|
|
Eminem: Monster or a Man of Brilliance? Turn on the radio to any popular station and you’re likely to hear a song or two of popular rap artiest, Eminem, also known as Marshall Mathers II. Kids in middle school adore him, young adults in universities blast him. His records sell millions and reaches number one on charts. Yet, controversy over the Detroit native, seems to never end. Parents, Gay and Lesbian groups, and other critics can’t stand him. He’s been involved in several court cases and accused of influencing young teens negatively. As a culture, we have changed dramatically over the years, going from hip-shaking Elvis to rappers such as Eminem. Some love him, others despise him and their reasons run deep. How do you defend a grown man who sings of murdering his ex wife, taking advantage of young girls and drugs? I know, I personally, can’t fathom why he sings about the things he sings about. Al Mancini of ABC news and David Plotz share a similar viewpoint and find a way to defend the rapper. Both seem to accept this behavior as a part of our culture. So what is it about today’s culture that accepts this behavior? Mancini wrote an article entitled In Defense of Eminem: Critics Take Too Slim a View of Shady. He believes Eminem is a brilliant musician and his heinous speech serves a purpose. Mancini, does not believe that his most “offensive” and “vile” lyrics alone can be defended, however he looks beyond the words. His newest album is a work of brilliance because we get to see the artist looking into his conscience, debating if he’s taken himself too far. Teens these days seem to be in constant debate with themselves and their alter ego, the good and the bad, the devil and angel. Peer pressure, advice, working parents, money, all plays a factor of these feelings. In any generation, teens and young adults are into expressing their feelings in different ways. Mancini touches on this in a section of his paper called Eminem for Dummies and his argument takes an interesting twist. He believes that in order to understand his ways, you need some background on the artist. Only seems fair in my opinion.
|
