8 Mile

This weekend, I watched a movie called "8 Mile". It explains the life of Eminem, the rapper, and how his life growing up has challenged him in his profession. Eminem grew up in Detroit and constantly experienced gangs, fighting, and drugs. His mom was a drunk and dated trashy men. Eminem, called Rabbit by just about everyone, could have easily told his mom to do whatever she wanted and not cared, but there was one problem: he had a younger sister. He basically had to become another parent of her. His adroit handling of boyfriends that came around their trailer park home kept his sister safe and well taken care of, but he still had dreams of his own. He wanted to be a rapper.
In attempts of trying to get a record deal, Rabbit competed in local rap battles in bars around the city. Rap battles are when two guys get up on stage and affront each other through their songs, but it is all freestyle. They have no time to prepare and have to make things up off the top of their head. Not only was this an avocation for Rabbit, but it was also his way of standing up for himself. Of course, most of the insults thrown at him had to do with him being white and living in a beat up trailer. Somehow though, he always came back with something better, after he got over the time that he choked on stage and was taunted with no end. He was militant and would stand by his friends and family no matter what. In the end, Rabbit wins the battle's final round and begins to get some respect around town. I found it interesting that it wasn't shown that he became famous and successful. It simply showed the struggle in his upbringing and his strong will. "8 Mile" was an interesting and great movie.