Like everyone else in America I have just watched Rihanna'a "Man Down" video. Now if you haven't seen it already I suggest you watch it before continue to read my post. Only because you might be confused when I make specific references! Now to my personal opinion:
I want to begin by thanking Rhianna. I feel that what she has done is very worthwhile given her previous release of S & M. I won't lie and tell you that when that song came on I sang along like everyone else. Even though I'm not really a fan of whips and chains and all that other jazz but it was just so darn catchy! I'm getting off topic again. Man Down for me was one of Rihanna's most moving videos and songs to date. I believe she took a chance on taboo topic. Most of the arguments have been that the opening image of the video is "too graphic." Really? I find that hard to believe. I know that, I like many Americans, have been de-sensitized to violence. So that could be part of it. I honestly don't believe that it was that graphic. The video tells a story. A real story. The lyrics are deep and the video meaningful. How often can you say that? Yeah, I know. I watched the video a couple of times trying to be 'objective' about the whole thing...being told that I needed to do that. And I still feel the same way!
After watching the video I decided to read the comments...not a good idea! Everyone had their own opinion about the subject matter and after reading enough comments of, 'she deserved it' 'look at how she was dressed' 'she's a whore/slut/hoe' etc. Then there were oh so self-righteous parents all up in arms about the fact that Rihanna could make such a video. Really? Her last single was about whips and chains! I find it outrageous that all these parents and what-not spent all the time commenting on videos instead of talking to their children (they were probably playing Call of Duty anyway!) OK so maybe I'm being unfair but I think it's a tad ridiculous to blame Rihanna and call her a bad role model. I think she did. She made a song and video that she believed in even though she received back-lash. If your child is 'mature' enough to watch or listen to Rihanna then you should be able to explain the content of Man Down.
I was explaining to my mother that I understand Rihanna is considered a role model. I believe that she did. She made a controversial video and stood behind her decision. That to me is a role model! I understand children look up to people in the entertainment industry but honestly when you're child is faced with a 'good or bad decision.' When those decisions arise your child should be making that decision based on what you taught them and the examples you have set. If that's not the case I believe that says a lot about your parenting. That's how I personally feel.
I want to begin by thanking Rhianna. I feel that what she has done is very worthwhile given her previous release of S & M. I won't lie and tell you that when that song came on I sang along like everyone else. Even though I'm not really a fan of whips and chains and all that other jazz but it was just so darn catchy! I'm getting off topic again. Man Down for me was one of Rihanna's most moving videos and songs to date. I believe she took a chance on taboo topic. Most of the arguments have been that the opening image of the video is "too graphic." Really? I find that hard to believe. I know that, I like many Americans, have been de-sensitized to violence. So that could be part of it. I honestly don't believe that it was that graphic. The video tells a story. A real story. The lyrics are deep and the video meaningful. How often can you say that? Yeah, I know. I watched the video a couple of times trying to be 'objective' about the whole thing...being told that I needed to do that. And I still feel the same way!
After watching the video I decided to read the comments...not a good idea! Everyone had their own opinion about the subject matter and after reading enough comments of, 'she deserved it' 'look at how she was dressed' 'she's a whore/slut/hoe' etc. Then there were oh so self-righteous parents all up in arms about the fact that Rihanna could make such a video. Really? Her last single was about whips and chains! I find it outrageous that all these parents and what-not spent all the time commenting on videos instead of talking to their children (they were probably playing Call of Duty anyway!) OK so maybe I'm being unfair but I think it's a tad ridiculous to blame Rihanna and call her a bad role model. I think she did. She made a song and video that she believed in even though she received back-lash. If your child is 'mature' enough to watch or listen to Rihanna then you should be able to explain the content of Man Down.
I was explaining to my mother that I understand Rihanna is considered a role model. I believe that she did. She made a controversial video and stood behind her decision. That to me is a role model! I understand children look up to people in the entertainment industry but honestly when you're child is faced with a 'good or bad decision.' When those decisions arise your child should be making that decision based on what you taught them and the examples you have set. If that's not the case I believe that says a lot about your parenting. That's how I personally feel.
best part about this post : I'm not really a fan of whips and chains and all that other jazz but it was just so darn catchy
ReplyDeleteBut it was though!! I couldn't help but sing along!
ReplyDelete