I think that if people remove their guilty imaginings from the topic, they will find it's not bothersome in the least. When one analyses any art form, the context of the culture, economics, politics, etc of the time and place come into it. None of you mind a "California" or a "baby boom" or "middle class suburban" or "postwar" or an "American" or "1960s" or "Vietnam" or "drug culture" contextual analysis of Beach Boys music, do you? Would you be up-in-arms about how "unfair" it is to analyze Beach Boys music or its influences or impact in the light of these aspects of their surroundings? Discussing Beach Boys music in light of the institutional racism or their surroundings is no less valid.
But most of the conclusions being made regarding this discussion are intellectually irresponsible. To come to the conclusion that The Beach Boys' music is deeply rooted in institutional racism solely because the music came from a period of intense racial turmoil in America is not sound reasoning. We can successfully tie the music to all of the factors you mention ("California" or a "baby boom" or "middle class suburban" or "postwar" or an "American" or "1960s" or "Vietnam" or "drug culture") because those characteristics comes through in the music very clearly. What does NOT come through in the music is any reference of say, "keeping America white" or "celebrating segregation" or the naivete that the world is perfect as it is and nothing should change. None of those messages comes through even remotely. What does come through, as another poster mentioned, is the idea of love and togetherness among people. That message is most definitely there in the music. It may not be a radical enough statement for people in 2017 want to accept but it was their statement, nevertheless.
Agreed completely.
Now what I want to know is what would The BBs had to have done back in the '60s for someone claiming that The Beach Boys' music is deeply rooted in institutional racism to come to a *different* conclusion other than confidently making such as statement?
My guess is that they would have had to have written a song specifically about the subject or at the very least very clearly been quoted denouncing the events of the period. Anything less would not change any 2017 spectator's views because the golden rule appears to be if you don't voice your views you are automatically grouped with the other group that is doing the harm--without question.
Technically, the one song that comes to mind that even remotely comes close is "Student Demonstration Time."
America was stunned on May 4, 1970
When rally turned to riot up at Kent State University
They said the students scared the Guard
Though the troops were battle dressed
Four martyrs earned a new degree
The Bachelor of Bullets
I know we're all fed up with useless wars and racial strife
But next time there's a riot, well, you best stay out of sight
The song is by no means supporting segregation or being white--especially that lyric in particular. The song is a criticism of what's happening and comes off as fearful, pinged with sadness. You can't get anymore of a statement from the band than that.