In response to Kyle Moss’s “The Real Slim story of Eminem, Bobby Knight,” he doesn’t speak for everyone in his glorification of these two men. Moss writes, “Eminem and Bobby Knight are both geniuses.” This is after he notes Eminem was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after pulling a gun on a man he thought was hitting on his wife, and Knight was guilty of choking a former player and allegedly abusing other players. Assume the label “genius” has some positive and respectable connotation. Are these malicious crimes canceled out because Eminem has platinum-selling albums, and Knight’s team has won numerous national titles? Are money and winning the only things that matter to our society? Is this something our country should be proud of? We can’t deny these “geniuses,” who attract attention through the outrageousness, are role models. When worshipped by adults, they learn that as long as you win and make money, people think you’re great. Should these people be heroes? Music and athletics can be very positive aspects in our lives, but there are consequences to the values we glorify. It says something when “having balls” means saying and doing shocking things out of lack of personal restraint or respect for others that outweighs having values. Most of us agree that it is noble to stand up for one’s rights and beliefs, to be an individual and appreciate the freedom to express one’s self, but where will we draw the line on what is glorified? Is priding yourself on “not giving a f***” and expressing one’s power through violence what we want representing our culture, and what we want the youth to idolize? It’s important to really think about who we put on a pedestal, and ask ourselves if we truly respect that person and agree with what they represent before encouraging their actions or attitude. Before we glorify someone’s “balls,” it is crucial to consider the effect they have on us and what we stand for. I just can’t agree that Knight and Eminem are “geniuses” just because they sell records or win national titles. All that makes them is a successful coach and blockbuster pop star. Success doesn’t automatically create respectability. That is a personal choice not to be taken lightly. Many think one with this mindset should just lighten up and that’s okay. I know that I don’t speak for everyone. But I wanted to note that by calling Knight and Eminem geniuses, Moss didn’t speak for everyone either. Kim Steffen

Junior

English education