In the past couple of months, some may have come across a series of videos on various social media platforms depicting Generation X (the generation between Millennials and Boomers) planning an “attack” on Generation Z. These actions have come from seemingly nowhere and for no reason. Gen X thinks that Gen Z is trying to take away everything they love when they simply aren’t.
Many people have tried to figure out the reason why Gen X is trying to lead this “attack,” which then led people to Eminem. The rapper recently released a new album in which he brought back his alter ego “Slim Shady,” including lyrics such as “You wanna cancel me huh? Gen Z me, bruh.” This has caused a massive amount of controversy.
Gen X praised Eminem for his willingness to break boundaries. Meanwhile, Gen Z called the album out for its offensive language, specifically with its usage of slurs aimed towards the LGBTQ+ community. Although this language isn’t uncalled for for Eminem, many people wondered why it was necessary and claimed that it served no purpose, whereas in other songs of his they were used to further the song and prove a point.
Because of this album, some people, mostly Gen z, started criticizing Eminem for his aimless use of offensive language. Gen X, for some reason, took this as an act of “war” and claimed that by Gen Z trying to cancel Eminem, they were somehow offending Gen X directly.
The younger generation found it particularly strange since a lot of Gen Z also grew up listening to Eminem’s music. Gen X thinks that Gen Z is threatening their favorite artist when this simply isn’t true. In reality, Gen Z’s opinion has no effect on Eminem’s art. He’s proven time and time again that he doesn’t care about how he’s perceived. Eminem will continue to make music and money with or without Gen Z’s support.
It’s okay to enjoy an artist’s music, but people need to be able to separate the art from the artists, and more importantly, separate themselves from the artist as well. Eminem doesn’t know the people that are defending him and most likely never will.
Gen X putting themselves into a parasocial relationship to the point of starting an Internet war helps no one. No one criticizing Eminem means to hurt Gen X, or even Eminem himself.
The point of critique is to make improvements, not to punch down. No one wants to attack Gen X. The criticisms aren’t even pointed towards them, and they should not take how Gen Z perceives an artist personally.
