Another Perspective on Rapper Eminem

Cal Thomas | Syndicated columnist | Published: Mar 07, 2001

Another Perspective on Rapper Eminem


I have a different take on the white rap artist known as "Eminem." Yes, he rants about disgusting things, but in a way, he is a metaphor for a generation that had been ignored, divorced, day-cared and de-valued. Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, comes from the following background: His grandmother was married at age 14 to his grandfather. He later left her to raise five children, including Mathers' mother. His mother had two husbands, who both left her. She had several children by each man. Eminem's mother had many lovers, including Eminem's father, Marshall Mathers II, who left his son when he was 6 months old. The boy's family lived on welfare, his mother used drugs and he flunked out of ninth grade three times, before dropping out completely.

Is it any wonder he turned out as he did? Granted, life is about choices, but who offered this young man another choice? No wonder he's angry. Instead of putting him down, maybe we should be spanking the generation and the morality that spawned him.

Another Perspective on Rapper Eminem