How do you fit a 12 sided object into a four sided box?

My scholarly article from the Journal of the Society for American Music outlined Eminem's emergence into the African American musical style of rap. Do not let the fancy title bore you- this article was creatively detailed and inherently easy to understand. By focusing on racial relations and the history of black versus white music, the article brings forth the argument that Eminem used his view of "white society" to find his niche in rap. More specifically, the article outlines certain instances in his songs and music videos where Eminem pokes fun at stereotypical "white" characteristics. The authors of the journal also discuss how this artist has proven that racial boundaries are continually changing. First the Beastie Boys, now Eminem...who is going to be next? I agree with the authors' main argument that Eminem found his place in African American rap not by conforming to the "black" style, but by focusing on class identity and the unflattering stereotypes of whiteness.

The article about Eminem in The New Yorker basically made me want to rip my hair out. The journalist blatantly bashes Eminem as being an overrated artist that continually attacks the same two people (his mother and ex-wife Kim) in his music. His rhymes are deemed to be "perfectly pitched" and listening to his songs makes people feel like they are "...being hit in the arm by someone's little brother 45 times in a row." Harsh much? The only semi-postive comment the journalist says about Eminem has to do with his song "Mosh," where the artist shares his political views on Bush sending U.S. troops to war in Iraq. Immediately after complimenting Eminem on the song, the journalist turns right around and says that such a topic is clever but "not Eminem's style." I disagree with a majority of the claims made in this article but plan to use them to support my thesis :)

Both articles mention something about Eminem being "rebellious" and "breaking the rules." I used this idea to form my thesis:

 By poking fun at the stereotypical "white society" he is expected to adhere to, Eminem expresses confidence in his rebellious nature that inherently breaks the rigid rules of white culture.  

It is impossible to fit someone like Eminem into a four sided box (as my title relays). In my essay, I plan to argue that Eminem shows confidence in his ability to break the rules of stereotypical "white America" by making fun of the structured culture.