Category: Song Analysis

Rationale:

This written task has addressed the language option of language and mass communication. I have written my opinion column on one of the few things I truly loathe in one of my favorite artists of all time’s music. I decided to write this text on Eminem’s songs, as he is a personality I am extremely familiar with and he is referred to by many as “the face of misogyny in Hip-hop.” I have focused on attracting a young audience, young being around my age, more specifically teenagers, because it is at this age that it is common for us teenagers to follow our idols mindlessly. I found this as an opportunity to finally express how I feel about his obscene lyrics that are directed at women.

I started my opinion column with an interesting story of how I was introduced to Eminem, and when studying his music deeper I was hit with a huge storm of misogyny and sexism, I thought this would attract the readers’ attention. I have also displayed some of the timeline of sexism expressed in Eminem’s music to familiarize the reader with the facts. I thought that nothing can explain how absurd his lyrics are better than quoting them. I alternated between an angry and a serious one, and a sarcastic tone to not lose the reader’s focus. I think I was able to communicate how I feel about these lyrics with the help of critical sarcasm, such as calling his fictional songs about killing females “pathetic and disturbing” I have tried to make my writing as interesting as I can by using an engaging and conversational style.

I am confident about achieving my goal, which was mainly to show teenagers like me that our idols are not always qualified to be role models.

Opinion Column:

Sexism is not hip. Misogyny does not hop

I remember when my friend played me a song by the rapper Eminem on our way home, up until that point, I used to despise rap music without ever listening to it just because of the stereotypes circulating around it. The song my friend played for me has taken me by surprise because of how powerful, raw and poetic it was. That same day I made it my mission to discover this musical genre and I began with Eminem’s most acclaimed album, his sophomore album “The Marshall Mathers LP” released in 2000. The album started with a “Public Service Announcement” where an announcer warned listeners of the storm that is about to hit their ears and he did not lie; the opening lyrics of the very next track, “Kill You,” were “S**t, you think I won’t choke no w***e till the vocal cords don’t work in her throat no more?”1 In that same verse, Eminem threatens to rape his own mother and raps “You ain’t nothing but a s**t to me, b***h I’ma kill you.”2 This was just the tip of the iceberg of the misogyny and sexism I was about to witness.

In the middle of all the poetry, emotions, impressive rhyme schemes, distinct and entertaining storytelling, motivational songs, and sonically pleasing music, there are some downsides, that are hard to neglect in Eminem’s music, like sexism, homophobia, explicit lyrics, glorification of drug use and more. However, I will only focus on sexism and misogyny in my opinion column. There are many different levels of sexism portrayed in his music that are more hard-hitting than referring to women by offensive slurs. The reason I chose Eminem’s lyrics as the subject of my opinion column out of all rappers with misogynistic lyrics is that he is factually the rapper with the biggest fan base that his words of hate can influence.

Throughout his career, Eminem has attacked many women including other celebrities including but not limited to; Lana Del Rey, Iggy Azalea, and Britney Spears, but most notably his Mother and his ex-wife Kim Mathers. The song “Kim” details how he would take revenge on his ex-wife for cheating on him. It was the same way he advised someone else to do it on an earlier song “You just caught this b***c cheating… *forget* slitting her throat, cut this b***c’s head off… still wanna stab her? Grab her by the throat? … That’s what I did be smart don’t be a great**.”3 In another song, Eminem expresses these thoughts in an even more direct way ‘support domestic violence, beat your b***c’s a** while your kids stare in silence.”4 His album “Relapse” contains multiple songs where he tells a story where he either rapes or kills a female character. Eminem has made his view on gender roles very clear, in a 1999 song he rapped “**** b***hes, give me a fat s**t that cooks and does dishes.”5 Eminem has an even longer timeline of misogyny and sexism in his lyrics. What would be the reaction of a young teen when he hears lyrics like that coming from one of his idols? These ideas Eminem is conveying, whether he means them literally or they’re just for the shock value, are planted into young listeners’ brains and are expressed at a later age.

Bringing up shock value, I think that is Eminem’s main influence in writing lyrics that are exceptionally offensive to women. It is noteworthy that “The Marshall Mathers LP,” which might have as well been named “The ‘I say offensive stuff about women’ LP” is one of the best-selling albums of all time worldwide. A major reason Eminem was as big as he was when the record was released in all the controversy circulating around him because of his sexist lyrics.

Degrading women, referring to them with offensive slurs, bashing them, making rape comments, calling for domestic abuse, making fictional songs about murdering women, and giving them stereotypical roles like cooking and cleaning, is that what an extremely huge platform like Eminem’s should be used for? I get that Eminem came from a poor family, living in trailer parks, and has had many complications with women, but being open and so disgustingly sexist is not a way to wealth, nor is it a solution to problems. I am a fan of Eminem, but I am not a fan of everything he is. Going out of your own way to make songs about killing females at the age of 45 because it has previously gained your attention might be one of the most pathetic and disturbing things done in history. Does he not realize how big of an influence he has on young fans? Before we know it we are going to have a generation of sexists and misogynists raised by Eminem’s lyrics.

The person Marshall Mathers has proven countless times that he is not a misogynist or a sexist person and his real-life actions go on to prove that. However, that does not lessen how absurd his lyrics are and how big of a negative impact it leaves on young listeners at. Some say that his music served as a vehicle for him to deal with the problems ignited between himself and his mother and his wife respectively, whom he never hurt except through his music. I personally understand that and do believe that Eminem is not a sexist person, but using a huge platform to degrade women for the whole world to listen to it is tremendously uncalled for on any occasion.

To conclude, I think that perhaps the saddest part is that Eminem climbed up to his highly successful career by stepping on women’s pride. There is no denying that Eminem is one of the greatest musical artists of all time, but his music could do without all the negative aspects. I think the sooner Eminem realizes how many people are influenced by his lyrics, whether he lives by them or not, the better.

In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Tom Robinson, an innocent bird, is degraded and eventually killed by the court after being falsely accused of hideous crimes. His accuser, Mayella Ewell, is actually the person who is emotionally touched the most by Tom, but her dreadful home life and upbringing by a racist, alcoholic father forces her to accuse Tom falsely. It is Tom’s actions, honesty, and considerateness that make him a symbolic “black mockingbird,” and eventually lead to his death. Tom’s flight, innocence, bird song, and death demonstrate his role as a symbolic mockingbird.

Mockingbirds fly at a beautiful height with the utmost freedom. Similarly, Tom undergoes this flight too. When he tries to flee his jail cell, he gets executed. His flight is short and appalling. He flies to the heavens after he’s been shot. He helps others in need even when it would result in grave outcomes. His flight is demonstrated throughout the hearing. His flight away from the world provides him peace and prosperity. The struggle of staying in the jail cell for the rest of his life is gone. In a similar fashion, he dies while trying to escape jail. Although he died after he tried to escape he was already dead. It was obvious truth that he would be sentenced due to him being a black man and Mayella being a white woman. In the unruly court of Maycomb, it would be virtually impossible for Tom to win this case. He had realized that point and accepted his defeat prior. Therefore, he faced the charges even though he was innocent. Tom’s death was a horrific event and the outcome of racism. His death was more of a sacrifice as it brought change. Mayella wouldn’t be abused by her father since he had died after trying to kill Scout and Jem. Tom’s gift saved Mayella Ewell. His crucial sacrifice also helped Maycomb society. Some people in Maycomb realized the struggle of Tom and his case. Although it was too late to save Tom, they would be able to make a difference the next time this happens. Tom’s flight and death tie into his symbolic meaning.

Mockingbirds chirp their own unique melody for others to enjoy. Mockingbirds don’t do anything but are peaceful to everyone. Just as mockingbirds sing, Tom sings to Mayella as well. His justification in court causes him to chirp his own song. He helps Mayella with little household chores because he felt bad for Mayella, who’s had a hard life growing up. Tom is very compassionate and caring towards others no matter their race. His song really elaborates on his true character in the novel. His peaceful song creates a tone in the courthouse displaying his values. He feels great joy by the unselfish deeds he’s done for Mayella. Tom’s song specifies his genuine thoughts and feelings about Mayella. Just as mockingbirds sing their song, they respent innocence as well. Tom is helping others out and is innocent like a mockingbird. He doesn’t intend to bring harm to others at all no matter their race. Mayella destroys his innocence. Mayella can be viewed as a “bluejay” as she follows its characteristics. Mayella attacks Tom and quells their joy of Tom. Mayella feels the guilt of overthrowing Tom’s innocence in the courtroom. His sympathy for Mayella is gone. Mayella’s guilt overcomes her and she feels like a horrible and terrible person. Her trust in Tom is lost. Tom’s song and innocence tie into his symbolic meaning.

Tom’s beautiful flight into the heavens, his sorrowful innocence as a mockingbird, his melodic song to Mayella, and his death from his sufferings all contribute to Tom being the symbolic mockingbird. The horrible accusations against him contradict his true character he truly is. Living in a racist society makes racism above the law. The court would ultimately never listen to Tom as he is a black man while Mayella is a white woman. In the racist courts of Maycomb, a white person would always be above a black person no matter how severe the case is. In a way, Tom is silenced by Mayella. Tom’s innocence is destroyed and killed by Mayella’s accusations. Mayella is however saved by Tom’s sacrifice and his sacrifice also makes the people of Maycomb rethink their decisions and make a better choice next time. Mayella, however, feels guilty for her accusations and loses her sympathy for Tom. She loses his trust and she ultimately feels bad about her actions. She is permanently affected by this for the rest of her life and will have the guilt always on the back of her head. Tom will forever hold a place within Mayella and be a part of her life forever. Tom’s flight, songs, innocence, and death are brought upon the racism of the court system.

Song #1 – Apologize by one republic

This song is about a boy and a girl who are in a relationship. The girl keeps hurting him and cutting him off. The first time I read these lyrics I thought this was a song about suicide but then I realized it wasn’t. When he says ‘I’m holding on to your rope, got me ten feet off the ground’ It means he’s trying to hang onto this person. ‘I’m hearing what you say but I just can’t make a sound. You tell me that you need me then you go and cut me down’ He feels like he doesn’t have a say in their relationship. I also think the rope is a metaphor for his attachment to this person but she keeps cutting him off and hurting him over again.

This song relates to The Glass Castle because in the book the children never get a say in anything. Every time they want to stay at their current home, the parents have to move away because they won’t pay the bills. This song also relates to Jeannette and her dad, Rex. This is because she constantly tells herself that she won’t give up on her dad because she is the only person that still has faith in him.

Song #2 – Theme: Survival. don’t stop believing by Journey

This song is about a small-town girl and a city boy. “Don’t stop believin’, Hold on to that feeling” I believe this means to never give up on hope and keep searching for a meaningful relationship. Remember that feeling of being happy and believe you can be happy again. Never give up on yourself and stay positive. Just because you hit a rough patch doesn’t mean you just give up, always try and try again. It’s very important to be there for people when they need you to support them.

This song relates to The Glass Castle because in the novel Jeannette is the only person that still believes in her dad and he doesn’t want her to stop believing in him. Another reason this song relates to Glass Castle is that Jeannette never stopped believing that she can go to New York to start a new life and become a Journalist. She eventually achieves this goal.

Song #3 – Bleed Red by Ronnie Dunn

This song is about everyone being equal and not judging people by their skin color or appearance. “We all bleed red, We all taste the rain, All fall down, lose our way, We all say words we regret, We all cry tears, we all bleed red.” This is because we are all human beings and on the inside, we are all the same. Don’t treat people differently because we are all the same and we are all here for the same reason.

This song relates to The Glass Castle because of the part in the book where Jeannette goes to the pool with Denita. She will never judge people by their skin color or their appearance because we are all human beings and we all bleed red.

Song #4 – Family Portrait by Pink

This song is about her parents fighting and she wants them to stop so they can be a normal family again. She says “Can’t we work it out? Can’t we be a family?” “I promise I’ll be better, mommy I’ll do anything.” The kid thinks it’s her fault that they are fighting and promises to be a better child in hopes her dad doesn’t leave. She runs away from home and doesn’t want to go back even though she knows she’ll have to eventually. “In our family portrait, we look pretty happy. Let’s play pretend, let’s act as it comes naturally.” She wants them to pretend that they are a normal happy family as they were in the family portrait.

This song related to the novel The Glass Castle because Jeannette walls wish she lived a normal life with a normal, happy family, and food on the table. It also reminds me of when Rex fights with Rosemary and how it causes pain to everyone else in the family. This also reminded me of Jeannette’s love for Maureen and how Jeannette felt like she failed her.

Song #5 – The little girl by John Montgomery

This song is about a little girl born into a family with an alcoholic dad and a mom that does drugs. Her parents always fought and every night it would get worse. She would go behind the couch to hide. One night her dad was drunk and pulled a gun on her mom then took his own life. She got sent to a home with two parents that cared for her and treated her right.

This song relates to The Glass Castle because it is about a little girl in the song relates to Jeannette and her siblings. Mary and Rex fought all the time in front of them while she is there scared. They both lived in a dysfunctional home but then started a new life.

Song #6 – Mockingbird by Eminem

This song is about Eminem and his wife Kim having a troubled marriage. Their marriage has fallen apart and comes back together more than once. When they were together, Eminem was working to put food on the table for his children and his wife but couldn’t afford to give them much more than that. When they split up, Eminem still wanted the best for his kids because he didn’t want them to struggle for food or to live. He would save up money so the kids didn’t have to worry about paying for college.

This relates to The Glass Castle because of Rex and Jeannette. Rex would do anything for his daughter because she never gave up on him. When Rex was homeless in New York City, Jeannette tells her father that she has to drop out of college because her scholarship didn’t cover an extra $1000. Even though Rex was homeless, he refused to let her drop out of school. He told her that he would pay for it. This just proves that even though he may be violent and an alcoholic, he actually cares about Jeannette and wants her to be successful.

Song #7 – Walk a little Straighter by Billy Currington

This song is about a little boy with an alcoholic father. His father wasn’t really there for him as a kid. He really looked up to his dad and waited at the door for him to come home every night. His dad isn’t much of a father figure to him and messes up a lot. He wants to follow in his dad’s footsteps but when he realizes that his dad isn’t a good father he learns from the mistakes his dad has made and learns to not do the same thing to his children. Every child depends on their mom and dad and looks up to them but when your dad isn’t there for you, it’s hard for you to trust them and bond with them.

This song relates to The Glass Castle because Rex was an alcoholic father and wasn’t there much for his children. Sometimes when he was really drunk he was himself but Jeannette never gave up on him for a long time. She would take care of him all the time and always believed in him. She wanted him to be her role model but eventually, she realized that Rex is exactly who she never wanted to be when she was older and only learned how not to treat her children and partner.