essay # 3 topic

For the next paper being cause and effect I do have a few ideas. There's one striking me as the most important; What are the effects to Eminem's neglect as a child?

essay #2 complete finally!

Alissa Burch

Doctor Kerr

English 101 H1

Oct. 1, 2010

Marshall Mathers vs. Slim Shady; Then and Now

Marshall Bruce Mathers III, also known as “Slim Shady,” is one of the most famous rappers in the music making world. Marshall had a rocky experience as a child and he is still learning how to cope with his life problems (Biography). Mathers was neglected by his family during his young adolescent years and today he is following the same direction with his daughter, Hailie. Even though he grew up in the “hood,” he was able to turn his life around by becoming one of the wealthiest rappers in the United States. His financial status has changed dramatically, from not affording clothes, to not worrying about how much money he spends daily; his average income is $31.8 million dollars. Even though Marshall Mathers had a difficult time getting started as a rapper, today he is one of the many artists to hit the top 100 list. At the beginning of his career he was rejected by many other rappers, while today many artists grovel at his feet. By creating the persona Slim Shady, Marshall was able to overcome neglect and poverty of his youth; he went from being an insignificant want-to-be to a world-famous, multi-millionaire rapper (Biography for Eminem).

Marshall Mathers spent much of his childhood adapting to new neighborhoods every few months. His family moved back and forth between Kansas City and Detroit. In 1985, his family settled down in Detroit, Michigan. Because of quick transitions between schools, it wasn’t easy making friends, staying out of trouble or graduating high school. Mather’s failed ninth grade three times before realizing school wasn’t for him (Biography). He never had a father figure in his life to admire because his father left when he was young. Going from a lonesome child to the person he is today has affected Mathers emotionally and psychologically. Mathers felt neglected from his family because his father left when he was young and the only parent available to him wasn’t a “mother figure” (Biography for Eminem). This had a tremendous impact on his future. Mathers is following the same path his father did with his family. Mathers’ rapping persona mentions in one of his songs, Not Afraid, “His gift is a curse,” meaning that his fame and fortune that Shady has brought him has torn him from his family. Mathers continues to neglect his daughter, Hailie, just as he was neglected as a child. Ever since Hailie was born his career has been first priority in his life. It’s hard for a little girl to grow and mature without a father figure present in her life. Hailie might follow the same footsteps her father did as a struggling adolescent fighting for attention from his parents. 

Although, growing up in impoverished neighborhoods doesn't exactly describe a healthy and normal childhood; as for Marshall Mathers it was the basis to his life. His mom, Debbie Mathers-Briggs, faced many financial problems raising a family without any support from her husband. Her low income was the main reason for the continuous moving back and forth between cities. Their family was living in trailers, mobile homes, living with relatives or public housing (Eminem's Biography). Marshall's financial status has risen since his early childhood. Within the past ten years Mathers has become one of the most famous rappers alive. Because of his success in the music industry, Mathers lives on the upscale of life. Switching living accommodations from a mobile home or a trailer, to a pent house apartment in New York City is definitely a boost in financial status. Marshall can afford anything his heart desires; Talk about a change in lifestyle.

 Even though Marshall or “Eminem” is a big time rap artist now, it took him a few years to get started. Marshall took on rapping around four years old. After he was able to scramble sentences together, he began battling schoolmates in the lunchroom. By the age of seventeen Marshall made a new rapping persona for himself; “M&M,” which he changed the spelling to “Eminem” (Biography for Eminem). He soon moved onto rapping in night clubs in Detroit and Michigan, along with joining ad hoc groups like Basement Productions, the New Jacks and D12 (Eminem Biography).  He didn’t stop there; Marshall was invited to rap in the freestyle category at the 1997 Rap Olympics in Los Angeles. At the Olympics Dr. Dre spotted him during his performance and offered him a partnership (Biography).  Once he started working with Dr. Dre many other rappers had their eye on Mathers. Marshall Mathers had the first rap album to be nominated “Album of the Year,” and won several Grammy awards over the past ten years. His success sold over eight million records in the United States alone (Biography for Eminem). Going from a lunchroom battle mate to a Dr. Dre partner in a matter of a few years is an incredible accomplishment. Although Marshall Mathers had a rough start in the music industry, he was able to pull himself together to become a rapping legend he is today.

Marshall Mathers has completely changed his lifestyle around. He’s learned from his experiences and grown as a person. From treating his family very poorly and going through emotional states, made him realize how important family is to him and his career can’t be the only critical thing in his life. Mathers had a tough time earning his mother’s love and today he has problems creating emotional connections with others, like his daughter Hailie. While connecting with others has been a challenge throughout his life, Mathers also had difficulties with his financial status in the past; now he’s making millions. He went from rags to riches literally, coming from a slum in Detroit to living in the suburbs. When he began rapping he was far from where he is considered now, from being a joke on the mic to now being arguably the greatest rapper ever. Eminem has clearly matured looking from his work as “Slim Shady” that depicts women as less than human, to now rapping about how he loves his daughter; as well as pushing through difficult situations and learning to not be afraid.

Works Cited

                “Biography for Eminem.” The Internet Movie Database. Amazon.com, 2010. Web. 25 Sep 2010.

                                http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004896/bio.

“Biography: Marshall Mathers AKA Eminem.” Associated Content, Inc. Arts and Entertainment, 2010. Web. 1 Oct 2010.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/89641/biography_marshall_mathers_aka_eminem.html.

 “Eminem Biography.” Sing365.com, 2007. Web. 27 Sep 2010.

                http://www.sing365.com/music/lync.nsf/eminem-biography/

“Eminem’s Biography.” Eminemlab.com, 2009. Web. 29 Sep 2010.

                http://www.eminmenlab.com/eminembiography.html. 

What am I comparing in essay 2?

I took a lot of time thinking about the topic I'm comparing in this essay. After reading through the 

song several times, I realized Eminem brought out two different personas. In the first few verses I believe Slim Shady is speaking(he talks about his life before fame and the affects it has on his life now). While towards the end of the song, another persona comes out; Marshall Mathers. This side of Eminem talks about the negative side of his career along with other problems his rapping career has caused him over the past few years. So back to my essay, I'm comparing Marshall Mathers life before he became "Eminem" (childhood) and his life today. 

Essay #2 in progress!!!

Not Afraid by Eminem

Introduction and thesis-Slim Shady vs. Marshall Mathers:

Marshall Bruce Mathers III, also known as “Slim Shady,” is one of the most famous rappers in the music making world. His music is based on personal experiences he is facing or past events throughout his childhood. Marshall had a rocky experience as a child and he is still learning how to cope with his personal life problems. Marshall Mathers was neglected by his family during his young adolescent years and today he is following the same path with his own daughter, Hailie. Even though he grew up in the “hood,” he was able to turn his life around by becoming one of the most wealthy rappers in the United States. As a child his family couldn’t even afford clothes, compared to his lifestyle today, Marshall doesn’t have to worry about paying rent each month, yet alone buying clothes; he has an average income of $31.8 million dollars a year. Even though Marshall Mathers had a difficult time getting started as a rapper, today he is one of the top artists to hit the top 100 list; along with winning several Grammy awards over the past ten years. At the beginning of his career, artists didn’t take him seriously and he was rejected by many other rappers. Today many artists grovel at his feet; he’s been able to completely turn the table around. By creating the persona Slim Shady, Marshall was able to overcome the neglect and poverty of his youth; he went from being a nobody to a world-famous, multi-millionaire rapper (Biography for Eminem).

1st point- Neglect
Then: moved around a lot as a child (Kansas City to Detroit). Took root in Detroit, Michigan in 1985. His family didn’t pay much attention to him or support him very well; on his own. His dad left his family and never came back. Switched schools every two to three months; it wasn’t easy making friends, staying out of trouble and couldn’t graduate high school. He failed the ninth grade three times. (his childhood was a “painful experience”)
Now: Due to his career, Marshall doesn’t have time for his daughter Hailie Jade Scott. (She’s experiencing what he had to go through as a child.)- Marshall’s career is more important than family.
(Biography for Eminem)

Marshal Mathers spent much of his childhood adapting to new neighborhoods every few months. His family moved back and forth between Kansas City and Detroit. In 1985, his family finally settled down in Detroit, Michigan. His father had never been in the picture; Mathers learned the basic ways of manhood on his own as well as independence. Because of quick transitions between schools it wasn’t easy making friends, staying out of trouble and trying to graduate high school was impossible. Mathers failed ninth grade three times before realizing school wasn’t for him by dropping out. His childhood was a “painful experience” because he was neglected as a child (Biography for Eminem).He never had a father figure in his life to admire; instead he had a mother who couldn’t decided where she wanted to spend her life. His mother wasn’t able to support him emotionally. This caused Mathers to have an unexplainable behavior and many other psychological problems. Mathers’ rapping persona mentions in one of his songs, Not Afraid, “his gift is a curse,” meaning that his fame and fortune that Shady has brought him has torn him from his family. Mathers continues to neglect his daughter, Hailie, just as he was neglected as a child. Ever since Hailie was born his career has been first priority in his life. It’s hard for a little girl to grow and mature without a father figure present in her life. Hailie might follow the same foot steps her father did as a struggling adolescent fighting for attention from her parents.

2nd point- Poverty
Then: grew up in poverty and in bad neighborhoods. (Eminem Biography)
Now: Billionaire-due to his career the past ten years.

Growing up in impoverished neighborhoods doesn't exactly describe a healthy and normal childhood; as for Marshall Mathers it was the basis to his life. His mom, Debbie Mathers-Briggs, faced many financial problems raising a family on her own without any support from her husband. Her financial status was the main reason for the continuous moving back and forth between cities. Debbie would find themselves living in trailors, mobile homes, living with relatives or public housing. During Mathers chilhood, his mom was under the influence of many drugs such as Vicodin and Valium (Eminem's Biography). Marshall's finanical status has risen since his early childhood. Within the past ten years Mathers has become one of the most famous rappers alive. Because of his success in the music industry, Mathers lives on the upscale of life. He's able to afford almost anything his heart disires.

3rd point- Early rapping career
Then: started rapping at the age of four years old (putting words together and rhyming), battled schoolmates in the lunchroom, people thought he was a joke and he was rejected by many other rappers. At the age of seventeen he made a new name for himself; M&M. Later he changed it to “Eminem.”
Now: sold 8 million records in the United States alone, won several Grammies and awards. 1st rap album to be nominated “Album of he year.”
(Biography for Eminem)
THEN: Rapped in clubs in Detroit and Michigan
Began working with Dr. Dre after he was present in the Freestyle category at the 1997 rap Olympics in Los Angeles.
1st album, Infinite, was crashed by many critics.
Joined ad hoc groups like Basement Production, the New Jacks and D12.
(Eminem Biography)

Works Cited

“Biography for Eminem.” The Internet Movie Database. Amazon.com, 2010. Web. 25 Sep 2010.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004896/bio.
“Eminem Biography.” Sing365.com, 2007. Web. 27 Sep 2010.
http://www.sing365.com/music/lync.nsf/eminem-biography/

The start to essay #2

Introduction and thesis-Slim Shady vs. Marshall Mathers:

Marshall Bruce Mathers III, also known as “Slim Shady,” is one of the most famous rappers in the music making world. His music is based on personal experiences he is facing or past events throughout his childhood. Marshall had a rocky experience as a child and he is still learning how to cope with his personal life problems. Marshall Mathers was neglected by his family during his young adolescent years and today he is following the same path with his own daughter, Hailie. Even though he grew up in the “hood,” he was able to turn his life around by becoming one of the most wealthy rappers in the United States. As a child his family couldn’t even afford clothes, compared to his lifestyle today, Marshall doesn’t have to worry about paying rent each month, yet alone buying clothes; he has an average income of $31.8 million dollars a year. Even though Marshall Mathers had a difficult time getting started as a rapper, today he is one of the top artists to hit the top 100 list, along with winning several Grammy awards over the past ten years. At the beginning of his career artists didn’t take him seriously and he was rejected by many other rappers. Today many artists grovel at his feet; he’s been able to completely turn the table around. By creating the persona Slim Shady, Marshall was able to overcome the neglect and poverty of his youth; he went from being a nobody to a world-famous, multi-millionaire rapper. 

1st point- Neglect

Then: moved around a lot as a child (Kansas City to Detroit), his family didn’t pay much attention to him or support him very well; on his own. His dad left his family and never came back. Switched schools every two to three months; it wasn’t easy making friends, staying out of trouble and couldn’t graduate high school. He failed the ninth grade three times. (his childhood was a “painful experience”)

Now: Due to his career, Marshall doesn’t have time for his daughter Hailie Jade Scott. (She’s experiencing what he had to go through as a child.)- Marshall’s career is more important than family.  

2nd point- Poverty

Then: grew up in poverty and in bad neighborhoods

Now: Billionaire-due to his career the past ten years. 

3rd point- Early rapping career 

Then: started rapping at the age of four years old (putting words together and rhyming), battled schoolmates in the lunchroom, people thought he was a joke and he was rejected by many other rappers. At the age of seventeen he made a new name for himself; M&M. Later he changed it to “Eminem.”

Now: sold 8 million records in the United States alone, won several Grammies and awards. 1st rap album to be nominated “Album of he year.” 

                                            

  Works Cited

"Biography for Eminem." The Internet Movie Database. Amazon.com, 2010. Web. 25 Sep 2010.
        http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004896/bio.

Demons

• What is a demon? A person, thing, reputation, etc? 
• Why do people use the word demon to describe something?
• Where did the word come from?
• In the 1800's did society refer to witches as demons? Why?
• Who used the word? Children? Adults? 
• Are demons be beautiful? OR Repulsive?

Essay #1 Revision: Almost done!!

What is Depression?

                  Perhaps the most misunderstood psychological disorder affecting Americans today is depression. This mental illness has been recorded throughout history and has  been portrayed in literature the past few hundreds of years. A depressive disorder affects the way someone eats, sleeps, the way they feel about themselves and what they think of other people/things. But it’s more than feeling sad or “having the blues.” According to Dr. Prentiss Price-Evans, an expert on depressive disorders, “Clinical depression is more than just feeling blue from time to time. It is a serious condition that a affects a person’s mind, body and spirit; it impacts every aspect of one’s life” (Prentiss). Psychologists like Dr. Prentiss, look at the first discoveries of depression and how it affected people throughout society. Throughout history people of all social classes, ethnic backgrounds etc. have experienced this “whole-body” illness. People with this illness suffer from different mental and physical symptoms everyday. Depression is a serious mental condition that has psychological and physical symptoms and is more prevalent in some populations.

                Depression is a “whole-body” illness that affects every aspect of someone’s life. This kind of depressive disorder is not the same as feeling blue and it’s not a sign of personal weakness that can be wished away. Someone suffering from this disorder cannot “pull themselves together” in a matter of time (Franklin). Many psychologists have studied parts of the brain that depression attacks. While 19th century depression was thought to be hereditary, Sigmund Freud, early 20th century psychologist and scientist, linked the development of depression to guilt and conflict. This medical illness is linked to the biochemistry in the brain. The Prefrontal Cortex is most affected by depression; it’s responsible for feelings of pleasure and positive reinforcement. However, this “emotional control centre” is completely inactive during the depressive stage (Dubuc). Without prefrontal cortex function, the brain is up against severe mental side effects and possible physical damage. 

           Understanding depression involves discussing the physiological changes throughout the decades as well as studying the mental and physical symptoms. Due to improper functioning of the  prefrontal cortex, people can feel lifeless and apathetic; lacking the motivation to partake in hobbies they once enjoyed (Depression). Psychologists find it more common that depressive disorder patients have continuous streams of negative thoughts brewing in the back of their minds. Other psychological symptoms include self-destructive thoughts, poor self-esteem and records show difficulty with short term memory (Franklin). However, common depression sufferers show physical symptoms as well as psychological problems. Frequently, depressive patients will suffer from a loss of sleep or too much rest. A severe change in appetite and unexplained aches/pains is normal from time to time. By recognizing the these symptoms right away someone with this illness can rescue their mind, body and spirit. 

• ONLY TWO MORE PARAGRAPHS TO GO!