I never really equated those words . . .
To actually mean “homosexual”?
Yeah. It was more like calling someone a bitch or a punk or asshole. So that word was just thrown around so freely back then. It goes back to that battle, back and forth in my head, of wanting to feel free to say what I want to say, and then [worrying about] what may or may not affect people. And, not saying it's wrong or it's right, but at this point in my career – man, I say so much shit that's tongue-in-cheek. I poke fun at other people, myself. But the real me sitting here right now talking to you has no issues with gay, straight, transgender, at all. I'm glad we live in a time where it's really starting to feel like people can live their lives and express themselves. And I don't know how else to say this, I still look at myself the same way that I did when I was battling and broke.
Eminem has held a fairly consistent stance on homophobic slurs throughout his career. When he rhymes about a “little gay-looking boy,” he says, he's either portraying a character (the intro to “Rap God” includes an announcer saying “Six minutes, Slim Shady—you’re on”) or he's just using the language of battle rap. Battling is about demeaning your opponent. And in that sense, the word “fag” is synoymous with “bitch.” It holds no further meaning.
It is easy to see why some people would be offended. (For instance: If Eminem truly thinks slurs like “fag” can be re-purposed, why doesn't he use that really fucking popular word many other rappers have re-purposed?) But is it really worth the brain cells to act shocked by a guy who's been trying to offend his entire career? I mean, Eminem makes a Columbine joke on “Rap God.” The joke, and this whole current outrage, all seem 13 years too late.
[H/T: Rolling Stone]
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