So I'm driving home today and the ol' ipod is on "shuffle" and what starts playing but Eminem's hit song "Lose Yourself" from his movie 8 Mile. Commence disclaimer...this is the only Eminem song I have on my ipod, but I will admit that I like it tremendously. I'm not sure I could say that for all his music (though I have not listened to much of it), but this song in particular stirred several thoughts, so here goes...
Eminem has a DESPERATE HONESTY that cannot be ignored. He is clearly a scarred, hurt and needy person, and understandably so. Whether you like him or not, he does not shy away from telling it like it is (or at least how it "is" according to him). He tells you the hurts of his life. He tells you his dreams. He tells you his failures as a son, husband and father. He tells you how difficult success can be, and yet what it has brought him. There is just a pervasive desperation as he sings the words about success being his only option--failure is not. He makes me sad. He makes me think I would like him alot. I would love to talk with him. Believe it or not, I think preachers could learn much from him, both in terms of style and content. Granted, I am not talking about swearing in sermons, but honesy about the struggles of the pastor's life is greatly needed. Desperation from the pulpit is needed. Passion and a "holy swagger" is needed, where he tells it like it is without any apologies. No sugar-coating. No masks. No gimmicks. Just raw. I think that is what the church needs from their pastors, and I think Eminem may teach us a lesson or two.
Although I do not like him myself, I have to agree that there is an analogy between his lyrical style and a desired teaching style.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I saw a People magazine cover featuring Eminem dressed up like Alex of a Clockwork Orange. If you have not seen it, Alex represents everything evil about human culture. He is a shameless rapist who becomes a murderer and regrets nothing about his life. As proven in the final scene of the movie, his evil runs all the way to his core.
This image disturbed me in a way that surprised even me, and the fact that he promotes that image of himself made me lose all respect I ever had for him.