Massive political unrest, boomers upset about TV, or another culture war: these fights keep coming.
Recently, millennials have taken aim at younger Gen Z over who gets offended online.
The latest flashpoint is the claim that younger people want to “cancel” Eminem, now back with the single Houdini.
One lyric in the track — “If I was to ask for Megan Thee Stallion if she would collab with me, would I really have a shot at a feat?” — has drawn the most ire.
That line references Megan Thee Stallion being shot in the foot by Torey Lanez.
After the incident, Megan Thee Stallion faced severe misogyny and abuse, despite Lanez receiving a 10-year prison sentence for the crime.
Many called the lyric unnecessary and beneath even Eminem‘s usual provocation.
But the 51-year-old artist has long sparked controversy with offensive lines since his breakthrough.
As soon as the single dropped, smartphones filled with millennials posting about the reaction.
“the youths are mad about Em’s new song… but we grew up with this”
“younger generations are out here getting heated, meanwhile millennials are just vibing to sweet nostalgia”
Gen Z pushed back, arguing millennials exaggerated the outrage.
“I did talk to some of my other Gen Z friends and the general consensus was that he didn’t go hard enough on the song”.
They added many Gen Z listeners remember Eminem‘s early work, so his abrasive style feels familiar.
“Nobody is trying to cancel Eminem.”
Part of the spat reflects how people grow more defensive about their cultural touchstones with age.
Sometimes that protection becomes overblown, and entire generations get painted as villains.
That, sadly, sums up a large slice of online chaos.
There will be another target soon, everyone will get riled for little reason, and nothing will improve.
The clear winner remains Eminem, who, despite his age, keeps acting as the controversial clown prince.
His rapid-fire — often offensive — lines continue to provoke and, importantly, spark conversation.