Race… and Other Four Letter Words:Eminem and the Cultural Politics of Authenticity

Rob TechmanMeghan Smith

Eminem/ Slim Shady/ Marshall Matthers

Just in case you don’t know this guy

GAPS

Rodman describes the blurring of White and Black as a race, as politically awkward

The Cosby Show

However, other sitcoms don’t necessarily get it right either

Eminem and other Rappers

NORM

Meg Ryan Movies will not transform the world into Romantics Films like The Matrix and violent games like Mortal Kombat will generate a murderous youth Society looks at the norm with a skewed eye Black people have to Rap and White people have to Rock

Interview in 2000

Do you view Eminem in a favorable light because he has pushed societal buttons towards a progressive blending of races or do you still instill distaste for the artist because of his volatile lyrics and overall presentation?

Lil Wayne

ROLE

“I” Use of first person narratives to tell a temporary story

and use of I in reality. Eminem raps of himself and of his alter egos Role Model?

Stan

Do you think Eminem should be classified as a role model? Why or why not?

RACE

One of Rodman’s reoccurring themes stirs the question behind the entirety of the critic—the distaste for Eminem may not be in what he reveals, but rather what society can no longer conceal. (p. 107)

“What’s a White man doing making Black music?”

Hip - Hop: Beyond Beats &Rhymes

Do you think Eminem is hypocritical in not using the “n” word, but repeatedly using the word faggot with negative connotations?

Why is the degradation of women within Eminem’s genre repeatedly drawn on when similar ideas are just as prevalent within rock and country genres?

BETE

2 Live Crew Eminem’s music comes from within white America “You all act like you’ve never seen a white person before.” 8 Mile

What exactly is the “color-blind” myth and how would you describe it?

Rodman describes Eminem as showing humility about his Whiteness. In what specific ways does Eminem exhibit this humility?

RAGE

Eminem, like other Rapper’s use strong vulgar words to portray how they feel.

“I guess words are a motherfucker. They can be great. Or they can degrade. Or even worse, They can teach hate”

- (Sing for a Moment)

Fuck

Shit

Piss

Cum Ball

s

Tits

Faggot

Slut

Ho

CODA

RECOVERY

Not Afraid

Do you view Eminem in a favorable light because he has pushed societal buttons towards a progressive blending of races or do you still instill distaste for the artist because of his volatile lyrics and overall presentation?