Country in General Pt.1

What has happened to today's conception of country music? Is country no more than pop music with a twang? Why does it receive similar reactions to one mentioning rap or techno? These reactions are usually in extremes, I find, and are either very positive or negative. 

But country as a whole has very redeeming qualities, despite the flack it may receive from certain audiences. With country music, a distinct imagery is evoked, as one hearkens back to the "good ol" days, or at least what we know from the movies. The imagery is not the only thing to be noted however, as the pure musical value should be closely examined. First, the guitar, or in many cases, the steel guitar plays a vital role in the country sound. Its twang and range of playing styles provide the needed base, (aside from rhythm and drums) from which the country sound springs.