A Protest to the Music of Eminem, The Real Slim Shady
A Protest to the Music of Eminem, The Real Slim Shady
WILL THE REAL SLIM SHADY PLEASE SHUT UP, by Ashley Nelson is a powerful article about the influence music can have on people. Nelson makes some excellent points on this controversial subject and is correct in stating that music does influence actions. Music can have tremendous effects on listeners, especially those who are easily influenced.
One argument in the rappers defense was; his sadistic desires are not those of Marshall Mathers (Eminem), rather they are those of his alter ego known as Slim Shady. To some he is considered a divided man. Should it really matter which side of him is singing about rapping and killing women? The point is it doesn’t matter who is singing about it; the only thing that matters is the message it is sending to our youth. That message is that it is okay to abuse women.
Another defense states that what Slim Shady sings about is “piercing honesty.” That much honesty is not always the best thing for a young adult struggling to fit in. Nelson states that Slim Shady is beloved by 14 year-old boys. Fourteen years old is not an appropriate age to be hearing about murder, rape and abuse. Most teenagers view his music as comical and real. What happens when the comical part is gone and all you’re left with is the real?
Our youth listens to this music because it is the hard truth. Well the problem with that is the hard truth Slim Shady is rapping about is slowly becoming the reality. Easily influenced teenagers are listening to this music and are finding it acceptable to do the things Slim Shady is rapping about. No matter who he says he is Marshall Mathers, Eminem or Slim Shady the truth of the matter is his violent lyrics are effecting people’s actions.