video address themes of reclaiming oppression, rebellion against traditional norms, and embracing individuality.

By releasing a work that challenges societal expectations, Lil Nas X is expressing his own experiences and perhaps challenging societal views. However, this can also lead to discomfort and upset from those who feel threatened by the ideas presented. It's crucial to acknowledge that while one may feel uncomfortable, it’s about respecting the artist’s right to express themselves freely and not censoring their work solely due to its content.

Handling Your Uncomfortability

When you find content uncomfortable, it’s important to ask yourself whether your discomfort is justified. Do you dislike it because it represents a message you find troubling, or is the discomfort purely a reaction to the sexual or drug content? If the latter, it’s understandable to steer clear of such content, just as I avoid music videos that don’t align with my personal values.

Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between respecting your personal boundaries and acknowledging the broader context and intentions behind the content. Every individual has different thresholds for what they find acceptable, and it’s important to recognize and respect these differences in a society that values diversity and expression.

In summary, discomfort with entertainment is a complex issue. While it’s important to confront and understand the roots of your discomfort, it’s equally important to remember that being uncomfortable does not equate to homophobia. It’s about finding a healthy middle ground where you can engage with and appreciate diverse forms of expression while maintaining your own boundaries.