I write in response to Eric Solomon's letter concerning Eminem and the moral degradation of society. I am so tired of the entertainment industry taking the blame for lapses in personal or parental judgment across these United States.

I appreciate Mr. Solomon's recognition of our country's First Amendment; at least he realizes that artists like Eminem, as well as all Americans, have the right to freely speak what is on their minds.

My concern, however, lies with the way Eminem's lyrics are taken.

Many people feel that Eminem is a misogynistic, homophobic, "gangsta" drug addict. It has been well documented that he enjoys the occasional "blunt" (and how many Penn State students can honestly say they haven't at least tried it as well?).

I will not deny that the language is harsh. But there are real messages all throughout the record. Find the lyrics; understand them. In one song, he raps: "...Wake up, get a sense of humor. Quit trying to censor music. This is for your kid's amusement." Later in the same verse: "Don't blame me when little Eric jumps off the terrace. You should've been watching him. Apparently you ain't parents."

Eminem simply points out what he sees in society.

Concerning the Columbine incident, he raps: "When a dude's getting' bullied and shoots up your school and they blame it on Marilyn, and the heroin. Where were the parents at?"

Pick up Eminem's album. And stop blaming the entertainment industry every time a neglected child hits his breaking point.

It's only entertainment, and it's not real. It's here to provide us a release from reality — not to be liable for it.