Journal article using the Smiths as a case study of a "star" who exists as a contradiction between image and reality, especially focusing on the "Englishness" exuded in both their existence and their music. Stringer argues that Morrissey's lyrical and public attention has always been a "white England," about which he often sang in protest, which is especially interestign in the context of Latino American fans. He concludes that it is unclear whether fans of The Smiths listen because they appreciate the foundations of the band's image, or their "working over" of often-repressed social and political boundaries.
(Link is to PennText - article available through JSTOR.)

In this book about nationalism and expression of English ideals through song, the first chapter is about the working-class mentality that has pervaded British pop culture in the post-war period, using the lyrics of The Smiths and Morrissey as a case study. While this is described as a particularly British image, it is also part of an immigrant ideal: to be recognized for hard work and rewarded. However, Zuberi rejects the idea that Morrissey was speaking to people of all races and declares that he was glorifying only the white working class, which is curious in comparison to how Latinos have accepted his music as working-class anthems.