Reader to Reader

Marvin Haas declares that “rap is trash under the guise of art” (Letters, May 21). But what is art? Art is work that provokes an emotional reaction from the audience of that work. The greater and longer-lasting the reaction, the better the art.

Haas’ reaction to rap illustrates my point. He doesn’t criticize rap because it has no artistic value but because rap pushes buttons in him he doesn’t want pushed. Art is supposed to push our buttons, whether we like it or not.

JEFF DEUTSCH

Huntington Beach

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I would like to cast my vote for more cover stories such as the one on Eminem. The Times should keep promoting good, new music. Don’t listen to the old, out-of-touch ranters who wrote in condemning the article based on their misguided viewpoint that Eminem’s work is crass and violent.

Eminem’s entire persona is based on getting a laugh and his music is not a gangsta-rap type product. Please don’t cave in and start putting Ricky Martin et al on the Calendar covers.

ELLEN AUCHTER

Los Angeles