Eminems use of self assertion in Til I collapse
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Eminem's affirmation of the sanctity of his own cultural ideals through the use of self-assertion is showcased in the song, "Till I Collapse." Through the use of self-assertion as the backbone for his set of social ideals, Eminem is able to foster the acceptance of his own set of cultural principles and thus persuade his audience to accept his parodied worldview as reality. Through a careful analysis of this theme of self-assertion as a means to gain the acceptance of his social views, one is able the process by which Eminem's viewpoints have been able to gain great importance.
The lyrical content of the song, "Till I Collapse," provides for a perfect example of Eminem's ability to use self-assertion as a means to garner the acceptance of the underlying messages contained within his songs. The song begins with Eminem's assurance that "Till I collapse I'm spillin these raps long as you feel 'em." Eminem uses this vow to assert that his message will only die when he does, thus bonding his own existence to that of his lyrical content. By assuring that his raps will continue "Till [he] collapse[s]," Eminem does not allow his audience to ignore the content of his songs and dismiss them as only temporary. By drawing a parallel between the intransigence of his own existence and the permanent nature of his stated ideals, Eminem essentially tells the listener that he is "here to stay" and that his lyrical meaning will not simply disappear. In the following line, Eminem's declaration that "Till the day that I drop you'll never say that I'm not killin 'em," tells the listener that an acknowledgement of the validity of his argument is the only option for those confronted by the messages he presents in his lyrics. By expressing the inability of the listener to "say that [he is] not killin 'em," Eminem is able to refute any rejection of his credibility by drawing attention to his prowess as a rapper...