Self-made man

The self-made man is an element critical to the American way of life. The idea of this image creates a self-reliant attitude and makes individuals believe that their hard work can pay off, looking up to examples throughout American history. As Americans, we pride ourselves on a cultural identity valuing individuality and work ethic among other characteristics. Since the conception of the United States, this concept has been evolving. Benjamin Franklin, one of the most well-known self-made men, wrote about his struggle to make himself successful in his autobiography. He outlined his daily schedules and even a list of thirteen rules every man should live by. Throughout his book, he mentions a number of people that helped him throughout his way. After making his fortune, he also engaged in charitable acts that often resulted in him giving back.

In modern times, there are countless examples of self-made individuals. One of my favorites, however, is Marshall Mathers. Although this name probably sounds unfamiliar to many, he started going by his stage name “Eminem” by time he was 14. He is now one of the most famous rappers by preforming numerous world tours, and selling ten number one albums. Eminem has become an icon for rap and male artists.

Eminem dropped out of high school and received no formal education past the ninth grade. He was bullied, neglected by his mother, and his most influential role model died while he was still a teenager, his Uncle Ronnie who introduced him to rap music. His father left him as a baby and he was constantly moving with his mother, struggling to make end's meet. Eminem within the last five years also became sober after suffering from an almost deadly overdose on prescription drugs. Now recovered, he also follows a strict set of guidelines for himself including regularly working out.

Both Eminem and Franklin worked exceptionally hard to earn their statuses. Eminem is known for hustling and grinding to get exposure until he was introduced to Dr. Dre, who helped to take off his musical career. Eminem would perform at underground shows and battles in order to get the attention he needed and worked odd jobs to pay for studio time. Since Dre and Eminem started working together, Eminem gives him a lot of credit along with others like his manager, Paul Rosenberg, or his best friend and hype man, Proof.

Since growing his fortune, he has also been able to give back like Franklin did. I think this has become an important element to the self-made man that is only a recent feature to its evolving nature, the expectation to give back. Eminem has become a mentor to upcoming artists and often gives back generous donations to his city, Detroit.

Both men are examples of "self-made men" but didn't necessarily make it entirely on their own. Using Benjamin Franklin and Eminem as examples from two different time periods, I think it might be beneficial to stop labeling their success as "self-made" but rather as just hard work. Without the people around them and their external influences, neither of them would have been able to succeed to the point that has made them the household names that they are today.