FREE ESSAY ON HATE LANGUAGE IN RAP MUSIC

HATE LANGUAGE IN RAP MUSIC

Hate Language in Rap Music
In a recent survey of Americans, 75% reported believing that exposure to violence in
popular music, television shows, and movies, inspires young people to act aggressively
(Lacayo, 1995; Smith et al., 2000). The consumption of media containing heterosexist and
homophobic languages, by young adults and children, harbors aggression and sexual
confusion. Jung and Smith (1993) define heterosexism as, "a reasoned system of bias about
human sexual orientation...rooted in a largely cognitive constellation of beliefs about
human sexuality" (Hecht, 1998, p. 113). The constant exposure to hateful lyrics found in
some of today's most popular music desensitizes the young to violence against and
mistreatment of gays and lesbians. It may also instill a fear in those young adults who
may be confused about their own sexual orientation, causing extreme frustration and
emotional pain. 
With the recent success of rapper Eminem's sophomore release entitled, The Marshall
Mathers LP, much attention had been drawn to this topic. There has been a tremendous
backlash against Eminem's music and the messages he delivers to the millions of listeners
he has acquired. The most audible criticisms have been those of the Gay and Lesbian
Alliance against Defamation, or glaad. In a media release from glaad, the organization
stated that:
The hatred and hostility on (Eminem's) CD have a real effect on people's lives as they
encourage violence against gay men and lesbians. At time when hate crimes against gay
people are on the rise, these epithets create even more bias and intolerance toward an
entire community. The real danger comes from the artist's fan base of easily influenced
adolescents who emulate Eminem's dress, mannerisms, words and beliefs (glaad.org,
2000b).
Some of these words and beliefs include the following lyrics from the song "Criminal"
from The Marshall Mathers LP:
"My words are like a dagger with a jagged edge
That'll stab you in the head
Whether you're a fag or lez
Or the homosex, hermaph, or a trans-a-vest
Pants or dress-hate fags? The answer's 'yes'" 
(Mathers, 2000, track 18)
There are several other songs on the album that continue on in much the same light. The
Marshall Mathers LP has recently been acknowledged as the fastest-selling hip-hop album
in history. To date, it has sold over five million copies worldwide, since its release in
May of 2000 (Entertainment Weekly, #554, p. 23). The mass consumption of such abusive
heterosexist messages is what concerns many in society. The placement of responsibility
for these hateful messages, is an issue that is at the forefront of societal concerns.
Michael Hecht and John R. Baldwin suggest that, when looking at prejudices like
heterosexism, it is necessary to cover all sides and perspectives of the issue, not just
its direct context. They suggest taking a layered perspective in understanding prejudice
(Hecht, p. 59). It is a multidimensional method that looks at intolerance; not only in
its immediate context, but also the effect that intolerance has on society, the
psychological processes of the individuals instigating or effected by that intolerance,
as well as political aspects of it, among others (Hecht, p. 59-60). To express the
multidimensionality of this view, Hecht and Baldwin use the metaphor of a hologram.
Looking at a hologram from any side produces an entirely new picture. This is essentially
what Hecht and Baldwin hope will happen in taking a layered perspective to prejudice-a
new picture of prejudice will appear with every new layer that is added. The question of
who should take responsibility for the heterosexist languages infused in media messages
may be answered by looking at two layers of the intolerance-Eminem's personal choices,
and the responsibility of institutions in society to prohibit hateful media. Should
Eminem be responsible for the music he writes, or should the government step in and
censor such hateful messages? Furthermore, why are such violent heterosexist lyrics
necessary? 
It is important to look at Eminem's reasons for relaying violent heterosexist messages to
his young audiences. Eminem has stated, in several interviews, that he understands his
position as a role model in today's pop culture (glaad.org, 2000a). In a recent interview
with Rolling Stone magazine, Eminem stated:
I've answered this gay-bashing thing many a time. If people would listen to the lyrics, I

say, 'Half the *censored* I say/ I just make it up to make you mad.' And you know what? I
shouldn't even have to...explain myself. I could just say, 'Faggot, faggot, faggot,' and
leave it at that (glaad.org, 2000a).
In another interview, with MTV, Eminem explained his use of the word 'faggot.' He stated
that, "the most lowest degrading thing that you can say to a man...is to call him a
faggot and try to take away his manhood....'Faggot' to me doesn't necessarily mean gay
people...[it] means taking away your manhood. You're a sissy. You're a coward"
(glaad.org, 2000a). Eminem argues that his words are just expression and should not be
taken too seriously. However, the problem remains that young consumers are buying
Eminem's music by the millions. These children may not understand Eminem's intent when he
raps such violent heterosexist lyrics. Although Eminem may not intend to produce
heterosexist lyrics, he is reinforcing heteronormativity (Hecht, p. 115).
The second possible perspective to take on this issue is the overwhelming belief that the
government should step into this matter and censor media containing violent or harmful
lyrics. The fear is that the wide consumption of heterosexist messages could possibly
fuel hate crimes. However, this issue has opposing sides as well. Many argue that in
censoring music, the government takes away the people's first amendment right to freedom
of speech. Glaad has recognized this argument by stating that, 
While Eminem certainly has the freedom of speech to rap whatever he wants, it is
irresponsible for [Eminem's label]...to produce and promote such defamatory material....
This is especially negligent when considering the market for this music has been shown to
be adolescent males, the very group that statistically commits the most hate crimes
(glaad.org, 2000c).
Since it would be unconstitutional for the government to stop Eminem, it is apparent that
some other answers must be found. Possibly the best choice for a solution comes from the
argument that the parents of the child consumers need to step in and prohibit their
children from listening to hateful lyrics in popular music. This can be done in a number
of ways, from spending more time together with their children, to talking with them about
the dangers of what such hateful lyrics imply. 
Heterosexism is a prominent problem in today's society. It is widely prevalent in the
media from movies to music. At a time when the hip-hop music industry is thriving, it is
important to have a full understanding of the content that is becoming easily accessible
and available to children. In has been shown that exposure to violent media content
fosters fear and learning of aggression in young adults and children, it may also
desensitize them to the reality and consequences of such actions. There is a dominant
cause for alarm. By looking at prejudice multi-dimensionally, a clearer picture of
intolerance arises. Instead of labeling Eminem as heterosexist, it is important to
understand his psychological need to produce the music he does. Likewise, it is necessary
to assure that consumers do not misread the messages that Eminem is furnishing.
Responsibility can not be placed outside the home. Neither the artist, his record label,
nor the government can be expected to raise children correctly. It is solely the
responsibility of the parents. 
Bibliography
Bibliography 
Billboard Online. Accessed October 11, 2000, from the World Wide Web:
http://www.billboard.com
Eminem Interview. Accessed September 21, 2000, from the World Wide Web: 
http://www.icast.com/icast/1,4003,1051-287565-2,00.html 
GLAAD.org: "Eminem's Public Statements" (July, 2000a). Accessed October 8, 2000, from the

World Wide Web: http://www.glaad.org/org/publications/documents/index.html?record=2500
GLAAD.org: "Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to Protest Eminem 
Appearance at MTV Music Awards " (September 6, 2000b). Accessed September 19, 2000, 
from the world wide web: http://www.glaad.org/org/press/index.html?record=2497 
GLAAD.org: "Musical Gay Bashing Doesn't Sound So Good" (May 25, 2000c). Accessed 
September 19. 2000, from the world wide web:
http://www.glaad.org/org/publications/alerts/index.html?record=952 
Hecht, Michael L. (Ed.). (1998). Communicating Prejudice. California: Sage
Publications, Inc.
Mathers, M. (2000). Criminal [Recorded by Eminem]. On The Marshall Mathers LP [CD]. 
UNI/Interscope.
MTV Online. Accessed October 11, 2000 from the world wide web: 
http://www.mtv.com/nav/bandframeset.jhtml?bandmenu1=eminem&bandmenu2=&bandmenu3=
Schwarzbaum, Lisa. (2000, August 11). "Lewd Awakening." Entertainment Weekly, #554, 
pp. 20-26. 
Smtih, S.L., & Boyson, A.R. (2000). Violence in Music Videos: Examining the Prevalence
and 
Context of Physical Aggression. Michigan State University.
Sinclair, Tom. (2000, August 11). "Public Eminem No. 1." Entertainment Weekly, #554, 
pp. 23. 
Sutton, Ward. (2000, August 11). "Slim and Shady." Entertainment Weekly, #554, pp. 5.