The voice of violence:
A perspective on rapper Eminem

By Patricia L. Kett, RN, BSN

Rapper Eminem was scheduled to perform on the Grammy Awards show of February 21. He has gotten the reputation for lyrics that express a deep, perverted violence against women and homosexuals. Consequently, those of us involved in dealing with and overcoming the national epidemic of violence against women have risen up against this young star. We don’t believe bad behavior should be rewarded, but maybe we need to listen.

Through his lyrics he’s expressing his anger against women in general by using his mother and wife. It does seem to reflect the anger many male abusers have against women. We need to listen so we can become more aware of the degree to which these feelings and actions exist. We can better understand just what these men are feeling and why they choose to act out in this way. Then, and only then, can we begin to treat it. Treating the cause is the only way to eliminate a problem. Only taking care of the victims is like treating the symptoms.

We need to question his popularity. Why are so many young people identifying with him? Young or old, people only identify with what is familiar to them. That’s the definition. You can only identify what you already know. If young people are identifying with this singer, perhaps it’s because they already relate to the feelings of anger and frustration at his level. To understand this, we need to listen, no matter how painful.

Violence against women has a long history. Eminem is not starting it. Is he perpetuating it? Abusers will use any excuse to act out. With or without Eminem, violence will continue. We do need to stand up to it. We do need to have our voices heard just as loudly as his. This is not acceptable behavior. Do we want to stop him? This can only make him a hero. In a way, maybe he is. He certainly has our attention. We can use his popularity to point to the widespread acceptance of violence. We can use his lyrics to establish that violence against anyone is not because it’s deserved, but because of the uncontrolled anger of the violent.

We may be able to keep him from performing, but is this really wise? Shutting him up would be like covering a festering wound with a tight bandage and ignoring it. The wound will become worse and eventually kill the wounded. Let him perform. Make sure parents, teachers, religious leaders and anyone else who deals with the aftermath of violence know his lyrics. Use him as a bad example or even a prophet of doom. After all, this is the “abuser” speaking to us. Through him we can learn. We just need the courage to face the truth.

Thanks to Eminem, we know a little more about what violence is. Thanks to organizations like Survivors Resources, the abused have a voice to shout out what it truly means: the destruction of innocent individuals physically, mentally and emotionally in their own homes; children from these violent homes will grow into angry men and women who may also choose violence to abate their anger.

Aggression is a learned behavior. Eminem’s lyrics are inflammatory, but earning him attention and big profits. Our society needs to learn not to reward negative behavior that is detrimental to any individual or group of people. We can begin by voicing our concern by sending e-mail messages to CBS at www.cbs.com (click webmaster).

If you are dealing with issues of domestic violence or sexual abuse in Pennsylvania, there is help available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the hotline at 570/296-HELP (4357). All services are free and confidential. Help is available during regular office hours at 570/296-2527.

In New York, call the RISE hotline at 845/791-9595 or toll free at 877/791-9595.

[Patricia L. Kett is a volunteer for Survivor’s Resources in Milford trained in crisis management to assist victims of abuse.]