The issues raised by Peter Burke need to be addressed before people succumb to what I call the "Marian Finucane syndrome"; that is, once a disgruntled listener has aired a view or opinion it becomes fact in the minds of many.
With regard to the minuscule warning regarding explicit lyrics; this is a cause championed in the US by Tipper Gore. She founded an organisation to encourage the voluntary labelling of explicit music lyrics and wrote Raising PG Kids in an X-Rated Society, a book about parenting and the media. Although the intention was commendable, the label became a badge of honour for many artists and often boosted record sales. However, it is still there as a warning to assist parents to choose what their children should hear. As a parent, Mr Burke should know about such markings. Surely he knows about film certificates and would not hire an "18s" video for his son.
Eminem's lyrics are not for children. However, the violence, murder and other anti-social activities described in the songs are treated ironically. Eminem is no more advocating this behaviour than are directors of violent films.
I like Eminem. I also like punk, jazz, dance, blues, trip-hop, classical and rock music. Listening to Eminem has never incited me to do anything illegal or immoral. I choose to buy and listen to this music. Other people have no right to dictate my tastes to me. I understand the desire to keep this material away from children but the suggestion that we ban such material is offensive. - Yours, etc., Tim Walsh, Broompark Drive, Glasgow, Scotland.