Thursday, June 2, 2011

Does Rihanna's Man Down Video Empower You? (Rihanna Responds To Parents Television Council)

All throughout yesterday (when I wasn't working) I continually read articles on Rihanna's Man Down music video. Most of the articles were written about whether there was a double standard being portrayed. See, the video is supposed to be about a night of fun. During that night Rihanna gets assaulted (or maybe raped) by her dance partner. Rihanna is so hurt that she shoots him in a crowded area the next day. The video actually starts from the end and then tells the story. Many people either took it as an attack on Chris Brown or they questioned whether Chris Brown could do a successful video standing up for men. However, there's a bigger question. Is Rihanna's Man Down video empowering you?



Again, the video is about a woman who is walking around flaunting her sexiness. From the dance scenes some might even say she was teasing him. The flirting with smiles, raunchy dancing, playful pushing. As a woman I hate to say that, but it's true. Okay, let me backtrack. It could have just been horrible acting. Then it gets to the scene where he assaults or rapes her. She's obviously hurt, which she should be. However, at the end to get rid of her pain she shoots him.

I admit the video is good. It's very creatively written and the scenes are strong. If I hadn't read the message of the video I would have just assumed it was just another creative masterpiece. However, before the video was even released Rihanna chose to give her opinion of it via twitter.

She described the video as:
"It's , , , , Very strong underlying message for girls like me! ."

Then after all of the criticism from the PTC (Parent's Television Council) Rihanna once again gave her opinion.

"I'm a 23 year old rockstar with NO KIDS! What's up with everybody wantin me to be a parent? I'm just a girl, I can only be your/our voice!
Cuz we all know how difficult/embarrassing it is to communicate touchy subject matters to anyone especially our parents!
And this is why!Cuz we turn the other cheek! U can't hide your kids from society,or they'll never learn how to adapt!This is the REAL WORLD!"

She expressed how she was no one's parent. She was only sending out a message to the youth, but who made Rihanna a voice for young people? Even more, is Rihanna's Man Down video even empowering us? Clearly, she was abused and although she's received lots of love and support on the issue, the pain is still very visible.

So does Rihanna's Man Down video empower you? Obviously, that's what Rihanna was trying to do. Some might even say that picking up a gun and aiming it at someone you hate is the most powerful feeling. However, I didn't see the video as empowering. Empowerment means to rise above your problems. All I saw was a confused girl sending out the wrong message. However, you may have seen something different.

When it comes to assault/rape/abuse how do you think women should be empowered? Is it getting even or getting help?

1 comment :

Lashuntrice

Lashuntrice