Central Argument

Eminem is targeted for his misogynistic tendencies more than other rap artists because of his race (whiteness).

This central argument is important because it takes into consideration two controversial aspects of Eminem: his misogyny and his race. Although Eminem is a rap artist, he is placed on a different pedestal compared to other black rappers because of the racial implication of being "white." I think it would be interesting to look at songs from black hip-hop artists that have the same level of misogyny as Eminem's tracks and show how because he is a white rapper, Eminem's songs created more controversy. Also, I would like to explain my central argument from a historical perspective, looking into the "white man's burden" idea that states white men are more civilized than blacks, latinos, etc.
Within the organization of my paper, I plan to connect all my evidence to this underlying argument of race. All of my introductory information about Eminem's past relationships with women will be tied to his misogynistic tendencies in music and the racial implications of such behavior.

Methods of Argumentation

After reading about the different methods of organizing an argument, I think that I am going to adhere to the classical arrangement (with some traces of deductive reasoning). Since my topic is complex, I feel like this type of arrangement will help me, as the writer, organize my argument effectively while also guiding my audience through my evidence. 

I know that I want to argue that Eminem is heavily targeted for his misogynistic lyrics (compared to other rap/hip-hop artists) because of his position as a "white" rapper. I plan to prove my claim by utilizing the following main, logical points:

1. Background information about the general misogynistic conventions in hip-hop: I want my audience to understand where this "women-hate" characteristic arose from in rap-music. This way, they will understand why misogyny is such a popular convention in the rap industry.
2. Comparison of Eminem vs other black artists: I think it would be interesting to compare Eminem's lyrics to that of black hip-hop artist and show how they both exemplify misogynistic tendencies. Then, I want to research information about the songs' receptions and show how Eminem received much more negative responses. 
3. Specific Feminist Group Responses: By looking at feminist groups and their opinions towards Eminem, I can maybe understand their side of the argument and even look for racial implications.
4. White Man's Burden: I can support my argument from a historical perspective by explaining how in the past, those who were not European were considered to be uncivilized. Although this belief is not practiced in modern day society, it may be a reason why Blacks are not targeted as much for their misogynistic tendencies compared to Eminem. 

"Shut up bitch, I'm trying to talk": Eminem as a Misogynist

I have decided to address women-hatred (misogyny) within Eminem's music and lifestyle. Eminem is the rap artist most often attacked for his lyrical puns against females. However, I do not think that Eminem is specifically to blame for his expressions of misogyny. The rapper is simply aligning himself along the one of the general conventions of hip-hop music: the degradation of women.

Three questions I want to address in my scholarly analysis include:

1. From where did the male degradation of women stem from in hip-hop culture?
2. Is Eminem being "white" one of the reasons why he is attacked for his misogynistic lyrics more often than other rap/hip-hop artists? If so, why is it that the degradation of women in white culture receives a different response from society than the degradation of women in black or hispanic culture?
3. How is Eminem's past relationships with women reflected in his music? (More specifically, look into the track "Cleaning Out My Closet" where Eminem raps about burying his own mother, and "Kim" where he lyrically illustrates the killing of his wife.)

I have found several articles on the JSTOR database that go into depth about Black culture and the degradation of women (I can tie this into the fact that rap/hip-hop is a predominantly African American art form). I also know of a study that decodes Eminem's lyrics and records the amount of references Eminem has made against specific women or females in general. 

Scholarly Topics

After some brainstorming about interesting topics related to Eminem, here it what I came up with:

1. The censorship of Eminem's music: Immediately after reading the instruction sheet for this assignment, I knew I wanted to focus my paper on something controversial (since this is the foundation of Eminem's fame). Eminem has been labeled a minsogynst and homophobe, experiencing a lot of hatred from gay-rights activists and feminist. I think it would be interesting to research the purpose of Eminem's use of vulgar and offensive language. I found a scholarly source that argues Eminem is a not a homophobe but more of a genderphobe- I would like to research more into this topic.
2. Eminem's connection to Detroit: While this still may appear as a broad topic, I have always been curious about Eminem's strong affinity towards the city which he grew up in (he was actually not born in Detroit, but in Missouri- however, he references Detroit much more). I would like to look more into how the rough, 8-Mile impoverished landscape shaped Eminem into the artist he is today. I have found some articles that talk about the growth of rap within inner-city Detroit, as a form of popular self-expression. I could also bring in racial relationships  with this topic (for example, how exactly Eminem was able to form his niche in a predominantly black art form.
3. Eminem's attack on political figures: Eminem is known for his controversial attacks on political figures, such as former president George W. Bush. In his song Mosh, Eminem reprimands Bush for passing the Patriot Act and sends out a call to "bring troops home." I would like to analyze the root of Eminem's involvement and interest in politics. This sophisticated opinion is quite interesting, coming from an individual who failed the ninth grade three times! I know of several articles that analyze Eminem lyrics that I can use as evidence in my paper, in terms of Eminem's involvement in the political arena. 

Kanye West: Yeezus season approachin'...

Mister Jake Bogart's analytical review of Yeezus reveals several of Kanye West's artistic choices while also objectively describing its controversial aspects. Bogart cleverly predicts the album's reception to be either "a hit or miss" because of its creative yet risqué techniques. For one, West has chosen to be risky in the sense that he includes a variety of genres. Bogart points fingers at the auto-tune techno feel of "Blood On The Leaves" in contrast with the real genre-fitting hip-hop song "Hold My Liquor." Interestingly, Yeezus includes a variety of different themes, ranging from drunken ballads to love songs, taking listeners on a roller coaster of varying emotions. Bogart's credibility in the rap music genre is clearly exemplified through his album review, as he makes references to the general conventions of hip-hop and previous Kanye West albums, such as 808's and Heartbreak. He goes into depth about Kanye's "god" complex as being an arrogant yet interesting title that the artist is now forced to live up too. A round of applause should go to Bogart for his innate ability to write an engaging album review for both rap music fans and Kanye West fanatics.

"I guess I keep talking to myself..." A U D I E N C E

        I have decided to frame my album review around an audience that has grown up listening to Eminem and is accustomed to his Slim Shady persona. Because I want to focus my writing on the artist's transition from his fanatic, crazed alter-ego image to a sober and self-reflective rapper, it would make sense that my audience understands the roots of Eminem's dominance in the music industry. Recovery can be viewed as the "conclusion" to Eminem's story- his climax being The Slim Shady LP, where Slim Shady was alive and well. Recovery personifies Eminem as a figure that has killed off his alter ego- Eminem is now attempting to express his true self and is finally ready to get out from under his Slim Shady disguise, whether his fans will like it or not.
          Obviously, the audience reading my review will enjoy rap music. More specifically, I visualize them having an affinity towards lyrical wordplay and the clever rhymes that Eminem is known for. By reading my review, I want my audience to understand why Recovery is so different from what was expected. I can see my review being published in a scholar musical journal or magazine (maybe even The Rolling Stone). After reading my review, I hope my audience understands the difference between Slim Shady and Eminem. I hope they gain a newfound respect for the 40 year old King of Hip-Hop, despite his failures within Recovery. 

"Encore I was on drugs, Relapse I was flushing them out"- "Talkin' To Myself" Eminem 2010 Recovery

Recovery unearths a new Eminem, post-Rehab. Therapeutic. 

RECOVERY

For the album review, I have decided to focus on Eminem's Recovery (2010). Throughout his career, the King of Hip-Hop has had numerous successful records but I feel like Recovery captures the transition from Eminem as Slim Shady to Eminem as himself. In other words, we become acquainted with his sentimental and realistic side. In comparison to his other albums, Eminem shows a greater level of respect towards his audience members and explicitly states that he is trying to help anyone who is in a dark place. Recovery also illustrates Eminem as a fighter in his battle against drug abuse. He was reported to have said that this album characterizes his "sober" essence and the new feeling of empowerment that has emerged.

I guess I have chosen Recovery to critique because I like the message that it sends to the public and how it characterizes Eminem as an artist. We see a phenomenal growth, not only through his mature lyrical diction, but also through the themes in this album.

Eminem is a fighter- although he may not be completely healed from the treachery of his past, he is well on his road to recovery.