LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Eminem’s rapping

Rapper Eminem uses vulgarity and violence in his lyrics, but does that mean he’s not a role model? I’m not going to say he’s the perfect role model but I can understand why he’s regarded as a pioneer for an ‘evolved’ hip hop industry and I daresay – one of the best rappers of all time. He IS still a role model. I don’t know him personally, but from what I’ve gathered, this guy grew up with a messed up life. His dad left when he was born, his mother was an addict, and he lived in a rough neighbourhood where gangsters, drugs, and murder were the norm. Watch the movie 8 mile and listen to Lose Yourself.

Rap culture was predominantly founded by the black community, with most rappers being black. Being a white male, stepping into this industry and getting to the top IS a big deal and I have respect for his talent. And he’s a lot better than most of the rappers today. The media has played a big part in his ‘public image’ being negative through misinterpretations. The song, Kill You spoke violently about his ex-wife Kim. But we don’t know under what circumstances he wrote that song. What we do know is that Kim endangered the life of their daughter, Hailie, for which a judge ruled Eminem to have custody over her. Listen to Mockingbird

Since then, Eminem has adopted Kim’s sister’s child, Lainie, as well as Whitney, Kim’s daughter from a previous relationship. He is also the legal guardian of his half-brother, Nathan. Listen to the song Cleaning out my closet. Clearly we can see a trend here that most people in his life are messed up, to the point where the court ruled in his favour. So before we jump to conclusions and say he’s violent and racist and should not be a role model, we are forgetting the many kids out there who grew up in his circumstances, for which he is a perfect role model. Listen to Sing for the moment

In summary, to people who like rap music, Eminem is a genius. Yes he swears in his songs, but that’s what makes him so ‘real’ and relatable. It’s music though, it’s an art form, just like movies. I watched Kill Bill when I was in high school, and I loved it. People I’ve murdered to date: 0. Listening to Lose Yourself definitely gave me inspiration, in saying that, I can’t even imagine what kind of an inspiration he’d be for young white kids living in the ghetto.

Siam Syed Blacktown NSW

Pravrajika Gayatriprana and Dr Ashit Maitra. Offering and distribution of Sweets and Savouries.

Buddha’s Birthday Celebration

Sun 26 May 10:30am -12:30pm

Hari Om Ramakrishna Chant, Silent Meditation, Talk & Guided Meditation by Graeme Lyall

A.M (Past Chairman of Buddhist Council of NSW) and Talk by Pravrajika Gayatriprana. Offering and distribution of Sweets and Savouries. Both at: Vedanta Hall, 15 Liverpool Road, Croydon.

Details: 02 9745 4320 or www.saradavedanta.org

MUSIC Carnatic Music by Bombay Jayashri

28 April 5pm-7:15pm

Captivating Indian classical music by the Oscar nominee for Pi’s Lullaby Bombay Jayashri embodies Indian music

Celebrating seniors

T hree cheers for last few lines of your editorial in the current issue.

In fact, the parents of young Indian immigrants are much more happy in their own country and they enjoy a cheerful life style than their counterparts abroad.

Wrong suspect

Channel 9 and ABC had been broadcasting for three days that a person called Sunil Tripathi was a suspect in the Boston bombings. They were quoting this as information put out by Boston police. It has now been announced by Boston police that the suspects are Chechnya brothers.

The false news about Sunil was spread like superstars do their genres. Sydney Opera House.

Cost: $39-$89

Details: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

MISC

HCA opportunities available

Hindu council of Australia invites expression of interests from anyone who wishes to expand their horizons and get involved with one of the biggest community events of Sydney. These are voluntary positions.

Details: www.hinducouncil.com.au

Apply: info@deepavali.com.au

Sydney Sakhi Sangam’s Teej function

14 July 11am-onwards

This is their 15th year commemorating Indian Women and their friendships.

Details: Nandini 0423 684 340

The spiritual concept of Vaanprusthaashram is the main source of their inspiration, which, in a nutshell, states that a senior should live in his family like a lotus in a muddy water. This is the best way to lead a dignified life.

Ramesh Dave on social media by interest groups inimical to Indians.

Some Americans who spread the news have since apologised. I believe that the news media in Australia should also apologise for showing false news and ascribing it to authoritative sources.

Pravin Gupta