White America (song)

"White America" is a political hip hop song by rapper Eminem released in 2002 from his fourth studio album, The Eminem Show. The song was also performed at the MTV Video Music Awards. It is the first full song on the album, and describes Eminem's rise to prominence and allegations from parents and politicians that he had influenced criminal behavior on young white Americans.

Lyrical content

"White America" is segued into by the opening skit "Curtains Up" on The Eminem Show, which involves Eminem walking up to a microphone to make a speech. It addresses the controversy stemming from Eminem's lyrical content, and impacting white youth, expressed with lines such as: "I speak to suburban kids, who otherwise would've never knew these words exist." "Eric" and "Erica" are personifications of any white youth (although their names are references to Eric David Harris, as one verse lists some weapons used at Columbine and refers to parents blaming Marilyn Manson after the fact) and refers to allegations that he affected their behavior and lifestyle. Eminem also expressed his belief that he's better-received by African Americans, who were more aware of rap music, with lines such as: "Hip-Hop was never a problem in Harlem, only in Boston."

Eminem also states his belief that his skin color is the reason for his popularity, and in effect introduce white fans to his producer, Dr. Dre, although earlier in his career it had prevented him from being taken seriously. The song also discusses the freedom of speech of the US Constitution through attacks on the then-Second Lady of the United States Lynne Cheney and her predecessor Tipper Gore, who questioned Eminem's legitimacy to freedom of speech and introduced the Parental Advisory sticker respectively.

Music video

"White America" had an animated music video that featured imagery related to the lyrics, including Eminem on a wanted poster and later being lynched while the US Constitution is torn up in the foreground.

Chart performance

It reached the number 3 spot on the Canadian Hot 100, despite never being released as a single.^[1]

Other use

Mother Jones magazine has stated that the song is the fourth-most used in American military prisons to disorientate and cause sleep deprivation among detainees. A second Eminem song, "Kim", is in fifth.^[2]

"White America" was mashed up with "Fistful of Steel" by American rock band Rage Against the Machine in DJ Vlad & Roc Raida's mixtape, Rock Phenomenon. It was released on the mixtape in March 27, 2006, and, due to much critical praise, was re-released in July 10, 2007.

References