I have heard an ugly rumor. I hope it is a rumor. If it isn’t, the ramifications for teens everywhere are damaging.  I have read off of several news sources that Rihanna is getting back together with Chris Brown. If this sounds familiar but you can’t remember the details, let me refresh your memory.
Rihanna and Chris Brown were dating back in February of 2009. Right before an awards ceremony, Rihanna saw a text and other communication from another woman, to Chris Brown. She got jealous and tried to storm away from him toward a car. That is when Chris Brown grabbed her and hit her in the face. She was taken to the hospital and it earned him a felony domestic abuse charge. She ended the relationship and he completed the requirements of his sentence (which I believe to be too lenient).
Fast forward to August 2010, this is when Rihanna and Eminem released the song, “Love the Way You Lie”. The imagery and lyrics of this song detail out and suggest that the relationship is a domestic violence relationship. Rihanna sings that she likes the way her boyfriend lies to her and that it almost feels good. Eminem sings that if she tries to leave him, he will tie her to the bed and light the house on fire.
Rihanna made headlines as a celebrity victim of domestic violence. Eminem has made headlines as a self-proclaimed abuser to his former wife, Kim. They produced a song together that I think, unfortunately puts out the wrong message. Additionally, I think that the artists have a responsibly to explain themselves, too many teens and tweens singing that song and not understanding the meaning.  If the song was written as a lesson or some sort of therapy for the artists, then let it be known. Don’t use the press about the song as a promotional tactic. Contrary to the record companies’ beliefs, you can sing a song that makes money, teaches a lesson, and does provide a creative and therapeutic outlet of the artist.
Fast forward to present day. Rihanna and Chris Brown are getting back together, the headlines read. What does that say to our teens, that the victim is going back to her abuser? If Rihanna and Chris Brown aren’t going to address it then who is? It is up to parents and advocates to talk to teens and tweens.  IF you don’t agree with the actions of celebrities then teach your teens and tweens. Talk to them about unacceptable behaviors because obviously Rihanna, Eminem, Chris Brown, and the companies aren’t talking!
I am  happy to answer questions from teens or adults.
Feel free to submit a question; email to:  [email protected] and put “HWT Question” in the subject line.  You may remain anonymous.
“It’s About Your Teen”
Susie Kroll specializes in speaking about Teen Dating Violence and Healthy & Safe Dating. She conducts workshops, keynotes, trainings, and seminars on issues specifically related to teens and their relationships.  To schedule Susie for your next event, contact ImaginePublicity, Phone: 843.808.0859,  Email:  [email protected]
Everything about the situation gives the wrong message to teenagers, unfortunately. I just posted a blog about this.
http://herewomentalk.com/chris-brown-undeserved-forgiveness
I think that Rihanna and Chris brown’s relationship is toxic and unhealthy what happend that night on February 8,2009 should have never happend Rihanna was a victim of domestic violence and Chris brown was an abuser of domestic violence he will always be known as a woman beater but he is still a human being and so is rihanna what he did was wrong and it is not ok for a man or a woman to hit anyone for that matter but should also know better but Chris should have did some time in jail and think about what he did and how he can become a better person what I did not like was when he did interviews on t.v. that was about his relationship with Rihanna he did not tell the truth about that night when they were in the car he just sat on t.v and acted like he did not remember the incident even though he blacked out he should have been honest and explain why he did what he did but he never told the truth and that is what pissed me off to be honest because I never thought that he would go that far of hurting here I was very concerned about them but if they get back together I just hope that they get some counseling and take things slow I love both of them I want them to be happy.
Good points. They are both extremely talented people whose careers have brought them to greatness. With the pressures of those careers, the odds are against a happily ever after, in my opinion.
Rihanna had such an opportunity to speak out about violence and chose to go in another direction. It’s a shame. Teens have so few good role models, and although as parents try to talk sensibly to their kids, often it goes unheard when they see the violence all around them being acceptable.
Sadly, pop culture icons set an example and are perceived by teens as role models. I agree, Rihanna, Eminem and the record label need to explain–justify, even–the lyrics to their song.
As for Rihanna and Chris Brown getting back together; for her sake (and that of young people who idolize these celebrities), I wish that weren’t true. Perhaps this is an opportunity for parents to talk with kids and examine why victims go back to their abusers and why it’s so hard for them to break the cycle.