Domestic Violence is usually something that happens and stays behind closed doors. Recently a bout of domestic violence became a very public affair. No, most celebrities really aren't, unfortunately, ideal role models. Rihanna and Chris Brown seemed like they had it all though. You can scoff at my example, but I think there's something to be learned here.
There's not a lot of solid facts available, but it appears - for those of you not keeping up - that Chris Brown hit his girlfriend Rihanna, hard, sometime right before they were scheduled to perform at the Grammys. Rihanna may or may not also be pregnant, but I'm not sure because I haven't talked to her in a few weeks to ask.
Domestic Violence is never an easy discussion to have but we managed to have an engaging and thought provoking conversation about the subject here on These Gentlemen.
It began when Jason Heat told a story about an abused red-headed girl from his past in two parts: PART 1 and PART 2.
There was a great amount of reaction to this story.
Some were critical of the red-head's decisions: RESPONSE ONE
Others came out in support of this person: RESPONSE TWO
Others told stories about similar experiences: RESPONSE THREE
One major element of the debate was why a woman would stay in an abusive relationship. Does it happen out of fear? or love? a feeling of entrapment and a sense of helplessness? Should the woman just "suck it up" and "be there for their man?" How can the woman in an abusive relationship find help?
After all the public scrutiny of Chris Brown and all the turmoil and rumors surrounding the situation, Chris Brown, 19, and Rihanna, 21, are now getting back together. Is that a mistake? Do we forgive a man for hitting another woman? Is she staying in the relationship out of fear? or love? or lack of help?
I think there's something to learn from Chris Brown and Rihanna. Domestic violence is usually not something widely discussed, and so I think there's a lot of people who don't truly understand it. Chris Brown and Rihanna provide a rare look into this sort of usually private ordeal. I've heard people question why a woman wouldn't just walk away from any man who is abusive. Not everything is so black and white.
For more information on getting help regarding domestic violence click: HERE
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And so we witness the end.
10 years ago
5 comments:
Always an important conversation to have
I find an interesting question raised here to be one of censorship.
When Rihanna, a role model for a nation of young girls/young adults, and Chris Brown, likewise a role model for young men, are portrayed in such a situation, what should be done by the media (or to cover up the media) in order to not have a profound negative effect on young people's ideas of relationships?
This post brings up much more than one may assume on first glance. Maybe bring it back up at some point.
I have a problem with the idea that someone is famous and/or talented by definition makes them a role model.
Certainly, as do I. However, I think that if someone is famous and talented they need to be aware that often times they're going to be looked up to, which breeds a certain level of responsibility.
(previous post needs a drastic grammatical edit
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