Eminem Vs. The Sugar-Coated
Eminem is one of the hottest musicians in the world right now. Success can be a good thing, but fame throws you under the harsh scrutiny of the media-microscope. The media and various organizations had a fit over Eminem and his lyrics. They think he's offending certain groups of people and is a bad influence on our youth. Sure, some of his lyrics are offensive to some listeners but the albums have Parental Advisory stickers slapped on the cover. Last year's hit Marshall Mathers is also available in a cleaner, censored version.
Eminem says you shouldn't take his lyrics seriously because he doesn't - and even implies this in some of his songs. Hmmm, I wonder if that makes all those nasty messages okay? Here's another thought - is Eminem the only guy peddling bad lyrics? No Way! Even Latino eye-candy Ricky Martin is guilty of singing the bad. I mean come on "cause she looks like a flower but she stings like a bee like every girl in history". Not exactly a positive image of women. Are Eminem's lyrics any more offensive than say... Ricky Martin? I don't think so. Sure Ricky sounds much sweeter and poppier than Eminem - and maybe he doesn't pen f#*%k into his lyrics - but the messages and negative stereotypes are everywhere.
To me these songs are more offensive than what Eminem's saying on his radio-friendly songs. Ricky Martin's new song, She Bangs climbed the Top 40 and dance charts. No one seems to have a problem with the pop star depicting women as sexual objects because it's poppier and it's GLAMOROUS. Ricky Martin has a squeaky clean image, while Eminem is a rougher-looking guy in an edgier package. To me it looks like we have the same product here, but one of them is able to sneak under the fence because of his packaging.
The media constantly attacks Eminem, but what they don't seem to clue into is the fact that they're giving him material to write about by attacking him. Talk about fanning the flames!
So now that you guys know where I stand on Eminem's lyrics vs. the sugar-coated variety I'd like to hear what you think! Don't be shy - like it is.
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