As if there’s not enough controversy surrounding Sony’s recently released film, The Interview, Eminem has made an appearance on the big screen, shocking actors and audience members alike with his “coming out” cameo. Obviously a scripted spoof on his sexuality, the scene explores his homophobic, violently charged lyrics, and pokes fun not only of his script or its content, but of the various reactions people have around him. Viewers are shocked. Producers celebrate his confession, not for the honesty, but for the ratings. Despite failed attempts from his publicist, it comes out that “Hector and his rectum were real.”
For the last few days, I’ve been trying to decide how I feel about this scene. In what ways is this a step in the right direction, and in what ways is this still a slap in the proverbial homosexual face? For years Eminem has been under fire for his lewd and largely homophobic lyrics and this scene is clearly another attempt to extinguish the flames. But for what purpose? Is the entertainer simply trying to repair burnt bridges in order to sell more downloads? Or is he legitimately trying to send a positive message of acceptance and support?
It seems like many actors and entertainers have jumped on the gay marriage bandwagon, and while this annoys many of us who have been fighting the good fight for a while, there is some good in it all. Eminem’s appearance in this film seems to suggest that, “hey, I might rap homophobic lyrics, and I might offend gay people, but really, I don’t think being gay is a big deal.”
That being said, I’m not sure I’m buying it–or his music. While I appreciate the sentiment, I’m reminded of the unfortunate reality that in our community and abroad, coming out is a big deal, and not something to be taken lightly or used for comic appeal.
Society simply refuses to hold rappers responsible for the lyrics they spew into the hearts and minds of those who idolize and glorify these lyrics. But I do. So unless Eminem wants to pull a full on Macklemore make over, he gets a slow clap from me.
