TWO DAYS after Bajan superstar Rihanna launched her new music video Man Down, some local and international groups have come out against its violent content.
The video, parts of which were shot in Jamaica, opens with Rihanna using a small revolver to shoot a man. The viewers see a graphic view of the man with a pool of blood streaming near his head. It then flashes back to the previous day, when she was sexually attacked. The video ends with Rihanna holding a gun in her hand.
Some anti-violence groups across the United States have said the “inexcusable, shock-only, shoot-and-kill theme song” should not be aired on television. The group Parents Television Council, in a news release, yesterday said the video “gives retaliation in the form of premeditated murder the imprimatur of acceptability.”
Here in Barbados, president of the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations Rhonda Blackman told the WEEKEND NATION last night she also condemned the violent content of the video. She chided the Grammy Award winner, stating that she needs to be mindful of the messages she was sending to young people who are a large part of her fan base.
Responding to Rihanna’s comment yesterday on the social networking site Twitter that ‘I’m a 23-year-old rockstar with no kids’, Blackman said: “Rihanna isnot a parent but she is impacting and influencing young minds. She has to be clear about the message she is sending.
“She is saying through her video that the way out of any abusive relationship is through violence. There are so many abused people out there who are looking for a way out. Based on the video, they might feel the way out is through murder.”
Blackman said NCPTA wants parents to be more aware of the music videos and the music their children are listening to, as some of the content could havean underlying message that can negatively impact a child’s thinking.”
She said the media also needs to be more responsible in what they are airing. “We need to censor some of the videos being put out. The media has to play a bigger role in safeguarding our children,” she said, noting that schools also need to deal more with conflict resolution.
Blackman, while acknowledging Rihanna’s success, said it was unfortunate that the young singer did not seem to understand her role as Youth Ambassador for Barbados.
“When we bestow titles on people we need to look at their maturity and the level of responsibility. She doesn’t seem to understand her role as an ambassador,” she said.
NATION Facebook readers were also quick with their response to the video, with some coming out against the content, while others stating that it reflects reality.
One reader who said she was a victim of domestic abuse, said: “I can tell you that this is the worst way to handle it. Seek help, and never ever resort to violence.
No man is worth going to jail for.” Kim Clarke said: “I’m not sure why there must be a debate on a video that represents real life situations. Far too many time women are protrayed as victims of circumstances from beginning to end with no form of satisfactory justice being served in the long run. I’m not sayingthat violence/murder is the answer, but sometimes the mind of the wounded may see that as the only alternative”.
Teresa Douglas said: “Whether you hate or like the video at least people are discussing a subject few want to touch – rape against women. Perhaps stemming from this would be a greater level of discussion nationally and proper justice for rape victims. Maybe now we can be even more open on the subject of violence against women and look at solutions more intensely as advocated by NOW and other women’s organisations.”
carolmartindale@nationnews.com
