I didn't see the video for Rihanna's 'Man Down' single when it first premiered, it was actually the cries of the outraged Parents Television Council that prompted me to view it on Youtube. After watching the video and singing along, I have to say I actually don't hate this video. I get it more than 'California King Bed', another of Rihanna's songs that I love.
The Parents Television Council has labelled the video as 'disturbing' and is calling on BET--the channel that aired the video-- to ban it, basically. BET has responded by saying that the video is well within the guidelines and standards set for content and will continue to be aired.
The Parent Television Council has a right to their opinion just like everyone else. I don't share many of their opinions, and think if left up to them majority of the shows on television would be of the 'rainbow, unicorns and 1950's happy cereal box family' variety. I do believe that there are things shown on TV that aren't appropriate for children. I have an aunt who found a solution when this problem arises. She changes the channel. Oh and another great thing she does is supervise what her children watch or she has them do something more constructive than watch television(my aunt is a genius). Don't expect TV stations, celebrities or shows to parent your children for you. That's just ridiculous.
Now to the issue at hand. I thought 'Man Down' had a great video. It matched the song and it portrayed something that happens every minute worldwide. I enjoy music videos that tell a story even one as tragic as that of Rihanna's character in 'Man Down' as a opposed to staring at video vixen wobble in front of a camera. In this controversial clip, Rihanna plays a young woman leading a generally content life who is sexually assaulted. In retaliation to her assault, the victim publicly shoots her abuser. Now, I'm sure there were many women who watched this who could have related to the victim but I know for sure that Caribbean girls with a night life especially must have felt an affinity with her. How many times have you gone to club or party and danced with a guy who assumes that it's more than just a dance? I've had to fight off--not just using that term loosely--a few too enthusiastic dance partners. The sad thing about it is that not all of those men are strangers.
Violence is never the answer. Boy, it's just so easy to rattle out. It may not be the answer but the way society treats victims of sexual abuse can easily drive them to violence. When some one's peace of mind and rights are violated by a sick, disgusting a**hole, society always seems to cast blame on them. Instead of persecuting the rapist, you'd hear questions like 'why wear this/go there/act like that if you don't want to get raped?' Excuse me? Someone wants to get raped? It doesn't matter if someone is walking down the street stark naked, they shouldn't be touched without their consent. Now do understand, I'm not saying such retaliation is right but I do understand where it comes from.
I think that Rihanna's video illustrates the desire of rape victims who are forced to watch their abuser strut around while they themselves battle with the tumultuous combination of shame and resentment. I don't think the 'Man Down' video is any different from the movies that Lifetime shows every weekend.
The Parents Television Council has labelled the video as 'disturbing' and is calling on BET--the channel that aired the video-- to ban it, basically. BET has responded by saying that the video is well within the guidelines and standards set for content and will continue to be aired.
The Parent Television Council has a right to their opinion just like everyone else. I don't share many of their opinions, and think if left up to them majority of the shows on television would be of the 'rainbow, unicorns and 1950's happy cereal box family' variety. I do believe that there are things shown on TV that aren't appropriate for children. I have an aunt who found a solution when this problem arises. She changes the channel. Oh and another great thing she does is supervise what her children watch or she has them do something more constructive than watch television(my aunt is a genius). Don't expect TV stations, celebrities or shows to parent your children for you. That's just ridiculous.
Now to the issue at hand. I thought 'Man Down' had a great video. It matched the song and it portrayed something that happens every minute worldwide. I enjoy music videos that tell a story even one as tragic as that of Rihanna's character in 'Man Down' as a opposed to staring at video vixen wobble in front of a camera. In this controversial clip, Rihanna plays a young woman leading a generally content life who is sexually assaulted. In retaliation to her assault, the victim publicly shoots her abuser. Now, I'm sure there were many women who watched this who could have related to the victim but I know for sure that Caribbean girls with a night life especially must have felt an affinity with her. How many times have you gone to club or party and danced with a guy who assumes that it's more than just a dance? I've had to fight off--not just using that term loosely--a few too enthusiastic dance partners. The sad thing about it is that not all of those men are strangers.
Violence is never the answer. Boy, it's just so easy to rattle out. It may not be the answer but the way society treats victims of sexual abuse can easily drive them to violence. When some one's peace of mind and rights are violated by a sick, disgusting a**hole, society always seems to cast blame on them. Instead of persecuting the rapist, you'd hear questions like 'why wear this/go there/act like that if you don't want to get raped?' Excuse me? Someone wants to get raped? It doesn't matter if someone is walking down the street stark naked, they shouldn't be touched without their consent. Now do understand, I'm not saying such retaliation is right but I do understand where it comes from.
I think that Rihanna's video illustrates the desire of rape victims who are forced to watch their abuser strut around while they themselves battle with the tumultuous combination of shame and resentment. I don't think the 'Man Down' video is any different from the movies that Lifetime shows every weekend.
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