Eminem – is he a poet or bigot?
Foul-mouthed pop star Eminem is poet and icon to many of Ulster's young people it emerged today. But for many others he is a gutter dwelling bigot that deserves no air play.
| I love Eminem because his music is right in your face. He isn’t trying to offend anyone, he’s just saying how it is. |
Various groups are up in arms because they say the music of the recent Brit award winner – the biggest selling male artist in the world at the minute – is anti women and anti-gay.
Eminem – real name Marshall Mathers – has sparked outrage because of his non-compromising quick fire lyrics. His songs include a vicious attack on his own mother, whom he calls 'a drug addicted slut'.
American President George W. Bush reckons Eminem is "the most dangerous threat to American children since Polio."
But what do young people here think about him and other contemporary icons. And do they want to embrace them as role models?
Drew Mikhael, 17, from Belfast, believes pop should not be role models for young people. "Look at the girl bands today with their prefect hair, skin and push up bras. They send out an image, which us foolish guys are attracted to. It also influences good looking 15-year-olds to have breast implants.
"Boy bands also have a large influence on the guys as well. Deep down we want to be as attractive to the ladies. So out we go and try to look like 'Mr. Popstar of the month'. Then there's Marilyn Manson, the US performer who provides fans with a conglomeration of hard rock, heavy metal and punk music.
"I don't think young people are looking to Manson as a role model but instead are buying in (with their own pocket money) to the anti-establishment image he offers."
Mairead Duffy, 16, from Belfast, said: "I love Eminem because his music is right in your face. He has something to say and he does not care who gets annoyed. He does not offend me and I don't think he is trying to offend anyone, he is just saying it how it is."
Lisa Skinner, also 16, from Belfast thinks young people should be more choosy about who they decide to model themselves on. "Pop stars don't have to be role models because we have so many other role models around us, like parents, boyfriends, girlfriends or teachers.
"But you should only look up to some of them – if you can trust them. It is important to have role models to look up to because they are a person you want to be. Some pop stars are great, we love them, we might even look up to them but there are others that we will not look up to at all.
"Take Eminem, I don't even listen to his stuff. I don't like his lyrics, I don't like what he does and the way he behaves is very aggressive towards people.
"In my opinion, Britney Spears is a good role model for girls and David Beckham and Michael Owen for boys. Personally, I think parents are the best role models. They can help you, comfort you, influence you, look after you and most of all they will always be there for you, no matter what."
About the team
This article was produced by members of the Children's Express Belfast Bureau. It was published in the Belfast Telegraph.
