Rihanna – Rated R
Wow. The media are having a field day with Rihanna’s new album art. All because Chris Brown abused her and victimized her. The media is sensationalizing the cover art by implying that Ms. Rihanna may have a social responsibility to tone down her sexuality now that she is a public victim of domestic violence. Had this not happened, all they would be taking about is the raciness of the cover art in general. She is at the prime of her career. She is pushing the envelope in fashion, pop music, and her own brand. She is expressing herself as a woman and making her own career decisions. So why is the media calling for her to act more like a victim? Is it because it is her social responsibility to put a face on domestic violence? At what point would it be “okay” for her to be herself again? 1 year? 2 years? This is her time to shine, isn’t it? Shouldn’t she be allowed to freely express herself just as she would if Chris Brown had never “happened” to her? Isn’t the practice and mindset of not feeling like a victim part of the healing process?
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#1386 jan said:
I tend to agree with you, that she shouldn’t be restricted to a victim status, uh, BUT, there are so many ways to push the envelope. Violence seems pretty cliche. The “black eye” patch is the thing I found manipulative. Choosing that item made me feel she was exploiting the Chris Brown connection. But as album art, I don’t know. If we look at it again 5 or 10 years from now, I think it will look jaded—the end of an era, rather than the beginning of something new and powerful.
Nov 3, 2009 at 11:57 am
#1387 Amanda Karfakis said:
For those of you following this story, we thought you’d like to know that Rihanna has broken her silence to Glamour magazine: http://www.glamour.com/women-of-the-year/2009/rihanna. I believe her way of coping with her situation is the right way, because it’s HER way. She is taking control over her experiences and her life. Whether it be through her expressions in cover art — or her PR strategy — she is making the moves to stand up and fight back the right way. As a victim of domestic violence she is the perfect person to speak for victims who are humiliated by their batterers every single day. Live your life.
Nov 3, 2009 at 6:22 pm
#1390 Angie said:
Her cover gives something for fans (and non-fans) to talk about. She’s a musical artist, that’s what they do. I agree with Amanda. If it’s all part of her healing process, then go for it. Just because she was abused by a man does not mean she has to wipe off the make up and cover herself up. The benefit of being a women in our society is having those choices. Part of reasserting yourself and finding yourself again after an experience like that is to be bold, feel strong and… look good doing it.
Nov 25, 2009 at 10:13 am