Eminem (was: Influenced by GR?)

[Thomas Eckhardt]

Reply to Doug's post:

Hmmm. Yes, but... Hip hop does not only consist of Gangsta rap, though Ice
Cube, Snoop, Dre, Eminem etc. are perhaps the ones who have come to
represent the genre in the popular consciousness. Also, Gangsta rap should
not be reduced to its function in the political and social complex (as far
as this aspect is concerned, I agree with what you say, I just want to use a
different pov for the moment): It is also an art form, whose sometimes
ridiculously exaggerated assertions of manhood have a long history in
African-American culture and may perhaps be traced back to the effects
slavery and racism have had on the minds of the suppressed; the
identification with gangsters may be said to belong to the honorable
tradition of popular music (e.g. "John Wesley Harding") of styling oneself
as the outlaw; and, last but not least, the genre has produced some very
exciting music. 

This said, I become less and less inclined to excuse the hate speech in some
rap music, not only because the sharpening of dividing lines indeed "serves
the ends of Government", as you say, but also because words, I assume, do
produce effects which may turn into actions. Here, the action would not be,
for example, to burn the White House to the ground, but to beat up the next
gay person one comes across, or to treat one's girl friend, or wife, as if
she was a piece of garbage. 

Thomas

P.S. I am just listening to Mos Def. This is great stuff.