Word of the Day: Mosh

Posted on October 28, 2004

Perhaps you might have some vague memories of a college evening spent slam dancing in a mosh pit -- ok, that's so 80's, we know. So you might be forgiven for wondering why network anchors are referring to slam dancing in connection with the presidential election. They're not -- they're talking about rap superstar Eminem's groundbreaking new video, entitled "Mosh." The Oscar-winning songwriter/rapper Eminem, or Marshall Mathers III as it says on his birth certificate, has raised quite a few eyebrows with his lyrics. Some parents can't stand him. Serious literary critics have praised his poetry. But he's never been political -- until now.

His new video, which is currently #1 on MTV's TRL, addresses the rationale for the war in Iraq, the backdoor draft of reservists and the suppression of minority voters. Eminem eventually rouses a large urban army of both blacks and whites who are marching or moshing to take action. At this point, we were expecting a riot or some violence or perhaps an attack on a civic institution. But what does this group of angry urban youths do? They line up peacefully to register to vote in order to achieve a societal change. A first-time voter from the 8-mile section of Detroit, Michigan, Eminem is unhappy with President Bush but has not endorsed Kerry. And believe us, his word carries some weight with younger voters. So, is Eminem going to be the Bob Dylan of his generation? You decide.