Argumentative Essay On Marshall Mathers

As one of the world’s most successful musicians, Marshall Mathers is the target of intense controversy. Mathers, better known by his stage name Eminem, is often written off as violent, misogynistic, and homophobic. Activist groups have picketed his concerts, parents have condemned his songs, and countries like Canada and Australia have even tried cancel his concerts. However, underneath the controversy, Mathers has revolutionized hip hop, turning it into a mainstream form of music. Mathers’ story indicates how artists must ultimately work without fear of controversy because that conflict indicates the presence of creativity and open thinking, which are both necessary for the progress of art. Thus, artists must forge on, working their craft despite criticism.

Around the world, people have rejected him for having “absolutely nothing to do with the culture right now” (D'Addario). Journalists like Lauren Duca from the Huffington Post have noted that Mathers’ career “is really hateful and nasty” (Duca) and is “built on a foundation of normalizing hatred toward women” (Duca). They argue Mathers’ messages create a threatening environment for women and gays, like when he said he’d “punch Lana Del Rey right in the face twice, like Ray Rice in broad daylight“ (Eminem). Mathers even acknowledges this discord, using it in his songs under the persona “Slim Shady”. In “Without Me”, he says the world needs him “cause we need a little, controversy/ cause it feels so empty, without me” (Eminem). Shady recognizes the “controversy” and plays on people's objections, saying the world would be empty without his