Eminem and Social Phenomenon

Essay # 23000

Communication > Mass Media
Music Studies > Contemporary

A study of the rap star Eminem that questions if he is a social critic or corrupter of the youth.

1,240 words () | 4 sources | MLA | 2002 Canada

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the social phenomenon of American rap star Eminem. It investigates if he exposes hypocrisy in our society through social criticism, or is merely profiting from shock value. The paper questions the entire genre of rap music and it's supposed negative cultural affects.

From the Paper:

"Crichlow, in his study entitled "Rap Music: Agents for Social Change and Agents for Social Destruction" (1990), cites Stanley Aronowitz's idea that popular culture produces cultural relevance, as he defines popular culture as "really the property of the sphere in which people" of whatever class or racial group "actually produce their own cultural artifacts and their own cultural relations" (Crichlow, 1990: 6). There are many different forms of popular culture which produce many different cultural effects: some intentional, and some unintended. One area that is hotly contended today involves the effects of rap music on youth. The questions are raised: Does rap music have a negative impact on youth? Does it promote hate and violence? Are these acts of hate and violence also committed by heroes and villains, good and bad people? Are there too many controversial issues in the type of music and music lyrics that people in our culture like? In seeking to find answers, rappers, like Eminem, are often blamed as agents of social destruction."