Recently, the media has been in over its head over the controversy that surrounds singer Chris Brown’s song “Turn Up the Music”. What, you ask, is it that has the media buzzing about this particular song? Well, for one thing, Chris Brown’s ex-girlfriend Rihanna is featured in this song. (Both are pictured at right.)
About two years ago, it was this same girlfriend who was violently beaten inside a car by singer Chris Brown. This event left people in awe, especially so when the gruesome pictures of Rihanna were released showcasing bumps, bruises and cuts that left her face black and red. So how is it now that the same young woman, who had her dignity taken away from her on national television by this very man, has joined him to create a music hit? Am I the only one who finds this a little weird?
I know I’m going to be attacked for saying this by all the young women, who still, after this incident, want to marry Chris Brown, but, personally, I don’t think Brown’s music should even be played on the radio and television. I mean, what does this really tell the youth who are watching this? “Oh, yeah, you can beat up a woman and still be successful; yes, we’ll talk about you for a week or two, but, don’t worry, in the end you’ll get more publicity than ever.” I mean, really? Are these the values that we should be promoting to our youth?
At first, I thought Chris Brown was to be the one to blame, but with Rihanna actually giving him the time of day, contributing to his success, and constantly tweeting him – ?? What does this tell young women? “Oh, yeah, it’s totally fine to run back to the man who beat you.” This whole situation just seems so wrong to me.
Both Chris Brown and Rihanna are huge in the music world. They each have millions of fans, if not more. Furthermore, they are both extremely influential. So not only are we telling young fans that they can abuse women with little consequence, we’re telling young women that it’s okay to forgive a man who hits them? Is this not reinforcing everything the feminist movement has been fighting against for decades? Call me a radical feminist if you like, but the fact of the matter is that I will NEVER buy a Chris Brown album – or, for that matter, a Rihanna album. Because, frankly, if it were my sister who had been in that car that day, I would not like it if the man who did it to her was left off better than he was before he did it. People really need to start thinking of the long-term effects of these actions.
Yes, he’s famous, and, yes, he has money, but does that mean he’s allowed to do whatever he likes? I mean, what would it take before he gives up our love for his good looks, and sweet voice, and realizes that he committed a serious crime?
Thank you for posting such a thoughtful opinion piece on this story. These are incredibly complicated issues, but I believe that not talking about the violence that occurred silences Rihanna’s experience. Nothing can erase what happened, and only by speaking openly about the violence can there be any recovery.
Very insightful post, Talisha! I definitely agree with you that the way this issue is handled does not send a good message to youth/women, nor does it relay realistic consequences to people who inflict abuse. The influence of famous people should be used to incite positive change!
I agree with your views with the absurd action that she’s taking to help promote his album and such but then again this shows maturity and forgiveness, now the way she chose to exemplify that was horribly wrong (jumping on sexual tracks with him) it’s a sticky situation and im SMH as to why she needs him for her gratification, I just don’t get it.
Great post!
, I also think that the move on Rihanna’s part has to do with the understanding of her ivnvloment in the incident. Face reality, Chris didn’t just go HAM on her because he likes beating up people. What was her role in the incident? Did she provoke him? Too much in our society are women allowed to belittle men and remove any ounce of pride and respect men have for themselves, because society favor’s women over men. I’ve watched some pretty interesting videos where women are just beating the shit out of a man, and the man finally turns around an punches the chick in the face.While it’s a no-brainer that traditional women (and I say that because we have non-traditional women in our soceity, and you know who i’m talking about) are no physical competition for a traditional man, there is a little thing called common ground , where if you step into a debate with another, you better be willing to accept all blows.Now, am I saying she did anything TO provoke him? NO, but what I am saying is, WE don’t know what her role in the incident was, so judging chris brown is ridiculous and selfish of society.I mean, really, all EVERYONE knows from the story is Chris beat her up Even if she was questioned by authorities, it wouldn’t matter because that information wouldn’t have leaked to us.I’m sure Rihanna is a nice girl, but like most women, there is always a level of insecurity. She found a text she didn’t like from him, and the rest is history So, from my perspective, it seems like she may finally be owning up to HER responsibility in the incident and saying it’s not right to allow him to suffer for something WE were BOTH involved in .Mature shit