Reader to Reader

Why is it that, when a middle-aged critic responds positively to an artist that younger people like, other people who dislike the artist in question jump to the conclusion that the critic is only trying to be hip? In dismissing Robert Hilburn’s artistic respect for Eminem as an “inappropriate posture,” Barry Shapiro (Saturday Letters, May 25) joins the many people who apparently find personal attacks on people who disagree with their artistic opinions to be an appropriate posture.

I am 41 years old and, like Hilburn, I find Eminem to be much more than an “illiterate, homophobic thug” (although I certainly do think his attitude toward gays and women needs some work). I think there’s a lot of genuine talent there. If Shapiro disagrees, fine, but I’ll thank him not to make assumptions about my artistic opinions.

STEVE OMLID

Upland