“My words are like a dagger with a jagged edge/That’ll stab you in the head whether you’re a fag or less.”

These are the Grammy-nominated lyrics that have engulfed the upcoming music awards show, and they belong to Eminem (real name Marshall Mathers).

The frost-haired rapper has scorched the popular music charts ever since releasing his second album, “The Marshall Mathers LP.” In the process, he’s scorched those who believe his lyrics offend many members of our society.

Eminem’s album has taken over MTV, Top 40 radio stations and the collective unconscious of adolescents everywhere.

Just the type of album that should be recognized, right?

Not so, according to opponents of Eminem’s nomination for Best Album at the 2001 Grammys, scheduled for Feb. 21. Critics cite alleged misogynistic lyrics, like the aforementioned “sharp” wit, as but one case against Eminem.

No matter the indie credibility that the awards show musters, an Eminem win would be a terrible reflection of what we hold as ideal, said Margie Cook, programming coordinator for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender programs at NIU. And she is right.

“I can’t hear someone’s music and separate it from the message they are sending,” Cook said. “I can’t attach the word ‘beautiful’ to a message that says hate and violence.”

Cook sees the awards show as hypocritical, proclaiming a declaration to enhancing music education while associating itself with an espouser of vicious crimes, if committed.

And so the moral quandary begins. My journalistic instincts tell me to support everything related to the First Amendment. But this isn’t about censoring

Eminem, at least not now. This is about rewarding his messages with mainstream praise, a dangerous precedent to set.

This isn’t the usual fare for the conservative awards show, a show that headbangs to Jethro Tull and tends to favor older tastebuds.

But the argument between Eminem supporters (he’s a genius lyrically and works to provoke anger in conservative minds) and detractors (his words lead to “followers” believing that homosexuals are inferior) will go on and on, like the last track of the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Those who lose breath over the nomination are missing the unfortunate greater point in it all: People are talking about the Grammys.

Will he win? Will he lose? Will he show up? Will he perform? Who knows? Tune in and see! The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has pulled quite a clever ruse in its transformation from old, white musical likes.

Eminem is “running” against Beck, Radiohead and two older-skewing favorites: Steely Dan and Paul Simon. This is a more eclectic mix than previous years but one that still opens the door for the rapper giving props to a guy who wrote folk songs in the ’60s.

The problem of accepting violent statements attacking homosexuals is a problem we must face. Homosexuals are the last major minority group to whom discrimination is not only accepted, but encouraged.

But this will be an issue that ceases once the media scrutiny falls on another target, or until Eminem makes another self-referencing album. That’s the fate temporary “major issues” face. But try telling that to those who still must deal with the accepted neglect long after the spotlight shifts.

“Some people seem to think that various forms of media … sort of exist in a vacuum and don’t send a message,” Cook said with thoughtful emotion. “That’s very naive. Words are invested with power.”

As are awards shows.