So, in other words, someone's work is only worthy of attention and recognition when it is popular, uncontroversial, and saccharine?

So, again, such as? Maybe *NSync is a better choice. . . or, whoever it is that writes their lyrics? They sure are popular and happy and sweet.

The majority is often the worst judge of what is good, right, or fair.

Ok, assume for a moment that Eminem is a good poet. Even so, rewarding hate will only promote more of the same. Sure, he can speak his mind, but if it's offensive, why expect everyone to applaud him for it?

While you may find it offensive, you are not representative of everyone.

Because you may feel that misogyny and homophobia are bad things doesn't mean that they are.

Everything is relative. You're writing from a perspective that assumes Eminem is not talented because he chooses to express ideas and opinions that you may not agree with. You're discounting and confusing talent with expression, I think.

I don't know that Eminem is the best candidate for such an award as I'm not really aware of what's happening in poetry. However, I wouldn't argue that he's among the most skilled rappers I've ever seen where both lyrics and pacing are concerned -- message aside.

Ok, this is just strange for the least.....rap and poetry is not the same. Rap has music, beats, etc... poetry is like free-write. No music, beats, etc...

Poetry is defined by dictionary.com as;

• A piece of literature written in meter; verse.
• The art of apprehending and interpreting ideas by the faculty of imagination; the art of idealizing in thought and in expression.
• Imaginative language or composition, whether expressed rhythmically or in prose. Specifically: Metrical composition; verse; rhyme; poems collectively; as, heroic poetry; dramatic poetry; lyric or Pindaric poetry.

etc.

Again, I'm not clear on the distinction that makes the lyrics of a song different from the words of a poem? Does reading them to music disqualify them? It doesn't seem to me like it would. Really, that seems akin to saying that things don't rhyme aren't really poetry, either. That's not true, is it?

"Does reading them to music disqualify them?" I don't know, it depends on everyone's views. It's like potato and pototo. All I know is that if you write poetry, and then do it to music, then it's a song.

No one ever said poetry has to rhyme, and there are many poems that don't, and many that do.

The lyrics of a song can have a poetic flow.. no doubt about that. There is an obvious difference between a song and a poem, yes. However, the words of a song can be a poem... I dunno how else to say it.

Oh, for you dictionary people:

\Song\ (?; 115), n. [AS. song, sang, fr. singan to sing; akin to D. zang, G. sang, Icel. s["o]ngr, Goeth. sagws. See Sing.] 1. That which is sung or uttered with musical modulations of the voice, whether of a human being or of a bird, insect, etc. ``That most ethereal of all sounds, the song of crickets.'' --Hawthorne.
2. A lyrical poem adapted to vocal music; a ballad.
3. More generally, any poetical strain; a poem.
The bard that first adorned our native tongue Tuned to his British lyre this ancient song. --Dryden.
4. Poetical composition; poetry; verse.

Another definition that appears to be necessary:

\Con"verse\, n.
A proposition in which, after a conclusion from something supposed has been drawn, the order is inverted, making the conclusion the supposition or premises, what was first supposed becoming now the conclusion or inference.

Note that it is not necessarily true, and that the original statement often does not imply the converse.

I didn't say that Eminem's views in any way affected my impression of the skill level displayed by his work. To the contrary, his work disqualifies him (in my opinion) for a completely different reason. (Reminds me somewhat of the affirmative action thing...) Even if his skill with words did qualify him for the prize (I'm not saying it does, I'm not saying it doesn't) awarding such an icon of hate sends quite a message to the rest of the world that most likely is not a good thing.

srjjs is right...it's basically saying that hate is welcomed into the world, and you can get an award for it if you preach it long enough. I like his writing in a low-form way, but the hate he expresses against everyone shouldn't be rewarded.

It's like rewarding a dog for attacking everyone.

No, I don't think that's what it is saying at all. Not even close.

What it is saying, as far as I'm concerned, is that Eminem expresses his opinions and ideas in a poetic, impressive manner. That his ideas are unpopular is irrelevant. The delivery is what's being considered, and I think that Eminem's delivery is superb.

Then it becomes a question of agenda, right? What's the purpose of such a prize? Is it to reward someone for the technical execution of a craft -- such as rap or poetry -- or is to award the expression of a certain message that best fits with the ideals and concerns of those giving the award?

Personally, I'd prefer to reward someone for doing something well even if I don't agree with that they're doing than I would to give someone less skilled my attention solely because they don't challenge my ideas.

Personally, I think he is great at writing, but the message of hate, discrimanation (sp?), killing, and others is not what we should reward. That message would be that if you talk and/or kill someone you won't get introuble.

Whether or not he is considered a poet or not he does NOT deserve it...

This thread should've been made a poll...........

I still haven't seen any other recommendations, nor any reasons why he doesn't deserve it.

Nor have I seen any other recommendations, nor any reasons why he should deserve it.........