1. The rape-revenge fantasy that takes place in “Man Down” is one of the oldest and most effective ways to tell a story. A person is wronged, and they spend the rest of the story tracking down and paying back those who’ve wronged them. We root for the protagonist, and the villian’s comeuppance is cathartic to the entire audience.
In fact, two of my favorite movies — the Kill Bill series (which I count as one movie) and Inglourious Basterds — revolve around this concept.
What separates ”Man Down” — and what is probably causing much of the negative attention it’s receiving, not racism or sexism – is the fact that the villain’s payback comes at the beginning. When his gruesome murder is the first thing you see when watching the video, it’s hard to sympathize with the hero. Yes, we eventually see that he was responsible for a rape, but he’s already a dead man so we just don’t care as much.
Just imagine if Kill Bill began with The Black Mamba slicing and dicing through O-Ren and the Crazy 88. The entire movie changes, and Beatrix goes from a wronged woman on a mission to a mass murderer with a stupid name in a stupider jumpsuit.
Still, it’s a f*cking five minute long music video. Who the hell cares if it sends the wrong message about…anything. Maybe the story should have been shown in a sequential order. Maybe Rihanna could have had the guy arrested instead of murking him. Maybe she shouldn’t have gone to a party dressed as Cubana Lust and twerked on a guy with a buck 50 across his face. Maybe they could have included 5 minutes of gratuitous boob and nipple shots instead of three. Who f*cking cares?
Just enjoy the video…or don’t enjoy the video, but don’t call for it to be banned because one idiot out of the billion people who’ll watch it might decide to go Charles Bronson on a rapist.
2. I have to admit that I don’t watch very many videos. In fact, before “Man Down,” Kanye’s “Runaway” was the last one I’ve watched in its entirety, and I honestly can’t remember the last one I watched before that.
I wonder if this apathy is unique to people like me — people who’ve aged out of the music video target audience range — or if videos themselves have just lost a bit of their cultural relevance. They just don’t seem to be the same star-making vehicle that they were a decade ago. More importantly, I’m not certain if kids today anxiously await videos the same way we did for the premieres of songs like “Mo Money, Mo Problems,” “California Love,” and “Triumph,” but it really doesn’t seem like they do.
Anyway, I’m making this point because what happens at the 26 second mark is the most graphically violent thing I’ve ever seen in a music video, and I can’t tell if this was unusually graphic or just par for the course with today’s fare.
Sure, I’ve seen videos with implied violence — “99 Problems,” “Many Men,” and “Stan” immediately come to mind — and I’ve seen hundreds of videos where the artist rapped about violent acts, but I’ve never seen something as graphic as when Rihanna steps out of the shadows and shoots a man her rapist in the throat; a shot that clearly jerks his head back and splatters his blood before it kills him.
(Also, Rihanna — or, rather, this character Rihanna is playing — must be a Navy Seal or some shit, because those are the only people on the planet skilled enough to be 20 feet away and still hit a moving target in a crowd with a freakin revolver. When she’s done serving time for murder, we need to send her ass to Afghanistan)
3. Rihanna has slowly become everything fervent Beyonce critics have always (and unfairly) wanted Bey to be. Basically, she’s, well, interesting, and this interestingness (even at the expense of actual talent) makes her compelling in a way that the ridiculously talented and hard-working Beyonce can never be.
She has an interesting voice, she dresses in an interesting manner, she makes interesting videos, and she says interesting things (her “Cuz I’m black bitch!!!” Twitter take down of a critical fan might be one of the most surprisingly awesome things that’s ever happened on the internet) But, her appeal mainly lies with the fact that she’s a moth — a pretty girl attracted to the flame.
Unlike uber-attractive women who appear to be completely vapid (ie: Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, etc¹) completely normal (ie: Nia Long), or completely burdened by their beauty (ie: Hallie Berry), the moth (ie: Angelina Jolie, Marilyn Monroe, etc) resonates and transfixes through sheer force of personality and the fact that their knack for questionable decision-making humanizes them. They are “The Blower’s Daughters,” the women we just can’t take our eyes off of because we don’t know if they want to f*ck or murder us (or both)
In Rihanna’s case, this even affects how we perceive her music, which, despite her megastardom, remains relatively “eh.” We all know that she doesn’t have the best vocal range or sing the most compelling songs, but her Rihannaness has a way of making her songs interesting by osmosis.
I mean, “Man Down” could have easily been a throwaway track on any of the several Reggae Gold CDs I owned in college, but because Rihanna and Rihanna’s boobs are involved, this song will probably be a hit.
Speaking of boobs…
4. One of my favorite “Seinfeld” episodes revolves around whether Jerry’s girlfriend’s boobs are fake. He finds out that she frequents the same gym as Elaine, and he asks Elaine if she can somehow verify for him while they’re in the locker room. Elaine agrees, chaos ensues, and the episode eventually culminates with Jerry’s girlfriend finding out about Jerry and Elaine’s plans.
Obviously upset, she storms out of Jerry’s apartment, but not before leaving one parting shot.
“And by the way, they’re real, and they’re spectacular“
Those who remember my 181 word ode to Erykah Badu’s death-defying ass are probably expecting me to write something similar about Rihanna’s boobs. But while tempted to expound, all that really needs to be said about them is they’re (hopefully) real, and they’re f*cking spectacular.
¹To their credit, I think this vapidness is an act
—The Champ
Please help keep Panama off the block, and The Champ on the wagon and buy “Your Degrees Wont Keep You Warm at Night: The Very Smart Brothas Guide to Dating, Mating, and Fighting Crime”
Uh yeah. Regardless of how I feel about the
Bajan GoatRihanna, I would like to point out that she did in fact get people to talk about how rampant rape culture is here in the states.I support the video (which isn’t saying much since I support capital punishment for rapists and pedophiles), and at this point, I’m really tired of engaging in the he vs. she rhetoric with the general audience who has been sharing their opinions on the matter.
Carry on.
Oh sh*t, I was first. How did that happen?
You’ll be fine ..as just don’t get too happy about it. LOL
Maybe you tithed to the lacefront Gods? Maybe?
i also support the video and the talk that is occurring about the rampant rapes that occur here in the states and abroad… rin closing i would like to add that a large percentage of rape is NOT the “stranger” rape we all associate with this heinous crime… i’m going to stop now because rape is one of my hot button issues and i don’t want to start rambling and cursing, crying and pleading…
U’re def right about that. Critics seemed more concerned about the shooting than the rape itself smh this world makes no sense.
Maybe it’s because they didn’t show the rape. I’ll the reason why that would make a difference for someone else to figure out.
*edit*
I’ll *leave* the reason *for* why
Damn. I think I just need to go to bed.
I agree, Ms. TheAnti-Cool. It only hits home when we actually see it.
Case in point: Derrion Albert.
“ i’m going to stop now because rape is one of my hot button issues and i don’t want to start rambling and cursing, crying and pleading….”
@Yoles… rest easy sis *e-hugs*
In 1994 Janie’s Got a Gun… in 2011 Rhianna shot a Man Down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqQn2ADZE1A
When I originally saw the video I thought it was a conceptual piece using visual, lyrical duality, where the lyrics imply a woman shooting a man down in the club, and the video shows a woman shooting a man down literally.
I’ve never been raped or molested, but I’ve been tried… and I think it is one of the most violent survivable things that can happen to a person. But I have seen the damage that it does…
Its not just something that happens to you, I have seen it become an unextractable part of people
And it scares me
If folks think this video is violent all I can say is woe be to the motherf*cker who treads in my garden to get at me or mine.
Because my reaction would be so primitive and medieval CSI would have to call in experts to figure that sh*t out.
Violent… I think that is how you are supposed to be about.
I will never forget the episode of Oprah where she goes in on Tom Cruise for his role in the movie Interview with a Vampire. She said the opening scene where he drains a rat into a glass and drinks it made her so sick she had to leave the screening and couldn’t finish watching the film and that it gave her nightmares.
She asked him how could he contribute to such darkness in the world
Shortly thereafter Sally Field was on promoting her movie Eye for an Eye. This film opens with a mother talking to her daughter on her cellphone, when Keifer Suther shows up and rapes and murders her while mom is on the phone listening.
The mom starts frantically running through the streets, not wanting to hang up asking bewildered strangers for help… well that as far as I have gotten because I have never been able to make it through this movie. Even though I know that Sally picks up a gun and exacts revenge it is no comfort.
The opening of this movie is one of the most violent things I have ever seen on screen and it has given me reoccurring nightmares… I have trouble even writing this.
Bottom line for me is murder is death of the body, rape is a mortal wounding of the spirit that you have to live with… even now I don’t know which is worse ~JS
Your whole comment is the truth, especially this part:
Bottom line for me is murder is death of the body, rape is a mortal wounding of the spirit that you have to live with… even now I don’t know which is worse ~JS
If folks think this video is violent all I can say is woe be to the motherf*cker who treads in my garden to get at me or mine. .
Seriously. People laugh when I tell them I have weapons hidden throughout my house/car/purse. But know that if attacked, I will try my hardest at not going down without a vicious fight. Guns, hammers, knives, bats. Whatever. Real deal Holyfield.
“Seriously. People laugh when I tell them I have weapons hidden throughout my house/car/purse. But know that if attacked, I will try my hardest at not going down without a vicious fight. Guns, hammers, knives, bats. Whatever. Real deal Holyfield.”
Girl I stay at the range… I got the Heckler solution if a ninja wants to ask the question.
I think every woman should really consider taking Krav Magra, which will teach you a 100 different ways to f*ck up an azz hole, and how to escape alive… my daughter starts this summer because here you have to be 17 before they will let you take classes.
You need to practice your hand to hand because your weapons may fail you ~JS
JS… you touched on everything…. everything
“JS… you touched on everything…. everything”
And you touched me ~JS
I think people should leave it alone. Anyone who has been a victim, or is close to someone who has been a victim of sexual assault knows that it would not be uncommon for the the thought of revenge to go through your mind after experiencing something so traumatic. That’s REAL.
+1
+2
p.s: like you said, this is such a strong issue for me that I would rather co-sign all day long… or else it will get too intense for me.
+3
so you added “the bone collector”……niiiiiiice *in my fab voice* lol
Yes! I know a good suggestion when I see one lol
Um sorry to burst ur bubble but Rih’s boobies are not real. But they’re still fabulous nonetheless! But this is a great post and I’ll comment more in the morning. It’s waaaay passed my bedtime.
But I’ll leave with this, once again Carib girls do it best! I’m a little biased. Shrugs.
They certainly look and move like real ones. I’ve seen enough fakes to think that it is highly unlikely that hers aren’t real.
They look real and spectacular to me too.
Judging from those pics she sent Chris Brown, I think they are real.
“Judging from those pics she sent Chris Brown, I think they are real”
I had to google this… and I would agree.
But if they are fake she needs to give me the number of her surgeon in case I want to give the twins a little touch up.
Don’t judge me… ~JS
They definitely look real to me.
Pity they’re fake. They looked great in the “All of the Lights” video.
If they’re not real, her doc did a damn good job. I’ve seen some fake ones that actually look and move better than the real things.
Go figure.
For real??? Rihanna got a boob job? I had NO idea. But I shouldn’t be surprised. Kelly Rowland got one too.
But I shant hate. BOTH of them had fabulous surgeons b/c their clevelands (yes that’s what I said) are glorious. #NoDaBrat
I agree. If Rihanna’s are fake, that is. I knew about Kelly’s, but I like hers, too – implants that aren’t so obvious (like going from a B cup to a DD and there are no kids involved) are cool.
I think Rhianna’s are real. Kelly Rowland publicly admitted her surgery about 2-3 years ago. She basically said she was tired of being flat chested and wanted a more womanly shape. They look really great and proportionate to me, her doc did a good job.
And that’s what’s so great about hers and Kelly’s. They didn’t get ginormous implants. Just the right size for they’re bodies.
Word to Andre 3000.
I think they are real
awwww man…..
They are definitely real (remember the nude pics).
Furthmore, I know this because I am one….Most West Indian women are shaped like that way. We grow up eating and taking care of ourselves in a way that some other women may not. Nothing fake about her. Sorry.
I’m west indian too. and we’re shaped all different ways. The only reason that i made that comment was b/c i remember saying it a few yrs back. but if you look at the pics from when she first came out to now, they’re def diff.
Either way, it doesn’t matter. she looks great and her boobs look AMAZING. if she got implants, so what
I’m West Indian too and I thought we came in different sizes.
WHAT?! If true, that is probably the best boob job I’ve evah seent. Like, they all supple and whatnot.
interesting voice? i think you mean she sounds like crap 95% of the time.
Tee Hee Hee
WELP.
Sometimes I think she can sound like a cat in heat.
That’s an insult to a cat in heat man…lol
LOL
The cat’s response: http://bit.ly/1tuL2z
CTFU!
^____^____^___________________
*iFlatlined*
That image is forever seared into my memory. Thank you for this… DEAD…
I think the easy access to music videos via youtube has killed this generations excitement and anticipation for them. It did it for me. Once it got to the point where I could look up any vid I stopped checking for them on television. In fact, I don’t check for them on Youtube either. With so much dope ish on the internet why would I set aside five minutes to watch a random Taylor Swift video? Since no one watches them on tv, networks stopped showing them. So you really only see vids that you seek out. You don’t see all the hottest joints from all genres in one place anymore.
Anyway, I like the song a lot, and since the video doesn’t suck I guess I like it as well. I agree that the initial scene was too graphic. The blood splatter is what got me. I don’t think that it HAD to be included to get the point across. The couldv’e just showed her shooting and then skipped to the rapist sprawled on the ground in the pool of blood. That being said, that scene wasn’t terrible enough for me to be moved to protest or anything.
“I think the easy access to music videos via youtube has killed this generations excitement and anticipation for them. It did it for me.” <- This is an excellent point.
When I first read this, I thought you were yelling so I was going to respond with telling you to calm yourself down. But, on second reading you are in fact not yelling.
Malik…. what? lol
I read people’s comment here in different voices. When I first glanced at yours, it was really, really loud.
LMAO!!
off topic: Malik was that me you saw in the city monday evening?
It was in fact I.
well now i’m mad at you… i did not see you.. but you saw me… you should have said something…. DON’T LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN if you see me say something!!!
I’m shy.
This is true. I remember MJ videos premiering right after primetime television on Sunday nights, and kids talking about it the next day. There were even shows dedicated to making the videos on MTV, and that was when you saw the world premiere. Now, YouTube has not only killed the excitement, but you can also see content that originally wasn’t allowed.
I always think of Hammer’s pumps and a bump premiering on Arsenio Hall.
Next day in school… “was that a sock?” lol! I was too young (sheltered) to really know why we were so excited but I played it off.
*ooops* I saw my mistake right when it was being sent.
You did this Kema….
*hides behind the tree* Yes’m
@Kema – “was that a sock?”
No. It was three pairs of socks.
Wow, you were around to see the premier of MJ videos.
Youtube is attempting to do a TRL-type countdown, by making it easier to track the top music videos. This will attempt to make watching music videos a social activity again. This could conceivably lead to a youtube video countdown show, with hyped premiers.
Artists still try to hype their videos…they release little trailers for them online (a trailer for a 5 minute video? Yes smh). I think this does more harm than good for the video because the teasers will look more dope than the video actually is…then when the video comes out people are disappointed. Ex: Beyonce- Run the World. These artists really need to stop with that.
“I think the easy access to music videos via youtube has killed this generations excitement and anticipation for them.”
Good point. Especially given all the leaks that happen and whatnot. Well… I mean, I think it only killed it for television. Because the fact that there are so many leaks may SPEAK to the excitement not necessarily kill it. Youtube/Googlean’nem have to scramble to take down beaucoup copyrighted material speaks to that. It just so happens to be a different venue.
Whatchu know about riddims and reggae gold? lol let me find out..
My father used to have all of the “Simply The Best” compilations. LOL
Brsp…brap…brap!
I loved the song from the moment I heard it, but this is the 1st time seeing the video. I read about the big hoopla surrounding it, which I thought was unnecessary and a pitiful attempt to garner attention for their (Parents Television Council) cause. There are way more lewd, sexist and just visually wrong videos in existence for them to harp on Man Down. I say let the girl be great.
I died a slow death laughing at “she’s everything Bey fans want Bey to be”.
I’ve always believed that if Rihanna could sing well and dance like Janet, she would be THE Beyonce killer!…lol
if rihanna could sing…bey wouldnt be able to hold a candle to her
So we’re workin off “if’s” now? o.O
If Taylor Swift was black, Kanye wouldn’t have Kanye’d her. If Obama was Hispanic, all immigration hell would break loose. If money grew on trees, everybody would still want for something…
Point is: she can’t sang doe. So Bey technically holds the biggest, and most important candle in a singer’s career, which is an actual singing voice
even if she’s a robot.I think there’s more to it than that though. Beyonce has a history and a strong DC fan base. Rhianna would have to sing, dance, get married to one of the most popular rappers in history, win some Grammies (Grammys?), and star in some movies to be on par with Beyonce. (Jordan-Lebron?)
…I don’t really mean she has to do everything Beyonce has done, IJS ya girl ain’t even close.
I TOTALLY agree with you. Though I love Beyonce… she has never had any edge. I’ve been a fan since Destiny’s Child and she has never been one to stir up controversy.
Rihanna’s album is fire BECAUSE its light, energetic, sexy, risque and fun. Plus… who is her stylist????!?!?!
“Plus… who is her stylist????!?!?!”
OK?! She’s been working the quirky bright suits lately and I’ve been drooling.
I don’t particularly care for Rihanna; I think she’s made a career off of an accent and being “controversial” instead of actual talent. I think the video and song is classic reggae, which is good…
As for the initial violence, I was taken aback a bit, but not by much. There are shows on prime-time about rapists, murders and the like so I think as a society we’ve become desensitized to it in a way…
-.- I’m tired, but there’s some good stuff in what I said I hope.
“I think she’s made a career off of an accent and being “controversial” instead of actual talent”
You could say this same thing bout most British actors in Hollywood. See: Colin Farrell
Wait. Colin Farrell is Irish. Well them too.
Russell Brand, maybe?
Ricky Gervais most definitely…and yes, I do usually say the same for foreign comedians; they’re foreign funny, which most Americans don’t get but they laugh anyway so… -_-
Ricky Gervais is actually funny tho…Russell Brand irritates me
Ricky Gervais is kind of Simon Cowell/Piers Morgan funny to me. In any case, the market on rude English men is pretty much covered at this point…
Eddie Izzard is hilarious.
Coherancy comes with daylight…
*ahem*
The video, in a sea of other videos that make no damn sense or are the same format as others (men standing in front of a rented nice car, women scantily clad in the background, money falling from the sky and scene.) Rihanna’s video stands out because she tries to make it mean something… but she failed at making an impact once again and is just making controversy.
However, a trend I notice with Rihanna is that whenever she needs sales, she tends to do “controversial” things (or has controversial things happen to her; some of my friends still call Chris “Beat ‘er Down” Brown) like go “dark,” talk about S&M given her background with domestic violence and now shooting a man in the throat in the first thirty seconds of a medicore music video. She does it because she wants to be interesting not because she is.
I think people are having a hard time with it for no other reason than they have nothing else to do. The days of “good news is still news” is now gone, so if somebody somewhere is not getting raped, shanked, ran over, or otherwise maimed and exploited…gotta dig deep for that news story.
Also, and lastly, Beyonce is a robot. Robots are interesting, kind of. What she is not is empowering, uplifting or a role model based off of what she sings, not what she does after. Besides, it’s not up to entertainers to be role models; their job is to entertain. Role model falls squarely into the “parenting” part of the pie chart; parents are the first models we have and over time show us who our models should be. Maybe there’s the problem.
Love this whole comment and I agree with everything you said here.
i agree with everything but one thing…beyonce being a robot. i don’t think so. For some reason beyonce comes off to me as someone who treats what she does as a job. Her dad put her into it when she was a kid and it’s basically all she knows how to do. Her music is not about her life, her experience, or her dreams. It’s just all she’s ever known to do. Which is why she comes off like that I think. I’ll bet she really wanted to be something else in life, but she was good so she kept at it. I don’t see her being this way outside of the stage, I think it’s all an act.
C’mon son…you know she got that Stepford Wife look on her face during every interview and fan meet and greet. It’s okay to embrace her automation.
ROFL. Tes, u silly. Real talk, I can’t honestly see Jay-Z havin more interest in her than just her looks, altho if she anything like her momma she will age very well. But still, she seems like it’s all an act, and that when she’s home she has a whole diff personality. At least I hope. Then again in the words of the wise Akeem and Semi:
Akeem: So you would share your bed and your kingdom, with a beautiful fool?
Semi: That’s the way it has always been with men of power, it is tradition!
“Also, and lastly, Beyonce is a robot. Robots are interesting, kind of.”
LOL, I think what makes her so intriguing is that she’s as interesting and alive as a downtrodden piece of bologna but on stage she is hype dinna MUG. The switch-up is pretty impressive, actually.
On stage she’s “Sasha” or whoever-the-hell. What I find interesting is that even she doesn’t think she’s interesting enough on stage to be herself.
Exactly.
DAG!
That was *Rick James voice* cold blooooded!
You know you laughed doe Squeakers lol
I laughed.
And for that you get
a free lapdancemy love SoBoExactly, wer should not be looking at Rihanna or any other entertainers to raise our youth.
However, I disagree with the idea that because she was domestically abused that she should NOT have made the video (out of some sort of responsibility to young women???). I think this album has a alot of relevancy being that she was a victim of Chris “Beat’er Down” Brown. (He’s STILL Fine though!!!!). A woman who has experienced a dosmetic dispute is more likely to be enraged and have some very untimely outbursts. The S&M content and outwardly sexual songs as well as violence on the album could clearly point to a woman who has been damaged. Now, I’m not saying Rihanna was clever enough to come up with this concept but her song writers knew exactly what they were contrusting when they ENGINEERED Loud.
I’m not saying she shouldn’t have made the video, I’m saying she should have made it better than she did being that she was a victim and could give a poignant yet beautiful portrayal of that. I felt the video wasn’t what it could have been, that’s all.
As for “Beat ‘er Down” Brown: it’s not up to him to make ammends with me, and so my “forgiveness” of him isn’t warranted nor is anyone elses but the one he wronged. He is, however, fine denna muhfugga…what were we talkin about? o.O
How exactly does bring a victim of violence translate into making a better movie our video on the subject? Everybody in pron had had s3x yet many of those videos still have a bum rap.
As a victim of violence a person would have a better eye for realism and the emotion behind the characters they portray as well as have a better understanding of the character’s emotional range. Aesthetically, a victim knows better than most what victimization looks like and can accurately and poignantly show that.
As for pr0n, just cause they know how to do it certainly doesn’t mean they know how to do it right or know how their own faces look while doing it. I’m just saying…
But someone being raped knows what their faces looked like while it was happening? Someone having sex doesn’t have a good idea for the emotion behind it?
Aesthetically, a victim knows what it feels like. What someone looks like is very arbitrary. Torture is a great example. I’m betting an accurate depiction of torture would probably not satisfy most people.
I 100% co-sign the shooting of a rapist. Forget rule of law, you rape anyone, all sympathy goes out the window. The only problem with that becoming accepted is in cases where the accusation is false.
Anyhu, I love the song and video. And once again, I co-sign the shooting of rapists. That is all.
+1
+2
Yep.
I can understand the urge to take revenge, but I can’t cosign taking that revenge in my own hands to the point of taking a person’s life.
I think reasonable thing would be to chemically castrate all sex offenders. Its been discussed in the courts. If they rape someone, they lose their privileges.
Chemical castration does little to curb rape. Generally speaking, rape has little to do with sexual attraction and everything to do with power and control. Folks with those types of compulsions simply go to raping people with props.
Well at least a potential victim won’t have to worry about potential STD’s or pregnancy from their rapist, although raping with props still sounds traumatizing.
Exactly. In fact, I would imagine chemical castration would make some men even more enraged and violent.
Its supposed to reduce aggression.
I 100% co-sign the shooting of a rapist. .
Me Too!!!
An eye for an eye. You rape, you GET raped.
I say this thinking about the bastard that raped and then murdered 5 yr old Sheniya Davis. I’ve never wished bad on anyone, and as a Christian, i believe in unconditional forgiveness. But what he did– i ain’t even gon front, it hurt me in my spirit. I wished they woulda stuck him in prison and let him get gang raped repeatedly.
#IMJUSTSAYIN
Gun shot fi buss up inna rapist head!
“Forget rule of law, you rape anyone, all sympathy goes out the window. The only problem with that becoming accepted is in cases where the accusation is false. ”
Baddabing. I agree with the notion that “rapists, in a way, take away the victim’s life because a huge part of them dies inside.”
Not a huge Rhianna fan, I prefer to listen to her music s/c (esp. “Rude Boy”)
, if at all. I had to give her props on telling that chick “bcuz I’m Black b*tch!”. That was great, it’s pretty much what you wanna tell any 2520 who asks way too many questions about your hair. I saw the video over the weekend, IDK, didn’t really have an opinion about it either way. Maybe I’ve seen too many gangster flicks…lol
Lol I’m not on Twitter but I’ll look at celebrities’ pages from time to time, and Rihanna’s is hilarious. She’s witty, and her comeback game is on point.
shes genuine which is sayin alot for a popstar (Gaga goes overboard, Kesha tries too hard, u rarely see the real Britney or Beyonce)
I did she how she was clowing Ciara a few months back, pretty hilarious!
*see, and clowning….lawd!!!
I read about Rihanna’s random twitter posts and laugh…chick is hilarious…she seems FUN….and as much as I respect Bey’s hustle, cuz the girl’s hustle game is sick, chick is BORING…
plus, I don’t think Rihanna is trying to be anything, she just is…remember how wack she was when she first came out, that was her trying to be a sexy island girl mermaid chick, that was her trying…soon as she dropped that image and went “I’ma do this how I wanna” Rhi-Rhi…she turned into a rockstar…
she’s like the girl version of Diddy…
Hmm…
I knew the video was out and I actually liked the song beforehand, but this is my first time seeing the vid.
Thoughts: I dunno. I feel like we’ve become so desensitized to sexual violence in our society, that I surprised this garnered the attention is did. Between Law & Order SVU, local news, and every horror movie since 1970, violence against women and children has become so sensationalized its become some sick form of entertainment =/
As for the video itself, I think it does what it supposed to do – visually tell the story of the song. She killed someone, she regrets it (sort of). It’s not an original premise, but it gets the job done. And I do appreciate the lush Caribbean setting.
I kind of wish this concept still horrified people. No, actually I wish we lived in a world where stuff like that never happened
Im surprised this vid got the attention it did too. When i 1st heard about rihanna’s “violent” new video i was expecting mangled bodies in a bathtub full of kool-aid or some sh*t.
U can say i’m very desensitized lol but im not alone
Same here. This was my first time seeing it too. After hearing so much about it, I expected it to be gruesome violence on a Kill Bill level. Being that this song/album have been out for a while, what does one expect when the lyrics say “I just shot a man down?” And how is this different from any other violence that we see on TV or online? The killing was more graphic than the rape. It took me a second to realize that the assault had passed.
I think my last video viewing was also Kanye.
Between Law & Order SVU, local news, and every horror movie since 1970, violence against women and children has become so sensationalized its become some sick form of entertainment =/
I agree with this. I was just watching the news (which i’m sure families with children do) and they showed a video (with audio) of a woman being attacked by a rapist! It was quite disturbing. He didn’t rape her, but you saw her screaming and struggling to get away from him. They were also reading out the graphic details of the sexual conversations that Weiner had with his “facebook friends”. It was just TOO much for the news, and I’m sure kids were watching..
I was about to post the same paragraph. I’m as surprise as everyone else that one scene of a guy getting shot cause a ruckus.
News was pretty comfortable during the Weinergate saga of showing that picture (wth news cycle, don’t have to show it)
Probably cause there wasn’t much to see there.
Zing!
It was probably less of an Oscar Mayer Weiner and more of a Vienna Sausage. O_O
I’m addicted to Dexter and his skillful way of killing people and covering his ass while doing so.
I suppose I shouldn’t enjoy this show as much as I do but it’s so intriguing! I guess I’m all desensitized and what not #shrug
cosign I am such Dexter fiend. That show is ingenious, my siblings think I’m creepy for it.
+ 1 on the Dexter love. I’m super de-sensitized lol
I watched exactly one episode of Dexter. Exactly one episode of The Wire. I couldn’t take it. I can’t watch horror flicks, period. I don’t watch cop dramas. It gets to me and gives me nightmares and makes me anxious. I don’t like being anxious. So I stay in my happy, rose colored world. Sensitized.
And I am with you in that happy, rose colored world, lol
“I’m addicted to Dexter and his skillful way of killing people and covering his ass while doing so.”
Love this show but I wonder… Is it wrong that I take notes ~JS
“I kind of wish this concept still horrified people. No, actually I wish we lived in a world where stuff like that never happened”
@Andi… I had exactly the same thought, about both the murder and the rape.
I was surprised that this was the target they chose… I mean I would expect something like True Blood or even Game of Thrones.
But you know Tarantino said that he had to change the Crazy 88 massacre from color to black and white because to get the R rating… apparently Americans have a problem with blood.
I think that you wouldn’t even have to edit the opening scene of the video if it had been shot in black and white because I think actually seeing the blood is what makes the opening “violent” ~JS
Maybe because I’m a CSI junkie the gore didn’t bother me. Great video.
Ri Ri will be Ri Ri (whatever the heck that is) I actually enjoyed the video and thought she should have sliced him up with a machete but that wouldn’t flow right with the song….Anywho, if folks think that video is violent then they haven’t seen M.I.A’s video for Born Free. However, M.I.A. is expected to make a violent or “envelope pushing” video. Rihanna is expected to prance around in chocolate syrup screaming about condoms, money, and bad break ups.
That “Born Free” video was too wild.
I loved it! It was raw and had a great message. Carrot top genocide =(
Yo! “Born Free” was Out. Of. Control. I didn’t believe what I was seeing. In fact, I saw it that one time and decided that once was enough. I get her point but Lawd it was rough. M.I.A has that rebel hipster image (tamil tiger “connects” give her street cred) where Ri Ri has the pseudo rebel pop image. Ri Ri can’t make such moves without controversy.
My point exactly! Sri Lanka had it out for her whole family…her music comes from a true struggle. Not to say that Ri Ri hasn’t faced obstacles but they just shouldn’t be compared in the realm of music lol
Nonsense. MIA is a poseur.
Yeah, that’s why I put connects in quotations. I remember reading some article that kinda unraveled her backstory. I never looked at her the same way.
k, I found the link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/magazine/30mia-t.html
The article was later corrected but it seems that all of the statements weren’t changed, just the order they appeared in: http://www.newser.com/story/91241/nyt-corrects-mia-article.html
Also, if anyone reads the history of the Sri Lankan conflict, one cannot support Tamil Tigers as they are Tamil Hindus from India in a Buddhist Singhalese land.
Yes, they had valid complaints wrt discrimination, but forming a radical terrorist group was not the best way to address those issues.
bollocks… MIA grew up in the UK, and is a hipster.
Yeah. Born Free was a wild video. Someone going out and killing all the redheads is a wild concept.
Southpark!
I felt another approach would have been better but then the theme of “man down” would have been lost. I’m not surprised we are discussing this video. I wasn’t a fan of the video. I am a somewhat fan of the message behind it. Could it have been crafted better? Yes. Now I’m thinking should I just accept something halfway dancing or shooting around the issue. I just think it could have been done better.
I really like the comparison to Beyonce. You really offered some good points. #2 was my favorite part of this post.
Question For Clarification: didn’t Kill Bill begin with Mamba killing Vernica Green? Of course, the explanation for that murder was explained pretty quickly. So your point is still valid..and yes I agree- awesome movie(s).
I personally don’t feel that Rhianna is all that spectacular of an artist or beautiful. Her voice annoys me and after a while so do her songs. I do admire her verbal ass-kicking on Twitter however, so she has uplifted herself to being “Ok”.
I kind of feel sorry for kids now a days. Videos these days are nothing like the ones we had. I remember waiting for videos to come out with anticipation. I asked to stay up late to watch MJ’s videos on ABC. They actually PREMIERED on ABC. MJ videos were an event!
I would study dance moves for AGES..so I can show off in front of my friends (heck..I’m even saving my pennies so I can get the MJ Experience on Wii..or is Playstation? Whatever) . Do kids do that today?
Janet was my hero. I can see Beyonce possibly being that (I kind of see a lot of Janet in her dance moves..JMO)..especially now with her Let’s Move.org Video: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYP4MgxDV2U) which is awesome.. but do kids follow her the same way we followed Janet?
Poor kids.
Yes. Agreed on this comment. Yes, videos used to be an event. We all know “Thriller” was a big deal, “Remember The Time” was a big deal and I even remember the video for DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince’s “Summertime” premiering on primetime network TV.
Didn’t “Remember the Time” debut on Arsenio or some show? It seems like I remember watching a show, just to see the video premiere. Anyone know for sure?
WIKI says it premiered on MTV, BET and VH1. However, I remember it being on network tv, though. :/ No..mayber that was Black or White. Yes..it must have been Black or White because he had that long scene at the end where he grabbed himself a lot and there was controversy over it being too much for primetime.
I do remember that controversy over the B/W video. Mike did have like a 5 minute crotch grab interlude that probably should’ve been cut from the vid…lol
I’m an MJ stan and always will be.
Not too long ago I watched a tribute video on Youtube that was basically just clips of him grabbing his crotch. I mean, I knew he did that a lot and I’d seen him do it many times before but seeing so much in about a four minute montage…I was just like wow. o_O
Still love him though.
LMAO!!! Yeah, a four minute montage is a bit much.
Wow! What a memory. Yeah, we did get excited to see that video. I guess the thrill is gone in videoland.
Internet killed the video star.
You know that reference makes you sound……(old enough to remember when MTV was new). NTTAWWT
LMAO, I guess it does, but you forgot to factor in the power of the internet
“Remember the Time,” “Black and White,” and “Wzup Wit You” actually premiered after “The Simpsons.” I remember there being commercials promoting it and everything. lol
I miss the 80s/early 90s.
“Wzup Wit You”
I watch that video these days just to laugh!! I sent it to a friend who didn’t remember it, and he swore it was a parody. I was like, no playa this sh*t REALLY happened…lol
I try my best to pretend that this video never actually existed and that it was same nightmare I had as a kid.
Sometimes it even works.
Just for sh*ts and giggles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J-UlKMg6TU
That was just mean.
This is payback for me making you feel “old” isn’t it?
Just Evilene mean.
*snickers*
Oh my.. I can honestly say that I have never seen this video. Thanks for bringing laughter to my life on a Wednesday. LOL
You’re welcome!
I remember watching that premiere in my dorm room with my roommate and afterward we just looked at each other like WTF???
You notice they never really showed it much after the premiere right?? LMAO
“Remember the Time” didn’t premiere during “In Living Color”. Or am I confusing that with the premiere of “Summertime”?
I miss when “music channels” actually played “music videos”. I think the interest in music videos started dying when MTV, VH1, and BET moved toward “reality television”.
I actually think that Ciara is a better comparison to Janet than Bey. I think Bey wants to be Tina Turner. I wish her luck with that. (Not really.)
Poor kids indeed.
I always thought Ciara was supposed to be Aaliyah #2. I say Bey as future Janet only because of her cross-over following. She’s also trying to establish herself in movies, the same as Janet. (and like Janet, her acting skills can use some work)
Bey has to prove she can stay relevant into her fifties. I don’ think giving her Icon or Generation award is so early is helping her to actually become an icon, though.
Yeah, I don’t see Bey as being a real Icon yet because her music is sooo dated and elementary in concept. I mean, The Velvet Rope still bangs. Will Bday be the ish in 2025? Probably not.
It will to me! Lol I loved B-Day…it was funky. And fierce. On that album she showed that she can church sing over hard hip hop beats and make it sound totally organic. I think it’s awesome. I’m just one person though, you might be right lol.
I love B’Day too. I still listen to it to this day. But I don’t feel that same way about anything she’s put out since then. Especially her most recent stuff.
I’m really looking forward to hearing all of the most recent stuff. With the exception of “Girls,” she seems to be going in a more mature direction.
I actually have to disagree with the comparison of Bey and Janet but agree with the comparison of Ciara and Aalyiah. Ciara had it down to the baggy pants and wife beater that Aaliyah would wear alot.
As for Beyonce not being an icon and her music being date I think it is the other way around. Like Janet there were hits that were classic, like Rythmn Nation etc., I think Beyonce has classics as well. Tell me when Crazy In Love comes on everyon from your gray haired granny to your two year old dont try to do the booty dance. Songs like that and single ladies have reached electric slide status.
“I miss when “music channels” actually played “music videos.”
Absolutely! We’d literally have video party’s in anticipation of the video premieres. I used to stay up all night with MTV. Get home from the club, turn on the music videos and continue. Nostalgia. Too bad. It really wasn’t THAT long ago… was it? :S
I feel like I may fall under this kids category seeing that I’m under 24 and what not. It’s assumed my generation is missing out on everything that was good and right within the world before 1985 lol Woe is the individual born after (insert arbitrary year here).
No one is really trying to steer my generation towards the awesomeness of “the good ol’ days”. It’s unfortunate that we’re just put in a box that reads Do Not Open EVER! lol
Eh, pay no attention to the gray haired cane shaking… Every generation claims they had the best music, movies, etc. Its called selective memory. You only remember the stuff that was memorable and forget the tons and tons of crap that was produced. I’m sure your generation will have its great stuff, too. Like that song…All I Want is You. Is that what its called? By some young punk named….. Whosit? That one is stuck in my head. Its a good one.
It’s by Miguel and I love that song, LOL.
Hey, I’m 24 and while we did get the butt end of all that was good and great with the world (ended somewhere in the mid 90s), we can still enjoy “the good ole days”!
We had good music too!
I remember when “Black and White” premiered, and yes it did premiere on ABC or FOX…actually I think it premiered on all networks.
I do get the “Video Killed the Radio Star” reference a few comments up, although it was waaaaaay before my time.
I used to race home to watch videos when BET/MTV still showed them, with the occasional reality show/talk show/animated cartoon thrown in the schedule.
Basically, don’t think Gen Y was completely snubbed, we weren’t! (Or maybe it’s because I grew up with an older family…) Now this new generation…yeah, they’re screwed. We need to help them.
BTW, can anyone tell me how to add my picture, I’ve been trying…and yes I am registered with the site. Please and thanks!
u have to sign up on gravatar.com and link a picture to the e-mail address u use when commenting- it’ll show up on any blog u use that address
“I would study dance moves for AGES..so I can show off in front of my friends (heck..I’m even saving my pennies so I can get the MJ Experience on Wii..or is Playstation? Whatever) . Do kids do that today?”
Little girls around the way STILL do that! I don’t know about the ones in the burbs, but I can guarantee if I went to my old neighborhood this afternoon, there would be little girls in the park performing Beyonce’s Run the World video. That is definitely something that has survived around the way, and I love it!
That just made me reminisce about my cuz and I learning the choreography to Oaktown 357′s “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” and “Juicy Gotcha Crazy”. Musta watched those videos 25 times, getting down all the steps.
LMAO! *sings* Memories….like the corner of my miiind.
“Pump it, pump it, pump it!” *dancing and singing B Angie B’s part*
YES!!!!!
I think that’s one thing Beyonce and Ciara have kept alive. The dance in the mirror, learn the routine, try to do it in the club videos.
I suppose Rihanna is the most interesting mainstream singer. As evident by her videos she has absolutely no idea what she’s talking about though (S&M coming to mind first).
Interesting post. I died laughing when I read Rihanna’s response to the Nappy Hair comment.
It’s interesting that she chose a fairly bouncy reggae beat (but aren’t most of them bouncy) for this song about such a negative topic. And speaking of reggae beats, seeing that every summer needs a reggae song that is played in heavy rotation, methinks that for the summer of 2011, this may be it. Or at least one of them.
“…with a buck50 across his face” man, i haven’t heard that term in ages, but it’s no joke.
It’s funny that you brought up the moth theme, because there’s actually this Audioslave song called Moth, that I’ve been listening to like crazy for the past few days, that’s actually about pushing away from the flame and finally getting away from it.
And for #4, they’re so spectacular that you think they’re fake, but then you’re on cloud 96087 whence thou doth discern the reality of the boobage.
I am completely unfamiliar with the “cuz I’m black bitch” comment and the premise behind it. That said, any time that phrase it uttered it’s sure to be funny.
IIII don’t know if I’d call Rihanna “interesting” I like a lot of her songs, and enjoyed her fashion break-through of the Rated R era, but “interesting” would involve doing something compelling, or new. Soo not so much..more like “Fun” and less PR. When I think of “interesting” I think of artist like Bjork. But I prefer singers to be interesting on stage, I don’t need to “connect” with their personal persona, we ain’t kickin it.
I like the song and video “Man Down” but her contradictory arse response to that parental group really irked me. I didn’t even think the video was the most graphic video I’ve ever seen. I know that Gnarles Barkley James Brown video was pretty gory and was later banned, and I just watched the “Monster” video, so this is tame by comparison imo.
“But I prefer singers to be interesting on stage, I don’t need to “connect” with their personal persona, we ain’t kickin it.”
I agree. I also enjoyed her fashion plate days since she could dress her a$$ off but being something nice to look at isn’t enough for me. I don’t fall for the image, i fall for the artist and the image is the icing on the cake.
Misty Knight
“When I think of “interesting” I think of artist like Bjork”
Extra points for digging Bjork…she should do something with Cee-Lo.
Wow, Bjork and Cee-Lo? That would be wild.
YOOOO, that would be the most trippy performance/music video of all times.
I’m not a fan of rhianna and have no opinion about the video. My issue is with the backlash that the video has gotten from parents. Like raise your children, comcast has that parental control feature for a reason. Please believe, this video is no worse than the murderous video games you buy jojo.
Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!! This is nothing to kids! All the crazy stuff that video games, the news, movies and other tv programs show….this is what you come out of the woodworks for?? Take a seat, right here please \_ and thank you.
i actually think kids can see this video… when i say kids i mean teens… the way that s.ex is thought about by teens and tweens even is so cavalier, so fly by night… the consequence of doing things that people don’t want done doesn’t even seem to make these kids pause… i want them to think oh sh*t let me not push it this b*tch might be crazy for real and kill my azz… i want people to stop and think… STOP AND THINK
just me???
No e-sis. Not just you. But still not enough.
I agree
“i actually think kids can see this video… when i say kids i mean teens… the way that s.ex is thought about by teens and tweens even is so cavalier, so fly by night… the consequence of doing things that people don’t want done doesn’t even seem to make these kids pause… i want them to think oh sh*t let me not push it this b*tch might be crazy for real and kill my azz… i want people to stop and think…”
Slow e-clap… girl we are because that was my thought as well.
We are never gonna survive… unless we get a little crazy ~JS
You’re definitely not alone, but if folks are psycho enough to actually commit rape, not sure reasonining will assist them here.
but that’s the thing Alana most rapists are not psycho… most rape is not the “deranged stranger taking a woman by force” most rape is not the serial rapists that can’t get erections unless violence is on the menu… most rapes occur at the hands of people that we see as regular… men that believe they are in the right, boys that don’t understand consequence, males that have been taught that women are just here to use and discard, for their pleasure, don’t know what they want, they say no but really mean yes take it because i don’t want to be a slut etc…
oh but when it is a boy or man that is raped, the anger of men, the disgust… can we reply to their feelings with but he was so cute, he was walking down the street with those tight pants on, his butt was totally exposed and he could see his underwear, he smiled at him at the bodega, that must mean he wanted it, he was walking with a twitch (not really but there has to be a way to walk with your pants below your buttocks that will keep the pants from falling), he touched his p.enis (could have been the boy was adjusting) etc… ok now i’m rambling… i must stop before i get out of control on here
100% truth on that. And to expound, when men are raped, it’s seen as extremely embarassing, demoralizing, and heinous. And the feelings of anger from the male victim is completely understood and fostered. (now while the healing after such an event is really the key to moving on and admittedly, our society places a lot of “but you are a man, how did this happen to you, you aren’t strong enough” sentiments on the victim, which is wrong)
That being said, vengence and violence among male victims toward their perp is understood and no one questions the expression of such anger when a male is the victim.
Why is it so, then, if a woman expresses the same amount of rage toward someone who has violated her in one of the worst possible ways?
100% truth on that. And to expound, when men are raped, it’s seen as extremely embarassing, demoralizing, and heinous. And the feelings of anger from the male victim is completely understood and fostered. (now while the healing after such an event is really the key to moving on and admittedly, our society places a lot of “but you are a man, how did this happen to you, you aren’t strong enough” sentiments on the victim, which is wrong)
That being said, vengence and violence among male victims toward their perp is understood and no one questions the expression of such anger when a male is the victim.
Why is it so, then, if a woman expresses the same amount of rage toward someone who has violated her in one of the worst possible ways?
What about the MRA epithet “ass-raped in divorce court”.
They say the way the courts treat men is on par with being a victim of rape.
Perhaps if more of them were actually raped they see a difference?
You’re definitely not alone. However, if a person is deranged enough to actually commit rape, not sure reasoning will assist them at all.
The hundreds of hours I’ve put in during my lifetime playing the many Grand Theft Auto iterations have done more to affect my view on violence than watching this Rhianna video.
Groups decided to get some NPR airtime off this issue at the expense of Rhianna.
Right, if BET has to stop showing that video, they’d also have to stop showing every commercial for Call of Duty and Halo 27.
“Like raise your children, comcast has that parental control feature for a reason.”
OK?! And it’s not like Rih Rih has kid friendly songs ANYWAY since “going bad” so to even put her in that position is pretty unfair and invalid, frankly.
I don’t like Rihanna. Never really have and probably never will. So, just like with Kobe Bean, anything I type from here on will be hella biased. That said…
1)…I didn’t watch the video. I have avoided watching it to this point and don’t see any reason to not continue to avoid it. I don’t watch many music videos these period and Kanye’s “Monster” is actually the last one I set out and sat down to watch. and I didn’t find it at all as disturbing as many other people so maybe I can’t rightly judge whether something is too graphic or not.
2) Rihanna is not the least bit interesting to me. Because I don’t believe what she’s trying to convince me of. I don’t buy her gangsta, I don’t buy her sexy, she just triess waaay too hard to me. Everyone’s image is manufactured these days but Rih’s is just too manufactured. Just like Bey’s. And I fcking hate her voice. I literally can’t listen to more than a few seconds of it without wanting to scream to drown her out.
3) I don’t know about this one. In the case of Kill Bill, the movie wouldn’t have been as awesome if it had started will Bill’s death. The best part was the anticipation of what was gonna happen when Bea finally found her man. With this video, how emotionally invested are we expected to get in only five minutes? Maybe they started off with the best part or they just wanted to get people talking.
4) Her boobs are alright, just like the rest of her. I will say that overall, Rihanna is a pretty girl that can be beautiful withe the right styling. She would have been a better model than pop star in my opinion. One of those chick’s that should be seen and not heard. Ever. Even on Twitter. Which is the debil’s playground.
It’s late, I’m tired, and I’m not sure any of that made sense to anyone but me. My work here is done.
I think that the way you feel about Rihanna is the way I feel about Gaga. Do not want.
See, I like Gaga because, behind all the theatrics and attention-whoring publicity stunts I can see there is a really good voice and some real talent and creativity. When she’s not stealing from Madonna that is. I haven’t given up on her…yet.
I don’t see anything behind Rih’s extraness because her image is built on nothing as she has little to no talent to speak of.
Yeah, I can see that. She does have an actual voice and can play piano. I still don’t like her music, which is fine cuz we can’t like everything. But since I don’t like the music the crazy image is like rubbing salt in a wound. I only like extra-ness in drag queens (which she does a bad impression of). Lol.
I’ve missed the Gaga movement, but I say some awards show and the FIRST thing I though of “Born This Way”- that sounds like “Vogue”! And then they were actually voguing (vogue-ing?) However, I can’t hate a girl that loves playing with hair and make-up.
Actually it sounds more like Express Yourself…
KMN
I like Gaga’s music better when someone else (Glee) covers it.
Poker Face redo was awesome: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4442CyMC_Do
LOVE Idina Menzel
So…Many…Typos…Auuuuuuuugh!
I hate typos.
3) I love the name Beatrix Kiddeaux too
4) You know that Jane Mansfield had some large b.reasts…
TAC,
This right here….this RIGHT HERE…
“Rihanna is not the least bit interesting to me. Because I don’t believe what she’s trying to convince me of.”
Is why i couldn’t get into the whole theme of the vid. I understood the premise, but i didn’t believe it. None of it. There are artists that pull you in, and then there are artists that you watch from a distance and go…hmm. And then go back to what you were doing. Rihanna is one of those with me. I try to believe her, experience her, but ehh…it just don’t work for ya boy. So i just enjoy the boobies and get back to the real music.
8)
Lemme just go ahead and cosign here for your #1, because I’m too lazy to leave a detailed comment.
I don’t feel one way or the other about Rihanna, as with most new artists…lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, etc…so I don’t like or dislike her enough to care. I will say however, as someone who has been sexually assaulted…I don’t exactly need a music video to remind me of what I’ve been through…I have a vivid imagination and a real good memory.
I think I watch too much CSI, because I didn’t really even flinch. Oh well…
Oh yeah to address Rihanna. Overall I like her. She’s pop, she’s edgy, she dresses her a$$ off, she changes up her style with each album, she’s “exotic”, she pretty (i don’t think she’s a pretty as some think but she attractive for sure), she’s catchy, but she can’t sing (still love most her singles) and she’s an awful performer (very uninteresting on stage). thatisall
“Oh yeah to address Rihanna. Overall I like her. She’s pop, she’s edgy, she dresses her a$$ off, she changes up her style with each album, she’s “exotic”, she pretty (i don’t think she’s a pretty as some think but she attractive for sure), she’s catchy, but she can’t sing (still love most her singles) and she’s an awful performer (very uninteresting on stage). thatisall”
Ditto… I consider Rihanna a media entertainer, perfect for the digital age… she is a real pop culture princess.
When people say that her image is manufactured I say yeah and… I think that she has done a much better job than Brittany… I mean the chick on Glee does a better Brittany than Spears.
I just think Rihanna is the best at being what she is trying to be… a pop star ~JS
Didn’t flinch…but then I read the blog post before the video. Who knows what my reaction would have been if this was a blind experiment. *shrug*
I didn’t flinch either, but I did watch Dawn of the Dead yesterday and they were blowing heads off right and left. I usually don’t watch shows like that, but for some reason I ended up watching that mindless flick.
I didn’t flinch either and I don’t watch the news regularly or watch any of these other violent shows people have mentioned in this post.
LOL, I watched Dawn of the Dead yesterday too. I was entertained- those zombies were moving fast as hell! I thought the un-dead were supposed to be slow.
I play Dawn of the Dead..LOVE shooting at the zombies. *I’m not violent, I swear..just on video games*. I like running people over on Grand Theft Auto too.
I really am a nice person, though.
“Rihanna has slowly become everything fervent Beyonce critics have always (and unfairly) wanted Bey to be. Basically, she’s, well, interesting. ”
She’s nowhere near as beautiful and talented as Beyonce is.
This song and video is another form of mass mind control. Popular media keeps feeding us violent images, images of dysfunctional people from dysfunctional homes and basically all sorts of morbid shit. Did you see that completely demented video with her, Eminem, Megan Fox and some white trailer trash looking dude in it? Again, another domestic violence theme involving underclass behaviour.
The mindbenders want our kids to accept all this as normative.
The only way it will stop is if we stop watching, listening, buying.
And only buy, listen and watch progressive and positive media.
Are you saying that Beyonce is progressive and positive? Yes she can blow but she’s duller than drying paint. I can respect her work ethic and drive but I wouldn’t want little Mary emulating her either (I’m referencing her music videos, songs and performances not her hustle; that’s very admirable) or little Joey thinking that that’s acceptable, normal, epitome of womanhood.
I’m not a fan of popular music/media so I don’t listen regularly to Beyonce and have never once bought anything of her’s. But the times I have heard her, her voice is far better than Rihanna’s and she is much, much better looking.
I also don’t think she’s as bad of an actress as some have claimed. I saw one movie with her (free online, didn’t pay) and she was OK.
Rihanna is unique looking so she wins out, hands-down over Bey. Bey is straight manufactured. Without the weave and make-up, she’s average. Nothing wrong with average, but if she toned it down, she’d (Bey) be much more attractive in my opinion.
Totally agree.
Uhh have you seen Rihanna w/o her make up? O_o. Maybe she had a rough nite but mann it was unflattering
http://mto.mediatakeout.com/44951/photos_of_rihanna_without_makeup____and_without_her_red_weave_hit_the_net_she_aint_as_cute_as_we_thought.html?image=50363
Have you seen her without weave and makeup? Her face is still beautiful, even moreso, natural. She has good bone structure and beautiful features.
Rihanna’s features are not particularly attractive.
Lemme’ guess, the movie was Cadillac records ?
I actually saw that one and another one – the one where she plays Idris Elbis’s wife, forget the name. She’s no Meryl Streep, but she ain’t bad either.
Not that I’m seeing bey but what else you expect her to do. As far as some people see it she is with out finance or life or pizazz or what ever one would call it. she is about as reaffirming and positive as a female artist can be while remaining a factor. What more could she do to be an acceptable role model? Lil may would be way better with her than riri or gaga or shoot take your pick…no drug issues, motivated, consistent and professional. She is not the in all be all and not so great when compared to doctors and the like but until the other professions are celebrated, I would be relieved if lil ms. sagey followed bey with admiration.
I don’t think she’s as reaffirming as you make her out to be – & that’s coming from someone that stans pretty hard for Bey (her recent work notwithstanding
RUNTHEWORLD WAS AWFULBeyonce tends to create “girl power” anthems that are a) completely incongruous with the way that she actually lives her life and b) facilitate the skewing of “empowered priorities”, allowing ratched women to chant inane mantras.
Beyonce has glorified being a “Diva”, treating men like toys, and the like – while in reality she seems to like a really subdued lifestyle ( i say seem bc who the eff really knows). Don’t get me started on how some of her singles completely contradict her earlier anthems. Even Run the World which was supposed to be focusing on girl empowerment – “This goes out to all my girls/That’s in the club rocking the latest” – umm…. #nuffsaid
** btw, if you havent seen the “Run The World – Lies” video, I HIGHLY suggest it to all you VSS’s : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEpKoCofdh4 **
Bey’s music is enjoyable and anthemic, but you have to acknowledge it for what it is – dumb ish that you scream along to when you’re with your girls, not to be taken seriously.
co-sign shamira. she can be entertaining, but she’s no role model. she cleans up nice and gets on oprah and partners with michelle so it gets people confused. but she’s (her image/music anyway) also very materialistic, she encourages self-objectification as some sort of twisted 21st century female empowerment and she’s always performing in panties and unitards, lol!
and yes, run the world sucks, song and video. how u running something, but still in drawers on your back with ur legs up in the air? doesn’t seem like a position of power/authority to me…
no, i would be VERY uncomfortable if my non-existent little girl looked up to Bey…
materialistic? Self-objectification?
I’m confused about the World you all think we live in.
Really??? Okay.
materialistic? Self-objectification?
I’m confused about the World you all think we live in.
Really??? Okay.
“Beyonce tends to create “girl power” anthems that are a) completely incongruous with the way that she actually lives her life and b) facilitate the skewing of “empowered priorities”, allowing ratched women to chant inane mantras.”
I was just talking about this with someone… it is my only real problem with Bey ~JS
“Beyonce tends to create “girl power” anthems that are a) completely incongruous with the way that she actually lives her life and b) facilitate the skewing of “empowered priorities”, allowing ratched women to chant inane mantras.”
Nothing beats Fantasia’s “Baby Mama Anthem”.
It’s a “badge of honor to be a baby mama” and “baby mama’s are the backbone of the ‘hood”
LOL!
Backbone of the ‘hood, alright!
I think you probably missed the point of that song. She is not glorifying being a single parent, but giving props to single women who are trying to raise a child, work, and go to school.
Being a single parent is challenging no matter if you were never married or were married and divorced. It takes a lot of backbone to do it all alone when the ‘father’ ditches his responsibilities to his children. I have seen it work the other way around too — a mother ditching the kids on the father and those fathers step up. I love seeing a man being a man and taking care of his own. It is sometimes very refreshing.
Either way, all I’m gonna say is you make your bed you need to lie in it! Some folks, however, don’t think beyond the ecstasy of the moment.
I, as well as many other people, feel that the song glorifies irresponsible sexuality. There is no way I would want my daughter to EVER think that being a premature “baby mama” was “badge of honor”.
Rather quite the opposite – its a damn shame!
And the “backbone of the ‘hood” – really? Its the reason “hoods” exist in the first place!
There are many reasons that the “hood” exists. But single mothers aren’t one of them.
Yes, they are.
MJB, have you been in the hood? Let’s get a little more specific; have you been in the bricks? Talked to the folks that live there? Know their daily struggles? Understand how things work from Medicaid to Food Stamps? If you don’t/haven’t then you can’t possibly understand the life.
Ain’t all women in the hood irresponsible with their sexual desires. As TheAnti-Cool points out, there are MANY reasons the ‘hood’ exists. There is NOTHING glorious about being a single parent!- except when your child is grown, not on drugs, does good in school and raises themselves to higher standards because their mother worked her a$$ off to give them that!
Again, you miss the point. It is not about wearing a badge of honor because you are a baby mama. It is about taking the responsibility because you did lay down and create a child. The father may not be there, but the mother is raising that child because she is taking responsibility for her actions. Taking responsibility is a badge of honor regardless of the circumstances.
“Ain’t all women in the hood irresponsible with their sexual desires.”
I Never said that all of them were.
” As TheAnti-Cool points out, there are MANY reasons the ‘hood’ exists.”
And girls/women having unprotected sex with irresponsible boys/men is one of the many reasons.
I don’t think Beyonce is anywhere near as beautiful and talented as the media wants us to believe. Just more overrated, over-hyped tripe cause some people need an idol to worship.
Her, Christian Aguilera, and Mariah Carey all have brilliant voices but are the most soulless and vapid singers that have existed during my lifetime. All of them just have people pen girl (and I mean girl not women) anthems, dance songs, and ‘emotional’ ballads. And people soak it up for some ungodly reason. I can at least sorta respect a Keri Hilson who’s gleefully upfront about her pretty girl narcissism in her songs.
I must agree with you here. Except about Keri. Talk about someone that tries too damn hard.
I have images of her brittle frame dry humping the air forever etched into my mind….
Yeah, Keri doesn’t exactly have a “put that ish on you” body.
The way you feel about Rihanna is how I feel about Keri.
I think Keri is Ashanti 2.0, which is just….
Don’t dis Keri Hilson like that. She actually has a semblance of a singing voice and looks like she could be over 18. #thatisall
LOL, what happened to Ashanti though? Last time I saw her was on 106 & Park looking
bloatedsupa-thick.Ashanti rode her gravy train as far as it would go and then she got off. She was really the beginning of the 2000′s “I’m hot but I can’t really sing but I have catchy songs” movement. She got a couple albums, some star time, and a movie out of it. And should be set for life. Even Irv Gotti did an interview back then sayin he didn’t think it would last for her b/c she got way too hot way too fast.
An MRA!
But beyonce also writes…just like keri writes. Just like neyo writes. This argument sounds a lot like a who sold out worse argument than it does about personality skill or anything else. Not only am I barely a fan of any of them but I could almost care less. What ever.
Beyonce CLAIMS to write. And people let her get away it for the most part.
http://theurbandaily.com/music/the-urban-daily-staff/did-beyonce-lie-about-writing-her-own-songs/
Except when they don’t. All a part of the hype that I cannot believe.
Personally IDC if she can or can’t write. I’ll never go as far to research her or actually buy an album by her. The point is, when her songs come on the radio I’m less likely to change the station whereas Rihanna is almost always a changed station.
Also, TAC…homegirl on that vid was serious about it all. Who hurt her?
How do you know whether Beyonce writes or not? Why would I doubt her? Why would I care that much…she said she did…I believe it until it matters then I’ll research it. Honestly, I’m surprised to hear of all of this ghostwriting in the music business. But hey, its the image that people buy into….
Yeah she doesnt write as much as she pays for publishing rights. It’s the game tho, rappers do it all the time.
Sir, please don’t disrespect Mrs. Carey. The butterfly-goon-squad is real.
Anyhoo, people suck it up because they are talented singers. Talented singers make you feel something when they sing. That’s why their albums sell out and that’s why they are some of the greatest. Keri- I can’t…
That’s Mrs. Cannon….and I am with you with Keri…I usually try to find something positive to say…let’s see…..she is pretty…
Even though I like all three, I must somewhat agree. Mariah really writes though, unlike Knowles and Aguilera. I’m not saying whether that’s good or bad, I’m just saying.
Hmmm. I’ve seen footage of her signing without the microphones, equipments, blah blah blah and she actually has a decent voice. I agree with you about the over-hypeness. When I look at her during interviews I fall asleep, she seems like such an empty shell when she isn’t performing and I find something unsettling about that.
smh singing***
Beyonce can sing. The girl can “sang”. I’m not sure why that’s even up for debate.
Yes. This is why I’m a fan…the music is what I care about. Beyonce can blow, and if people don’t believe that, then they just aren’t up on the right material. I grew up on DC and Beyonce, so I have the whole catalogue…and the vocals were on point from day one. Beasting. Plus she can blow while running around, flipping that weave, doing flips and splits and the whole nine, in HEELS. She’s bad@ss, period.
Being beautiful and having a skill doesn’t ensure that you’re interesting IMO.
That was mind control?
I mean I am probably more likely to buy a coconut or some brightly colored clothes after watching that video. But not to kill someone who deserves it. I dont have that kind of aim.
Also I dont get how this is about dysfunctional families. at all.
Its not about brainwashing you to go out and kill somebody. Its about how much (most?) of popular media these days portrays images, lyrics and sounds that have to do with violence, which gradually over time desensitizes the viewer, listeners, consumer to violence.
What do dysfunctional families have to do with it? You don’t see families, that’s what.
The role of parents and elder guardians is simply not there.
These videso have images of young people divorced from any sort of family background and heritage at all.
The individual as autonomous violence consumer.
“That was mind control? I mean I am probably more likely to buy a coconut or some brightly colored clothes after watching that video.”
LMNOP, that’s the trick. That’s what they really wanted- for you to buy coconuts. Dole is one of Rhianna’s biggest sponsers.
She is spokesperson for Vita-Coco and the branding is in the video.
as someone who has worked with, counseled, held the hand of while a rape kit was being done, supported in the pit while they testified in court, from ACS to F.E.G.S to Department of NYC Homelessness & Housing to Catholic Guardian to Hospitals i have been there for literal blood sweat and tears. there are no words that could ever accurately display my disgust at rapists…. this video was well done imo, it captured a small bit of the desperation and primal desire for revenge a person feels when someone violates their body. was i shocked, yes a little but i rather see violence for purpose than senseless killings i see on tv and movies every. single. day.
the person that dares to steal another persons innocence, joy, comfort in their own skin, sense of being, love of life, happiness etc.. deserves so much more than the ease of death… i would punish until the perpetrator was begging me to end his life, crying, bribing, bargaining, yelling screaming… going through the entire kubler-ross stages of grief and i would still give no reprieve
Our society is way too liberal and “feel good” to allow this.
YOLES FTW!!
Rapists should be raped as punishment. I have no idea who would be the “rape squad” cuz that’s heinous as well, but I’m just saying…
Fight fire with fire.
oh, we alll know who would be on the ‘rape squad’….
http://youtu.be/KbsMbZETGz8
I’m guessing Peter Parker might have linked it, but there was a jail special on recently where the man was talking about r.a.ping dudes in jail and how having the pants hanging off is a turn on, very confidently talking about it. He even indirectly threatened the video staff.
It was f.u.king hilarious.I think there is such a squad available. Maybe the guy that defined the “t0ssed salad” is still available.YES!!!
My thing with the video is, the song is called “Man Down” and whether people listen to lyrics or not she is clear when she says “I just shot a man down”. What did people expect?!? For her to give the guy a high five and skip away while she sucks on a lollipop then live happily ever after?!
Stuff like this happens everyday and is shown all over tv daily, Rihanna didn’t just create the idea of revengeful killing and she didn’t glorify it.
I hope I don’t sound to harsh, I’m just irritated because parents should be in uproar about. other things, like our messed up school system, not some video.
Can i get an A-Men????
A-MEN!!!!!!
Amen!!!
I can’t imagine myself being a parent with my head in the clouds. I know you want to keep them innocent as long as possible, but at some point you are going to have to show them how ugly the world can be.
Exactly! This ain’t nothing new; there’s so many things on TV worse than this. It’s clearly the publicity mill doing it’s job of creating buzz and it’s working.
She’s gained quite a bit of weight in this video. If she’s the type to gain weight in the breasts, then they might be real.
Starting at 2:03 you can see how flabby her arms are. LOL.
flabby arms? really?
really?
+ 1 ?????
+2
u r a bit ‘special’ dear
I think part of her appeal is that she’s not skinny. She actually looks healthy and shapely. I do agree, however, that the still frame shown in the post makes her look heavier- *not “heavy” by any means* just bigger than I remember her.
Baby girl is growing up. She’s not an adolescent anymore. Gaining weight is a part of life. It’s natural.
I love beyonce. Can’t stand rihanna. Go fig.
video: great treatment; great lead (depending on the intent)…but since i watched it before i read the post and had no clue what it was about (other than reading a gabrielle union quote and using context) whatever the intended “message” was gets lost in the sexualization. rihanna is much more provocative to me than cognitive…”that sounds like one of them good problems.” she is ingestible (what!?), enjoyable–but not particularly believable…and i’m sure this was more about makin’ waves wit’ the record than it was self-appointing herself as a violence against women spokesperson. and i’m okay wit’ that…you can’t do it all–she stays in her zone of appeal and looks damn good doin’ it. now i’ll be back in about 5 minutes and 40 seconds…”’cause i’m black–b1tch!” (what!?)
i found the message to shine through the sexualization many men use the she was grinding on me must mean she really wanted it, she was drunk/i was drunk, she was all over me excuse to proceed with rape… the situation occurring similar to this is actually more likely to happen than the “complete and total stranger you never seen before in your life dragging you into an alley” rape or maybe i am too sensitive/attached to this issue…
The Mens Rights Activists will be coming out in drones to protest this video. In fact, I bet there are already several blogs written about it, referencing “false rape accusations” and the Feminazi Matriarchal Regime trying to keep all “men down” via popular media messages such as this one.
i heard some ramblings about that too… but could those men use this video as a reference point, she was followed and attacked and she tried to resist… i saw none of the usual “yes/no” crap that men say women say that “causes” these false rape cases… i wonder what men are really thinking? i wonder if they would feel the same if their mothers, sisters, daughters were the victims in the same exact scenarios?!?!?!
Nope, I already read one. The take is she liked this guy, was giving him the eye in her village/shanty town, went to an alley with him to make-out and then cried “false rape” and shot him.
Seriously.
say it aint so… even though she didn’t seek him out when she was leaving? she never attempted to make it more than a dance? she left without him? she tried to fight him off? and still she’s lying about rape? oh lord calgon take me away
Yeah, these guys need more people cause I saw something TOTALLY different, but what do I know? *kanyeshrug*.
WHAT!! Just reading that “explanation” of the event makes me upset. Like that’s really what you saw when you looked at that video.
Yeah, I got a little hot reading that too. That take on it is mad scary. Totally warped.
“i wonder what men are really thinking? i wonder if they would feel the same if their mothers, sisters, daughters were the victims in the same exact scenarios?!?!?!”
probably “cognitive dissonance”.
women that they know, that they can vouch for, are in a different sphere than females that they do not know, cannot vouch for.
“i wonder what men are really thinking? i wonder if they would feel the same if their mothers, sisters, daughters were the victims in the same exact scenarios?!?!?!”
“probably “cognitive dissonance”.
women that they know, that they can vouch for, are in a different sphere than females that they do not know, cannot vouch for.”
If you can’t talk up on it you should pay for it or keep it moving… anything else is just being a bully.
I can’t believe the number of dudes who want a ‘carfax’ but wouldn’t stand up to a credit check
What is funny to me is that when you ask them if they personally have ever been falsely accused you get crickets
I think what would really end the conversation is if they knew what a someone has to go through to make and prove to even get folks to listen to the accusation… let alone get a conviction ~JS
Just know that your mention of “The Blower’s Daughter” will lead to hours on Youtube watching Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan vids whilst weeping over their ridiculously ethereal voices.
I know it’s random but the song Murda she wrote murda she wrote murda she wroteeee comes to mind…..
Although I can’t stand the red Little Mermaid ish on her head or the fact that she Can’t sing, but has catchy songs and is “pretty”… I think the video concept has a powerful message…but then like Glozell said you want a Rude Boy and you love the way he lies= confusing.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2UE-zPbUGY
I don’t care for that Ronald Mcdonald hair.
I don’t like the hair either…waiting for this phase to be over.
“I know it’s random but the song Murda she wrote murda she wrote murda she wroteeee comes to mind…..”
One of my faves!
Now I gotta hear it…off to youtube.
^Mine too! Chaka Demus and Pliers FTW! “Murda She Wrote” and “Tease Me” are some favs…
I must confess that I am tired of shock value “entertainers.” I miss real singers. I miss the times when an artist could stand on stage and just sing in order to captivate an audience (a la early Whitney Houston). No pyrotecnics. No barely there customs. Just a voice. I refuse to make anybody rich and famous who does not have actual talent. So, I will be skipping the Rihanna albums and accompanying videos.
As for the parental activism, I think engaging in a dialogue about what is culturally acceptable is important. Media, for good and bad, is apart of creating and reflecting that culture. I am not sure what Rihanna’s aim was with the video (to accompany a song, get a little attention, spotlight a serious issue, etc), but it does bring up some ideas that are at least at odds with our legal culure. Vigilante justice is not legal in the US.
Agreed. I love old school Mariah, dressed in all black, skinny as a rail, frizzy hair, singing her a$$ off.
When it comes to singing, as a cat born and raised in the south and in the black church–if a person can’t sing, I keep my money in my pocket. I don’t get the Rihanna hype. Sure, she’s not bad looking but she has no talent–NONE. The person who gave her a recording contract should have his fingers crushed with a large millstone.
LMAO @ “millstone”
Her voice is OK, not great. Apparently they chose properly because ya girl is popular.
“Maybe she shouldn’t have gone to a party dressed as Cubana Lust and twerked on a guy with a buck 50 across his face.”
I think I get your point, in that women can make choices that put them at higher risk for assault and other crime. But uh…
I don’t care if she went to the club dressed in a wet napkin and a flashing neon codpiece that said “put ‘er there, pal!” There is no justification for rape. There are no mitigating circumstances. If you are the kind of spineless sniveling warped degenerate bast*rd that thinks it is okay to force yourself upon a woman that has clearly indicated her disinterest, then I wholly support her hunting you down and shooting you in the head. She should do it face to face, though. Because unlike her, you should totally see it coming.
I don’t care if she went to the club dressed in a wet napkin and a flashing neon codpiece that said “put ‘er there, pal!” There is no justification for rape. There are no mitigating circumstances.
EXACTLY
Love this whole comment. +1
Yup, this. Thank you kindly.
“Maybe Rihanna could have had the guy arrested instead of murking him. Maybe she shouldn’t have gone to a party dressed as Cubana Lust and twerked on a guy with a buck 50 across his face.”
This sounds like the same logic rape victims get thrown at them all the time. Victim blaming/ shaming is probably one of the main reasons taking the law into your own hands seems like a much better solution for some people.
Whether you are wearing a “whores uniform” (Dave Chapelle) or a nuns habit, there is nothing that is going to deter someone from attacking you if they have you marked you as their next victim.
CO-SIGN
Amen
When you have been victimized you don’t think logically. You can think about all these options before it happens to you, but when it does all that can go out the window. This is the option she chose. *shrug* I think it’s justified.
“Whether you are wearing a “whores uniform” (Dave Chapelle) or a nuns habit, there is nothing that is going to deter someone from attacking you if they have you marked you as their next victim.”
I can’t remember what it is called but there are guys who target purity/virginity… they have no interest in hos. In fact the more chaste a woman is or appears makes them a target.
Rape still occurs in communities where women practice extreme modesty like the Amish or Muslims.
I remember reading A Return to Modesty and being struck by the number of women who practiced modesty in its extreme who were harassed and stalked because dudes were dying to unwrap the package.
One woman was called a pr*ck tease to her face becasue dude could ‘hear’ her naked body move against her burqa.
Pedophiles have been known to say that a 5 year old was ‘flirting’ with them and they knew she wanted it but just didn’t know how to ask.
It makes me wanna holla that dudes still think that the way a woman was dressed meant she had it coming ~JS
I actually applaud her for this video. For the first time in a few years there is an actual video that has substance and the fact that it comes from a well-known artist (her talent is questionable but people be knowing her so…). The negativity surrounding it is bringing forth more positive talks and conversations and therefore any bad thoughts about the video are moot.
Don’t really see what the big deal is. It was probably a smart move to include the controversial scene so people would actually pay attention to the video. Because without it who really cares?
My only other comment is I’d probably like Rihanna more if she just sang Reggae because her voice is way more suited for that. Hearing her sing pop makes my ears angry.
Hell, Aerosmith’s “Janie’s Got a Gun” had a similar message about a father raping his daughter and her shooting his ass and leaving him underneath a train cause some had to stop the pain. Both about the same length too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqQn2ADZE1A
(I love this song btw)
And that was done more than 25 years ago. So what is so terrible and controversial about this Rihanna video again? That you actually see the dude get shot? They show worse than that in primetime.
Right. I think it has to do with her actual life and the situation between her and CB. It’s almost as folks may be thinking “well, she’s not some damsel in distress at all.”
I could be wrong, but I think that’s a line of thinking that many critics may be taking, but not actually expressing.
I think it’s manufactured controversy. Homegirl has records to sell.
“Hell, Aerosmith’s “Janie’s Got a Gun”
“And that was done more than 25 years ago.”
This just made me feel old as hell.
Thanks. *snickers*
Actually it seems my math was more than a little off. The video was made in 1994…which makes it…only like 17 years old I guess.
Sorry for making you feel old though.
In my defense, (cause I shole do need one being that I call myself a VSS) it was late, I was tired, and math wasn’t my best subject. And 25 is just a nice round number and sounds better than 17.
okay…17 makes me feel much better…lol
I don’t think either is terrible, but “Janie’s Got a Gun” was very controversial back then too. I think I shall dig to see if it was more about the incestuous assault or Janie’s revenge. I’d bet it was the latter, so people are still missing the point. Not much progress on that front in society at large.
Rhiannas twitter response is exceedingly more gangsta than a cuddlemonster.
this video is so tame, it’s almost boring. i completely understand the street justice theme & i also hear the words of the song. this video is nothing compared to “smack my bitch up” by prodigy. the complaint of violence is moot since anyone can go on youtube or daily motion, ogrish or wshh & see actual murders by gun or knife, beheadings, etc…
btw, i like rihanna.
“this video is nothing compared to “smack my bitch up” by prodigy. ”
I remember that they would only show that video after midnight…lol
Rape is the one crime that is violent and while it doesn’t usually take the life of the victim, it takes the life out of them. It causes so many demoralizing side effects that can last a lifetime that it’s the one crime I believe should be punishable by death upon conviction, regardless if a murder of the rape victim took place.
I can fully sympathize with the sentiments expressed in the video. And having known folks who have dealt with this and having my own story, I can truly say that I don’t know that killing one’s rapist helps in the healing process. I’m sure it would feel damn good, but beyond that, the effort it takes to move beyond that crime as a driving force and prevailing fear/thought everyday would be the same, dead perp or walking perp.
And I do agree that Rihanna is interesting. She isn’t super talented and I generally don’t enjoy her music. But, one thing I do enjoy is her seemingly fearless attempts to live her life by her own rules. While many artists are busy doing everything they can to either stand out (which she has been guilty of as well), or blend in, she does her own thing and that I can respect.
The uproar about the video isn’t too shocking to me. Violence against women is perceived as the norm and something we’re all supposed to deal with quietly. When someone challenges that notion and shows women in a violent nature, it upsets the image of what a woman is supposed to be. We’re supposed to deal with it, we’re supposed to smile and say it’s okay…or cry and be an emotional basket-case. We’re not supposed to flip out and take on violence as the answer. That’s something that is underlying in the uproar about this video, I think.
“Violence against women is perceived as the norm and something we’re all supposed to deal with quietly. When someone challenges that notion and shows women in a violent nature, it upsets the image of what a woman is supposed to be. We’re supposed to deal with it, we’re supposed to smile and say it’s okay…or cry and be an emotional basket-case. We’re not supposed to flip out and take on violence as the answer. That’s something that is underlying in the uproar about this video”
excellent point Mo and i see exactly what you are saying… i will be thinking about this in my sleep tonight… great point
This point speaks directly to our conversation about the perception of “strength” as a masculine attribute. Passivity is what is associated with being female, not strength, and certainly not violent rage. Excellent point!
And I do agree that Rihanna is interesting. She isn’t super talented and I generally don’t enjoy her music. But, one thing I do enjoy is her seemingly fearless attempts to live her life by her own rules…..she does her own thing and that I can respect.
-
What exactly does she do that’s so unique?
Be herself.
Yup!
Authenticity is so rare nowadays that it’s refreshing to see.
And Mo, your last paragraph is truth.com (no Tamar).
Exactly @ the last paragraph
Agree 100% your last paragraph..it is so weird how women are supposed to be wired according to people….i love men..but people(some men) find it odd that a root for chicks..as in support a sister when ever..all of a sudden when ( some thing a simple as) saying another sister is pretty am labeled feminist.
“Violence against women is perceived as the norm and something we’re all supposed to deal with quietly. When someone challenges that notion and shows women in a violent nature, it upsets the image of what a woman is supposed to be. We’re supposed to deal with it, we’re supposed to smile and say it’s okay…or cry and be an emotional basket-case. We’re not supposed to flip out and take on violence as the answer. That’s something that is underlying in the uproar about this video, I think”
This right here… can not be repeated often enough ~JS
A 21 part youtube documentary on Rihanna’s “Umbrella”. You can also watch it in one go on the man’s website. http://www.lenonhonorfilms.com He goes through the info slowly and repeats a lot of points, but its an interesting documentary, deconstructing rvery lyric and every scene.
The Workings of Evil
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEkANn1IBaQ
I still cannot.
GTFOH
hahhahahha.
Alstuggfallah! Hata majoon!
Are you serious?
This is not that interesting it is a reach, a REACH, for preaching the tenants of Islam and Hadith using images and straight up BS to induce fear in people and accept religion. All of which I know too well.
I was skeptical when the film started with obviously Iraqi people and the Iraqi child in distress. I can tell they are Iraqi because of the woman in the picture and her abbyya. Heads up: I am Iraqi by marriage under Iraq’s original constitution! I have been in the Middle East. I am well versed in Sunni and Shiite belief systems.
Wow… I can’t believe you took a video there.
*Looks around the room* That was just way out there. Come on MJB, you giving white folks a bad rap.
This is my first time seeing the video (and i only first heard the song like a week or so ago) and i see nothing wrong with it. Perhaps if homeboy hadn’t raped her, he wouldn’t have gotten shot. The End! I’ve been there and while i didn’t result to vigilante justice, i can testify to the fact that way to often women are blamed for being raped, if people believe them at all. So going to the police, especially in a “3rd world” country isn’t always an option. Certainly not if you actually want something to get done about the situation.
Right
How dare a victim take matters into their own hands. Someone who had complete disregard for her well being and now people want us to feel sorry for him. GTFOH
Or, you could look at it as every action has consequences. If she commits a crime to avenge a crime, in an area that prosecutes crimes, she is at risk to go to jail. In jail she will lose her freedom, have most of her civil rights are suspended and, if she leaves, will essentially become a 2nd class citizen in society. As unfair as it may seem, in real life, acting on anger without thinking through the consequences can make a nightmare even worse.
Did this get caught up in moderation because I posted 2 links? OK I’ll post just one.
A deconstruction of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” song and video in a 21 part youtube documentary (quite interesting if you can get through it all)
THE WORKINGS OF EVIL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEkANn1IBaQ
Heysus help me…I cannot.
A 21 part doc discussing the workings of evil in a fcking 4 minute pop music video? It really IS NOT that serious. Really.
I worry about this world and some of the people I have to share it with.
They do this after every award show *rolleyes* What is the point?
HUH? Folks the documentary is quite interesting. It homemade by a guy who does a lot of deconstruction of news and media messages.
He clearly has more free time on his hands than I do.
And it would only be interesting if you believe in this kind of thing. I don’t. At all. So I think I’ll just continue to pass on this one.
I am so straight on this Illuminati/conspiracy theory nonsense. Isn’t funny how the only people being accused of this are black artists and the few white artists that are well known in the black community? Also, the large percentage of the accusers are undereducted minorities and dudes in the penal system. C’mon black folks, use your minds for something better. Watching some scruffy fools on Youtube “dissect” unimportant pop clips is in no way an education.
Seriously, if these grand masters are so damn invested in trickery how in the hell do your a$$es know so much about it?
1. I’m not black.
2. The man who did this particular documentary is neither undereducated nor in the penal system.
3. He’s not scruffy either (quite handsome and well put together actually), but like most “good men” he’s fully taken – a husband and a father.
IsOurChildrenLearning,
1. I’m not black
2. The man who put this series together is neither undereducated nor in the penal system.
3. He is not a scruffy fool. He is handsome, smart, well put together and like most “good men” – fully taken and engaged in life as a husband and father.
It is like people who actually sold their property.spent their money because for…”END OF DAYS” (we all found out there was no truth to this). These are just music videos with no other meaning. People are making them out to mean lotS of things and non of them true……
I am so straight on this Illuminati/conspiracy theory nonsense .
I love a good conspiracy theory, but the Illuminati hoopla is some straight bullsh*t. I can’t take it or the people who are truly into it serious.
Exactly.
Women take precautions every day to keep ourselves safe. The only people I see complaining are the parents who need to wake up because these are real issues and the Jamaicans who are mad that she did it their instead of Barbados. They are entirely missing the point. BET made #mandown their trending topic and the kids that watch 106 and Park didn’t seem to have a problem with it. If this makes a guy think twice then I’m all for it. Not just cuz I’m a stan.
If she had shot it in Barbados, jamaicans would have made a huge fuss and said that Jamaica is the homeland of reggae and a Bajan was trying to claim it. Had she not shot the video in JA, I know you could hear them saying she didn’t pay “homage” to the birthplace of reggae. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t
I’m Jamaican and everyone upset she shot the video there needs to shut the freak according to wiki, JA currently has the 3rd highest murder rate IN THE WORLD….Jamaica is the size of Connecticut…..the 2nd smallest state in the US. women at home rarely bother to report domestic violence because well, when the murder rate is so high, no one really gives a sh1t you were raped or assaulted by some dude….so in the grand scheme of things, the nimwads complaining about a video should focus their energies elsewhere…
I’m a comedian… but anyway, just to bottom line everything, sex sells in America. And boy, can Rihanna sell some sex.
Lol touche.
I have a problem because dude isn’t a man…Catchy tune though.
As others have stated, I have been desensitized. Furthermore, I am completely over the standard video. I find myself shocked to see something even remotely creative these days in music videos.
Anyway, the problem I have with all of this Illuminati talk is the lack of ownership for our own lives/behavior/belief system. If we control ourselves the way we should and raise our children properly-instead of allowing the media to raise them-there is nothing to fear.
Can we just pause to talk about how F-ing great this song is? I mean,it’s classic reggae. Great lyrics, freakin awesome melody, bumpin bassline…this one should go down in the books I think. I can easily hear Dawn Penn or Dennis Brown’s voice on this track. First time I heard it- long before a video was probably even thought of- my mind was BLOWN. Rihanna should definitely come out with a reggae album. Her voice sounds great on reggae tracks.
I’ll stop being a music nerd for a second to say that A) yes, Rihanna’s boobs are spectacular and B) compared to everything else in videos and on TV, absolutely nothing about this video struck me as inappropriate. Not even the man being shot in the beginning. I mean, the song is about her shooting a man down, and we all know by now that Rihanna goes for the shocking and graphic…I think after the whole Chris Brown thing, she said F it. She’s doing her thing, not trying to impress anybody or gain anyone’s approval. I totally dig that about her. That, and the fact that there’s a message that people can relate to. If I was going to change anything about the video, I would show her being locked up at the end and showing remorse. That way, there wouldn’t be so much question about the glorification of violence in the video.
I’m not a Rihanna fan. Matter of fact, I can’t stand to hear her voice. I hate it. But this song right here… LOVE IT!!! It reminds me of the rockers music I fell in love with in the late 80′s. This riddim goes hard and her voice actually works very well with it. I swear I wish she was a reggae singer instead of a pop star. Then I would probably be a fan.
Idk, maybe it’s just me, but I see nothing in this video that is glorifying or sensationalizing violence. What happened in this video could and DOES happen in this time & age. I wish people would stop trying to sugarcoat sh*t and just show/tell it as is. I don’t like the stuff that goes on in this world, but dammit I live and I learn how to deal w/it and I will make sure that my future children will be made aware of the things that could pose a danger to them so that they can try and avoid those things.
Me either (although I didn’t watch by 00:26); we’ve seen much worse.
I don’t get the controversy. Rihanna plays out retributive justice for a crime that rarely receives ANY justice…why are we shocked.”Flashing Lights” seemed way more graphic even we didn’t see blood spattered. Homegirl was not playing with that shovel. I’m starting to like Rihanna’s non-singing self.
And I agree the vapidness is an act.
I’m so conflicted about my feelings for Rihanna after this video. As someone who has been working to fight Rape & Domestic Violence, both nationally as well as internationally, since I was 16, I applaud Rihanna for bring to the forefront of the media an issue that has been largely swept under the rug.
I think why people are freaking out about this video is that its real. Not in the sense that it actually happened (which it may have in somebody’s life) – but this is a situation that could happen to any women at any time. Shows like Dexter portray unique situations that we dont ever expect to happen. Even shows like SVU – outside of a big city, parents adopt the mantra of “we can check to make sure there are no pervs in our neighborhood and we’re good” <– (that last part was a HUGE generalization of course). But the situation that Rihanna described could happen anywhere at anytime. And that hits a nerve for a lot of people – because it forces women to acknowledge that this can really happen to us, and men have to stare in the face of a topic that a lot of them shy away from discussing. And our normative gender roles are so skewed that the concept of the woman taking on the stereotypical characteristics of the alpha male and exacting her own justice disturb everyone. Because, VSBs be honest – if you find out your boo was raped and you knew who did it, which one of you wouldnt seriously consider exacting revenge? Society hasnt come to terms with the fact that women can play the dominant protector in their own lives if need be.
That said, I don't like Rihanna otherwise. I hate when one of her songs get stuck in my head, which is inevitable bc they're so dang catchy. I hate her manufactured s*xpot image (bish is like 21 which is college age – what she know about whips & chains? I CALL BS). AND she can't sing OR perform (recent lapdance performance notwithstanding – is implied bis8xuality the new thing these days? i thought only white chicks did that)
I respect her message though.
I like your comment, but just pointing out that she is 23, not 21. That’s all.
“I hate her manufactured s*xpot image”
Yes. I consider her the black Britney Spears at this point. It’s all very contrived and I’m turned off from her. At least Beyonce, from what I can see, plays an integral part in her writing, songs, dancing, etc. I don’t get that from Rhianna. She’s a big star so she’s gonna get the best head-sticking songs; can’t fight it.
Hey WIP,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHmvkRoEowc
LOL, I don’t hate Britney though! I still f.u.x with Britney. I don’t hate Rhianna either. I just don’t see myself ever purchasing an album from her.
I am soooo weak that you put this video up.
LEAVE BRITTNEY ALONE!!:lol:
Hmm, there seems to be a lack of VSBs at the moment…
@ Malik
At this time in tha morn, i’m not surprised…but malik…but i work ova night so im good.
i heard the song before, wasn’t moved. that being said, i haven’t seen the video, and i probably won’t watch the video. i have some thoughts about this, but since i know where i am, i’ll keep it to m’self. suffice to say, when the law is changed that those that are rapists/are accused of rape can be shot on sight, i’ll continue to advocate the use of the justice system. personally i could go with convicted rapists being raped.
the only thing i found interesting about this is that apparently BET is getting flak for playing the video (because i’m not sure MTV/MTVJams has played the video) not just for the “violence” (i put it in quotations, because as someone who’s seen terrorists chop off the heads of reporters on the internet, i’m desensitised) but the fact that Rihanna is performing at the BET awards show, yet this is the first video being playing off of Rihanna’s “Loud” album this year (http://www.industryears.com/blog/06/03/2011/the-truth-on-bet-rihanna-and-the-deal-cut-for-bet-awards/). however, i guess with 4 BET Award Nominations, i guess this is just the power of Ri-Ri.
I’m not sure who else would play the video- I don’t believe MTV Jams exists (maybe on MTV2 or 3?)
MTV Jams still exists. I have it. I don’t watch it though. I’m definitely not the target audience.
I still have MTV Jams also. I give that, Centric, and TV One back to Comcast if they would let me have Vh1 Soul again.
VH1 Soul = Truth
Except for that a**hat with the nameplate belt dancing in front of that tree. He can stay the hell away.
LMAO!!!!!
i have fios, so i have mtv jams, centric, vh1 soul …it’s just that while i do watch mtv jams, i don’t watch it enough to know if they’ve played man down yet.
I see; so I don’t see any videos because I’m too poor to afford all these channels, LOL
yes.
Nope. I have all those channels plus a few of them are available on on demand. I almost never watch videos. Ever. I think I’m just too old.
I believe that If Rihanna had no pop appeal, this would be a non-issue. However, Rihanna has been groomed as a pop-star from the beginning and I would imagine she has waaayyyy more 2520 fans than black fans. There are millions of little 2520 girls who love them some Rihanna and want to be like her. THAT is why this is an issue. We have seen way more damaging things in videos by “urban” artists, but nobody has ever really given an third of a damn about that except “black leaders.” They make a stink, but after a while it goes away. However, when something is considered to be potentially damaging to 2520 girls, folks sound the alarm, call the National Guard, place the country on orange alert, and announce that we are at Defcon 4. The most egregious crime in this country is “hurting” 2520 girls, and anything that may negatively impact them gets vilified. Bottom line, “Man Down” considered is a deleterious influence (Joe Clark) simply by virtue of who it may influence.
Pretty much- don’t mess with little white girls in America, unless you want noterity and attention…
But what’s funny is…one of the most disturbing videos I’ve seen is Telephone by Lady Gaga and Beyonce. Perhaps I missed something, but they were not killing rapists in that video. No heavy lessons to be learned, except the fact that you can kill someone in a music video-if you’re with a 2520 gal. (*Note: Poison is the preferred method of choice.)
The video is easier to tolerate if it is watched on mute.
I’m going to try that…
Watched it on mute…I don’t know how I feel about it. I know I didn’t end up with the feeling that he “got what he deserved”. Take that however you choose.
The gunshot was nothing. Otherwise, all I saw was Rihanna being Rihanna. I think the message would be better delivered without all the “I’m sooo sexy” stuff but that could just be my bias against her.
To be clear, I’m not saying any woman deserves to be raped just because she’s attractive and shows it. I just think that, in the case of this video, some people will focus on that and use it as “See, she was asking for it.”
I think I’ll stop here before I end up offending someone.
That’s how I’ve watched her video’s since 2007. I probably should have started doing that earlier.
“Basically, she’s, well, interesting…”
o_0
I don’t find her particularly interesting. What I do find interesting is that there’s an outcry over this video- was there an outcry over them showing her bruised and beaten face all over the TV? Additionally, we have “Snapped”, Lifetime movies, and myriad jail shows that frequently detail and reenact crime scenes. I think this is fake “outrage” to drum up some publicity.
Ya, I think I’m aging out of music videos- and obviously I’m not the only one. Where the hell can you find a music video on TV these days?? You 106 & Park and VH-1 in the mornings. That’s about it. There’s a country music video station. I run across it once in a while. I remember when there was 106, TRL, Rap City, some afternoon videos, Uncut, Pop-up video. Everything comes to an end; I’m not sure what will take their place though- reality shows? 50 cent had one, Nicki M. had a special, Jay-z has specials, Corey Gunz has a special….
The last video I saw was “Racks.” It sucked but I finally found out what the hell dude was saying! I thought he was saying “regs”, somebody else told me he was saying “ressurect”.
*quietly dances in office
“I got racks on racks on racks, racks on racks on racks…”
Joins in doin my Catdaddy singing racks on racks on racks
I didn’t know what the hell he was saying either! His delivery is so annoying=nails on a chalkboard. Ugh…
is it me or does the dude who sings racks look like Drake without a few chromosomes
Yeeeesss!
Some people say that Drake looks like Drake without a few chromosomes. But I like him anyway.
*In Helen Lovejoy’s voice* “Think of the children!”
I’m not shocked by this vid at all but I get the point. What shocks me is that the parenting and news organizations who feign being appalled by what their kids may have seen. Once again they are missing an excellent chance to talk to their kids about something that is both tragic and important the same time. That goes for both girls and boys (especially boys). This is a chance (not the last) to help explain the physical and the more damaging mental aspects of what rape is… but they would rather cling to some false righteousness and blow their prime chance to make a point.
While they are at it they should examine Khandi Alexander’s character on Treme, LaDonna who was recently beaten and raped off camera. In the following episodes her wounds have healed but because of her rape she isn’t the same person at all. Her reaction isn’t the same as Rhi’s but the PTSD is a part of the story too.
excellent points Wu!!!!!
Khandi Alexander is SO sexy. Somethin about her eyes and her voice.
The song is dope…I fell in love with this song months ago and I pictured what the video would be like….Rih Rih always presents some sort of shock value. I love the video…it tells a story and is of substance which is something you don’t get a lot in mainstream music today. Rape is a touchy subject and Rihanna did a great job executing her “revenge”…reggae is some of the best music in the world.
I don’t understand why you had to say “gone to a party dressed as Cubana Lust and twerked on a guy with a buck 50 across his face”. Are you serious??? Are you blaming the victim? I was having a nice read until I stumbled in these words. Please take it back.
I had this convo with some girlfriends & while we agree to disagree, at least they understand where I’m coming from.
I didn’t like the video & I felt whatever message she was trying to speak on was lost via the translations of critics & supporters. The content of the video itself doesn’t show or highlight Rihanna as an advocate against sexual assault or domestic violence. Her extreme behaviors & attitudes have been public fodder to sell records & with the ensuing hype & critics, valuable lessons & education are being lost. To me, the video titillates, it shocks & awes but it doesn’t bring intelligent, much needed decision to the table about sexual assault.
You said this sooo much better than I’ve been able to so far.
Thanks Anti-Cool. The whole debate really bothers me because while critics are talking about the violence, 1 in 3 men & 1 in 5 women(these might be last years numbers-sorry) are suffering with assault right now. While folks are glad it spotlights sexual assault, cops, judges & everyday folks are still hold to the belief that the victim deserved it. The video & hype glosses over the serious nature of the issue where true dialgoue is needed to stop sexually assault & domestic abuse altogether.
If Nicki Minajj (shudder) or Lady Gaga (shudder) did the same video, maybe it might hold more weight to the actual message. Neither artist was been in the papers for being assaulted or the assaultee in a high profile, for profit type relationship. Neither artists are on public record for denouncing phyiscal assault then advocating BDSM. I know most folks hear the message & don’t take the messager into account but in this case, with such a serious issue, the messager & the message go hand in hand. And Rhianna can’t be viewed as a positive force against sexual assault, imo.
I think that the reality of Rhianna as an actual victim of assault is what scares the so-called “parent groups”. It makes the video concept too real for them. I think they believe that this is what Rhianna wishes she could have done to Chris Brown. The fear of some big black boogey man raping their daughters, coupled with the idea that their daughters might ruin their lives by living out Rihanna’s retaliation fantasy is just too much for them. That’s why they panicked IMO.
The dialogue about sexual assault should happen at home and in school, not through music videos. I mean, it would be great if entertainers were more socially conscious, but their purpose is to entertain and to connect with people. Art is the expression of all kinds of emotions, and I think it is unfair for us to say that Rihanna doesn’t have the right to express herself regarding physical assault because she is a wild child or because she has been assaulted. What? I mean, it’s her life; what else should she sing about? Her image and music can be very helpful to young girls who are going through similar things because it shows them that they’re not alone, and sometimes that’s all you want to know…that you are not alone. You want to know that sh!t happens to everybody, no matter how pretty or rich or famous they are. When I was an angsty teen with a strict @ss, borderline emotionally abusive father, sometimes I would get moody/depressed and put on the most depressing, angry music I had. The messages in some of the music I listened to would have scared the hell out of a lot of people; but what they wouldn’t have understood is that that music made me feel better about myself and my life. It let me know that someone else somewhere out there was going through the same things. And worse. That voice is powerful, and experiencing it is cathartic, like therapy.
I’m not saying that Rihanna is a good role model…I’m saying she’s not a role model at all, and we shouldn’t expect her to be. She’s that voice, that catharsis, for a lot of young girls, and I think in her own way, she is very helpful to them. Sometimes all you need is someone you feel you can relate to.
“Neither artists are on public record for denouncing phyiscal assault then advocating BDSM.”
i would like to note that BDSM culture is comprised of trust and vulnerability and a relationship… Domestic Violence is a whole a whole ‘nother animal… please so not compare the two or state that someone that may enjoy dominance/submission play can’t be abused or someone that speaks out against abuse…
#thatisall
“…please so not compare the two or state that someone that may enjoy dominance/submission play can’t be abused or someone that speaks out against abuse…”
Yoles, I wasn’t suggesting that so excuse me if that’s what it sounded like.
What I was suggesting, & maybe I should of said that-again, sorry- that a person that seems unable to understand the difference between abuse & a lifestyle choice from the public accounts on of their ‘private’ relationship isn’t the best person to advocate sexual assault.
Even certain members of the BDSM community distanced their lifestyle & defined their lifestyle when her comments about enjoying S&M came out.
Yoles, you’d be surprised how much abuse takes place in the BDSM “community”. I don’t know first hand, I’ve just been reading some sites/blogs and its a major issue there.
And then, once you get in, if you want to get out and “go vanilla” or even go celibate for a while, you are hounded.
I think this is on point. She could have been an advocate for assault, but I think she chose to sell more records instead. So the message to any young girls seems to be, when something tramatic happens to you, get sexy, embrace your wild side, and you’ll be ok. That’s why i can’t buy into the serious discussions going around, b/c the vid itself doesn’t really promote any. I think people are reaching.
Totally reaching!
The fact that the video is provocative is why I like it. I don’t want it to intelligently deliver a neatly wrapped message. I want it to provoke intelligent discussions. The video seems to be succeeding at that, as well as provoking ignorant comments as well. Par for the course.
I think I only share the negative criticisms of wtf at her shooting him with a revolver from that vantage point and the sequencing should have placed the shooting at the end.
“The fact that the video is provocative is why I like it. I don’t want it to intelligently deliver a neatly wrapped message. I want it to provoke intelligent discussions. The video seems to be succeeding at that, as well as provoking ignorant comments as well. Par for the course.”
I don’t think that’s happening in the courts or the court of common opinion when it comes to sexual assault. The message of the video can be easily written off as sensualism or a publicity stunt. So while some folks can see the issue addressed & not get caught up in the hype, others & those others might be the same people that need to hear the message, will disregard the message because of the shock & awe surrounding the video.
I was admittedly waaaaay too distracted by her boobs to pay any real attention to the video. I kept thinking “Have I missed somethin? Have her boobs always been that nice? Is it the top she’s wearing? Did she have those in the Pon De Replay video? Well she was just 17 then…
You get the point.
Also, unless Champ said it before I watched, I couldn’t REALLY tell that he raped her.
And that is the problem with this video imo.
They didn’t actually show the rape and they put at the end after all the distracting boobage.
The video would have had even more impact if they had started with the rape, gone to flashbacks of what led up to it and ended with him catching the bullet he asked for.
But you can’t sell anything these days without s.ex. Not even the evils of rape.
“But you can’t sell anything these days without s.ex. Not even the evils of rape”
That might be one of the most profound (and ironic) things i’ve ever read.
Thanks.
The assessment of the “moth” spot on.
I’d just like to echo the sentiments on the commonality of rape, specifically date/acquaintance rape and I feel mofos should be castrated for rape and molestation in the States.
Personally, I can’t stand to see rape on tv. I on the other hand don’t mind seeing killing. This may be because there is so much killing on tv that I’ve become desensitized or I also think because there are so many rape apologists out there. I hear about so much victim blaming that makes me so sick. Anywho, when I first heard about this video, I remember hearing only something about the shooting, so when I watched it I’m like nobody is gonna say anything about the rape/sexual assualt. Why aren’t the parent’s group protesting that as well? Anyway, it’s hard to pay attention to the parent’s group when they seem so hypocritical on what’s ok for children to see.
Awww man… is this how we’re spelling “twerked”? I was soo hoping for something more creative like twirqued or twurk’d…
1. I agree, never considered that having the villian die first kinda makes it hard to pic sides… hmmm.
2. Finally a video that actually has some REAL thought put into it… agreed.
3. You ain’t right… Beyonce is interesting in a spacey, vapid kind of way. What Rihanna has is that she’s cultivated this rep of being a temptress, you know? A rebell, a gipsy,
a freakall the somethings you want or want to be but know you shouldn’t… forbidden if you will.4. WTF did that have to do with anything? o_O
*sidenote* Terry Hatcher used to be SO pretty… *pour out a little liquor for her face*
On your sidenote: but they still gas her up for looking “good” at ther age because she’s so slim! To me she looks gaunt; I don’t like it.
I agree… she looks suffering.
The Twittuh taught me the term “struggle face” (LOL) although it was used to describe someone else at the time.
If you watch the video independent of all the reviews/discussions on the video, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything really controversial to discuss. I watched the video about a week ago and promptly forgot about it due to it’s lack of anything remotely striking or memorable. I was surprised when the internets blew up ‘cos I didn’t get any rape/domestic violence discussion cues from the video when I watched it…
Boring video aside, I have to say that I really enjoy this song. I think the brouhaha over the video is just due to people reading too much into things and trying to manufacture drama.
If anything, today’s post really made me take stock of the mass de-sensitization the American viewing public has undergone. The last time I remember being shocked and awed by a violent scene on TV was a few years back when I watched this J-Movie called Suicide Circle.
In the 1st scene, a gaggle of listless Japanese high school girls cast themselves (en masse) underneath one of those nice bullet trains as it pulled out of the station. It was so gory, and that was just one scene. I went through a gore movie phase, during which I became increasingly unresponsive to violence on screen. These days I just blink and keep it moving when I see stuff like that on TV. Not sure if I’m still in shock or just bored…
1. I think it’s hilarious that this video has received so much backlash…from a parent’s group! I wonder how many of them actually saw the video vs. reacting to hearing that Rihanna shot a man in her video? I know my Daddy would support me in whatever violent action I took against someone who raped me….if he didn’t beat me to it. Mommy would just pray but Daddy….he’d have both of us in jail.
2. I actually like RIhanna and some of her songs. I’m yet to see a performance of hers that held my interest. I don’t buy the oversexed image either but at 23 I know I thought I was the ish in and out of the bedroom (I can’t imagine what I would have thought of myself had I been a pop star at 23) and at 30, I laugh and smh at my 23 yo self.
3. I like the song and the video. I struggle with it being “classic” reggae. Yes it has the reggae formula that should all add up to something but I don’t think it equals classic. Comparing Rihanna to any classic reggae artist just feels wrong.com.
4. I think the reason Rihanna seems more interesting than Beyonce is because she’s let us into her personal life. We know more about Rihanna via her personal struggles that became public and her twitter outbursts. All we know about Bey is the snippets she shares in interviews that have been approved by her publicist. I do not believe Bey is as dumb as she seems in interviews. Jay-Z would not have married a dumb@$$.
6. Bey is an entertainer and she is talented. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO57HCvic8I
I believe Bey said she took Oprah’s advice to keep her private life totally private and not talk about it.
I agree and I think that makes her far more interesting…
Clearly that last one should be #5…what I get for multi-tasking…
Yeah I totally agree with all -a-dis.
#4 Seems like nowadays people are liking artists as if they are gonna be in their Fave 5. Like EBadhu says it’s become a ” personality popularity contest:. Growing up listening to my Mom’s collection of everything to Annie Lennox, to Rufus. I didn’t give 2 dry humps about connecting with an artist’s off stage personality. As long as something came through in the music.
#3 Agreed. I thing Rihanna does a good job of blending Pop with reggae influences. I LUVED “Rudeboy” and I love “Man Down”…then again I luv anything I can whine to soo…
@3… some called it classic reggae? o_O duh fuk!
Guilty lol…I stand by it though. By classic reggae I meant it tells a story, the music is awesome, and the melody is beautiful. Great reggae songs have these characteristics.
Nice try AWG… but NO!! lol
Lol okay okay
lol I second this statement.
The first time I saw that video of her in the dressing room, I got chills. Hell, I still get them.
Me too….Bey is bad.
*learns how to spell brouhaha
(That’s what I noticed- because I’m desensitized.)
supposed to be for SheWhoMustbeObeyed…
LOL!! Glad to be of service!
PS….I know I’m a couple days late but Happy Birthday Liz!!!
THE BLOWER’S DAUGHTER FOR THE WIN! Despite it being a fabulous song, it has a pause-worthy title, which makes it pretty much perfect.
“The entire movie changes, and Beatrix goes from a wronged woman on a mission to a mass murderer with a stupid name in a stupider jumpsuit.”
Yo, I lowkey wanna wear that jumpsuit to work on casual Friday.
“Still, it’s a f*cking five minute long music video. Who the hell cares if it sends the wrong message about…anything.”
Hmmm, I don’t know. First off, lemme say that I don’t think it sent the wrong message (and the “what if Chris Brown did this” arguments are stoopid at best), but I do think music videos can more than just… music videos. Like, how is it any less of a social art than… a poetry slam, a film, or a painting? Just because there are ratchet versions? Well, there are ratchet versions of each of the other things I listed… that are highy lauded as socially aware art. I’m not sure why a music video would be any exception. I actually admire when folks take a nonconventional approach with music videos, especially since most people don’t expect it. Music videos ain’t just about rump shaking. And, hell, those are good too. *shimmies*
I end this artsy rant to say, Rihanna’s boobs are effing spectacular. They’re a work of art themselves. Boomkack.
#3 nailed it.
It seemed like as soon as the Chris Breezy beating happened, something sort of clicked with her, and she suddenly became way, way more attractive to me. I thought she was just a cute Bajan girl before that – afterwards I was kind of open, and I couldn’t understand why.
I think part of it too was that she was still physically maturing when she first came out, and has only come into her grown female body in the last 3 years or so, and the before-and-after has been kind of stark. Beyonce (all of DC, really) looked like grown women when they were 15, so we never really got to see The Yonce “mature.”
Plus, that low-high monotone she has is very unique, even if she doesn’t have real pipes. And also, her decision to be the first Pop/R&B female to fully embrace the Oontz Oontz Oontz sound was a shrewd call on her part.
But here’s the thing: despite my high attraction to her, I can objectively state that she’s not *that* pretty. But I still think she looks good as hell. That’s a really weird thing, and I think alot of people probably feel the same way.
“the Oontz Oontz Oontz sound”
I love seeing this spelled out. Now I keep making the sound with my throat and envision myself dancing to House music! : )
LOL, me too. I luh phonetic spelling and I always do the oontz oontz sound while deftly doing the giggity thrust.
I knew exactly what I was when I saw it! That made my day.
*jumps in the air, does a split, and pulls own self up by collar.”
Thanks Champ for answering a question that I posed on Facebook a while ago. I was curious about peoples fascination with Rihanna. The lack of discernible talent and average looks makes it hard for me to get it. But, now I see what it is. It’s her “Rihannaness”! I still don’t get it but at least I now understand why her fans do.
I see you with your screen name…lol
I do not have a problem with the video, my only problem is that she thought that it would be aired on BET and MTV without some kind of backlash. Artists have always made underground or uncut videos for their songs, How do you want it, Warning and BET uncut. If Rihaana made a BET/MTV friendly video for Man Down and then made the same one that has caused all of the fuss I don’t think it would have received this much negative response
i think she did that purposely…seeing all the controversy with S&M and it ended up becoming a viral smash, people hardly watch videos anymore anyway so really being “BANNED” from MTV/BET > #1 video on 106 and Park.
I do not have a problem with the video, my only problem is that she thought that it would be aired on BET and MTV without some kind of backlash. Artists have always made underground or uncut videos for their songs, How do you want it, Warning and BET uncut. If Rihaana made a BET/MTV friendly video for Man Down and then made the same one that has caused all of the fuss I don’t think it would have received this much negative response.
I think the controversy surrounding the violence in the video stems from the fact that it is explicit and graphic violence, and not implied or creatively filmed. The graphic blood splatter is something viewers are accustomed to seeing in other forms of media, specifically full length feature films. But music videos? Not so much. Its just not common place to see a person clearly get snuffed out accompanied with blood squirting all over the place in a music video.
Just as how the ‘rape scene’ was artistically done and implied, (I had no idea that it was about rape until I was told) the ‘revenge scene’, on the other hand, was the polar opposite. It was raw, gruesome and graphic. No denying his head got blown off. That scene has a stark similarity to the JFK assassination footage. The violence itself is not anything we are unfamiliar with. I believe the shock for many is more related to the medium in which is was delivered. Put Rihanna in a full length movie with the same theme, no issue.
On another but similar note, it would appear there is a trend or movement taking place which is very slowly turning commercial music (pop,r&b and rap) into some sort of goth, morbid, darkly themed style of entertainment. Its really creeping in and more easily recognizeable as of late for those whose antennae remain fully extended. This Rihanna video is only one example of many. I came across another video recently called “Yonkers” from a guy or group called, ‘Odd Future…’. I really don’t want to give them any promotion whatsoever, but basically the kid ate a large hissing cockroach, regurgitated about 10 times immediately after, and literally climbed on top of the stool he was sitting on, and hung himself. And this is not even taking into account the lyrics. This is hip-hop? This is the direction of music today.
I came across another video recently called “Yonkers” from a guy or group called, ‘Odd Future…’. I really don’t want to give them any promotion whatsoever, but basically the kid ate a large hissing cockroach, regurgitated about 10 times immediately after, and literally climbed on top of the stool he was sitting on, and hung himself. And this is not even taking into account the lyrics. This is hip-hop? This is the direction of music today.
Hate to break it to you but Odd Future’s antics are not new. They had negros rapping from nooses in the 90′s Wrote about it:
http://enterknight.blogspot.com/2011/06/seen-it-all-before-odd-future-russel.html
Other than that they pride themselves in being “soo freakin underground” I doubt beyond blog and hipster buzz it’ll reach beyond that.
I don’t know about this “trend” per say as of right now. About a year ago “edgy” was in, so a lot of black leather, studded leather jackets,and “darker” themed imagery was popular. Now if you look at the Billboards Top Ten its Adele, Pitbull, and Jlo. Hardly anything morbid, goth, or dark happenin there.
@Misty
Yes, I’m very aware of the Gravediggaz and Flatlinerz. I remember when they debuted back in the 90′s. I also remember their ‘edgy’, disturbing themes and imagery. Clearly most consumers felt the same way, which is why the record sales of these artists didnt amount to sh*t, hence their rapid disappearance from the music scene. People werent tryna hear that horror satanic rap back then. It was an obvious record label gimmick anyway. To push what was traditionally rock & roll style themes into the burgeoning hip hop of the 90s. I dont know too many groups of negroes from the hood that worship satan and torture rituals, so that wasnt going to fly. And it didnt. But with the growing popularity in urban settings of the ‘backpacking’, ‘hipsters’ crowd these days, it probably wont be so difficult to garner interest in these themes seeing as though being ‘alternative’ or eccentric is the general attitude of said crowds.
Anyway, apparently in more recent years, there has been a push for the resurgence of this sort of music in the pop music arena. A slow integration, mind you with the themes being behind a lot more black faces.
“Other than that they[Odd Future] pride themselves in being “soo freakin underground” I doubt beyond blog and hipster buzz it’ll reach beyond that.”
I hope you’re right.
I feel you I just feel that your observation is a year or 2 late. Sure this video of Rihanna’s was “graphic” dark if you will, due to the killing. But compare it to her last 5 or so videos (What’s My Name, Last Girl In The World, California King Bed,S&M) and you will see it as the exception. Rewind back to the Rated R era, and the look and feel was completely different, and that was only a year ago. Unlike Odd Future, most pop and Rnb acts hopped on the “edgy i’m so different” bandwagon about 1-2 years ago, and when their Gaga imitation’s proved fruitless, they soon hopped off. It was more so and embracing of a seemingly successful marketing aesthetic then an adoption of a culture and conviction.
Now Odd Future can gain some buzz, one member Frank Ocean has even written for Beyonce, but that was on the strength of his mixtape whose subject matter was a tame departure from Odd’s type of material. Even if they were to “blow up” I am hard pressed to be worried. They’ll be to some black kids, what Nine Inch Nails and Marylin Manson were to white kids in the 90′s. Eventually like all musical cycles interests ebbs, consumers outgrow their angst, and no one converts to satanism.
I just never understood why black folks get so up in arms thinking about our artist embracing “darker themes” when it can’t do any more destruction that our typical RNB and Hip-Hop subject matter has.
Rest assured, this is not a new discovery for me. I, like many others incl yourself, been cognizant of these themes for several years. Please understand that I only make mention of it here given the nature of today’s post. Our disagreement lies on the fact that unlike you, I’m just not so convinced to quickly dismiss this as just some passing trend. We can rewind all the way back Rihanna’s first album which was a burst of sunshine, sugar plums and sparkles. It doesn’t negate the relevancy of my position or observations.
Could it be mere marketing aesthetic than an adoption of culture as you state? Perhaps. However, its hard to say. Time will certainly reveal, and that much I’m sure. At the end of the day, the effort was there, and that cannot be refuted. I think at times we as people tend to seriously underestimate the power of media and its impact on culture and sub cultures. This is not to be likened to mere fashion sense and hair styles trends. Words, power and sound wield a much larger sword and has a completely different impact.
“I just never understood why black folks get so up in arms thinking about our artist embracing “darker themes” when it can’t do any more destruction that our typical RNB and Hip-Hop subject matter has.“
And this you know how? I would like to know your methodology for measuring that. How are you able to determine the level of destruction and effect (or lack thereof in your case) adding a more sinister and foreign ingredient to an already screwed up witches brew is going to have?
I’ll end this response with this: Admittedly, I dont follow current music much, if at all. I have been so uninspired and turned off by the crap of years past that I havent bothered to keep up with the so called ‘trends’. I presume you are more keen on the current wave, which would mean you are speaking from a more knowledgeable position than myself. So I’ll take your word for it. But if zombies ever begin roaming the streets, you can remember this simple phrase: I told you so.
The Zombie Apocalypse was predicted many years ago. I’m not so sure you can claim credit for it. My escape plan was created years ago.
Definitely aint claming credit for it. Just emphasizing that I’m not so quick to dismiss the notion despite its unbelievability.
And this you know how? I would like to know your methodology for measuring that. How are you able to determine the level of destruction and effect (or lack thereof in your case) adding a more sinister and foreign ingredient to an already screwed up witches brew is going to have?
I dunno. Guess I just call it instinct. Or I could just look at the reception from the general black audience once presented with Odd Future material. Except for a few Hot Topic negros, white kids, and hipster music enthusiasts, most reactions have mirrored yours. Which often baffles me. Because we’ve heard worse. I’ve heard Biggie rap about sodomizing and killing children, and not nary a pearl was clutched. Or the fact that Odd Future’s most “controversial” subject matter ie: raping women, violence and rampant homophobia are staples in rap already. Aside from the “eff Jesus” stuff, and eating roaches. Not sure how much worse it can get.
To me the, music industry is reactionary, not proactive. The masses of pop and RnB have already moved to dub step, house music and color, because that is what is selling right now. I simply cannot take the notion of the dark evil tones of today’s pop seriously with Bruno Mars, Glee and Adele topping the charts, there might be a lag, but the rest soon follows.
Oh and I am totally prepared for the Zombie Apocalypse. Cardio game on lock.
“I’ve heard Biggie rap about sodomizing and killing children, and not nary a pearl was clutched.”
And thats exactly the problem. Not a single pearl was clutched.
‘Cause the beat go hard, and the flow is too dope……right? -_-
Trust me I clutched My Pearls My point was this outcry about “Ebil” music wasn’t present then, but the moment some one has “dark undertones” some black people get spooked. When our music has greatly explored base, evil subject matter before, just sans goth, and more 808. The difference in reaction is what I find baffling.
I repeat again, “‘Cause the beat go hard, and the flow is too dope…”
You are absolutely correct however. I think in this particular instance, the difference of reaction has more to do with packaging and subtlety vs in your face debil worship & swinging from nooses. Gravediggaz, went all out with this and failed miserably at the time. It was rather extreme. But Biggie dropping a few lines or a verse here and there buried in with some relatable hood sh*t, well then……….the beat go hard, and the flow is too dope…..right? Diffuses the reaction.
Agreed. But for me those Biggie lyrics even if added for mere shock value are 20x more disturbing than any horrorcore esque song I can think of. Maybe because I’m a parent, you just don’t throw that shyt out there like that w/o me side eyeing you even till death. Speaking of subtlety or lack thereof, what is to account for Bone Thugs popularity? Cuz they were singing about Ouija boards, and chanting about murder, and nary an eyebrow was raised. And if it’s one thing black folks are adamant about never effing with its Oujia boards.
Maybe it was the international government check holiday song?..I dunno. But their 2nd album flirtations with the occult , all the while obvious were never mentioned, well I guess until now with the Youtube University Occult experts n all.
“…you just don’t throw that shyt out there like that w/o me side eyeing you even till death.”
Precisely.
Bone Thugs…honestly, I never got into them. So I am virtually unfamiliar with their works with the exception of “1st of the Month” and “Crossroads”. Other than that, I couldnt tell you about their catalog. However, I have heard and read about what you cited below regarding their music being rife with occult references. But I think you’re right. Perhaps it was the goverment check anthem that got folks initially hooked. It was relatable to po’ folk. Bait.
But I’m just as perplexed as you on how they went under the radar. Hmmnnn.
“Hate to break it to you but Odd Future’s antics are not new. They had negros rapping from nooses in the 90?s Wrote about it:”
They’re basically trying to being back the Horrorcore genre for the kids who weren’t here the 1st time around…lol
Gangsta NIP did it better.
I forgot about NIP. Those old school Rap-a-lot dudes did a lot of horrocore stuff back in the day.
Yep. Did you ever hear K-Rino?
I’ve heard of him but never listened. That dude from Detroit, E-Sham used to put out some sick ish too.
Hmmm…not familiar. Gonna look him up.
Great piece. Gotta say though, Halle Berry is not burdened by her beauty, she’s burdened by her upbringing. Her beauty just enables her to get away with bad behavior more.
Also, the more I see of Rihanna, the more I’m convinced she loves drama…singing about it, depicting it, talking about it in interviews…it’s part of her identity. Not excusing Chris Brown, but I could totally see her pushing the drama until someone hit their breaking point. She seems to have that professional victim identity a lot of drama queens and attention whores have.
@ T. AKA Ricky Raw,
I agree with you 100%!!!!!! All that talk about drama is what makes me think she’s more of an actress than a singer (because we all know her singing abilities are mediocre).
Oh and Champ I’m not sure if you are a Mack 10 fan ( I was once upon a time ) but he did a song featuring the Comrades called Thug Ninjas and in the video they robbed a dope house whiling duct taping D boys and shooting in the head when they refused to give up the dope. I’m sure not many people heard about because it was an underground video that wasn’t meant to be seen by the masses like Man Down was/is.
I haven’t seen this video, but it seems awesome. Even though Mack is a true studio gangsta. Never saw him in Inglewood once.
You don’t say, I thought Mack Manson was the Mayor of Inglewood…lol
Lol. I’ve seen Paul Pierce in Inglewood more than I’ve seen Mack
Yeah it was on the Comrades album that came out in 2000 or 01.
Kill Bill sucked. The action came off too fake and the acting was poor. Tarantino borrows from a lot of genres in his movies, but he should have left martial arts alone. The only good thing about Kill Bill was the soundtrack, the rest was a disaster.
SMDH. When she and Lucy Lui square up and that music kicks in when homegirl kicks those sandals off- perfection. The soundtrack is definitely on point but I love those movies. He lead me to Shogun Assassin and Tony Jaa. I can’t speak ill of QT’s works.
I’m with you… that movie was greatness.
The Protector was horrible, too. Some of the martial arts scenes were good, but that is due to the abilities of Tony Jaa.
My problem with Kill Bill is that the actors all look too awkward to be believable. Tony Jaa is an actual martial artist, so even when he is doing something physically impossible, it looks nice. Uma Thurman? Not so much.
Move your big toe.
LOL! That was a good scene, actually. Her recovery process was pretty well done.
I always both Bill movies were meant to have an element of hokiness to them as a tribute to the genres that they were based on. Vol. One’s hokiness saluted that of bad martial arts movies and Vol two did the same for spaghetti westerns. I think this made both movies great.
I don’t understand how imitating hokiness, in a non-sardonic way, makes a movie good. If his intent was to make fun of the genre, then I would get it. But I get the feeling that Kill Bill was a genuine attempt.
I don’t think poking fun was his intent, but rather paying homage to a degree. There was certain key elements in those genres(albeit hokiness, etc) which was their signature, that ultimately made them likeable and memorable to say the least.
That’s the way I felt about them as well; like they were sort of a modern American remake of an old school martial arts film. I felt that way afterwards that is. It led me back to older films.
There were subtle things in the Bill films that did pay homage to slightly odd things in the genres. Kiddo openly carrying her sword on the plane and the view of the plane itself were each nods to the over the top and cheap Hong Kong martial arts movies that came before it. QT said he was raised by both TV and film because his mom worked often so these things would have stuck out to him.
Tony Jaa is a terrible martial artist. No matter how ‘outstanding’ his moves are, he’s boring. You have absolutely no reason to root for him or to hate him. He’s just ‘bleh’ his entire presence brings every movie down.
I totally disagree. His knee and elbow moves alone are exciting to me. In the films I can recall he plays the farm boy/village boy/orphan that turns into a fighter- pretty good reason to root for him IMO. He doesn’t speak much though; I guess that’s by design. Even if you think he’s boring, “terrible” seems like an over-statement; the man is talented.
Terrible is a bit extreme, but you have a point with him as an actor. He precision and form are excellent, his selling of the moves is bad. After all, it is entertainment. Plus, the dialogue and plots are always horrendous in his movies.
The Kill Bill movies are in my top 5 part 1 more so than part 2 but still in my top 5.
Mine too.
+2
re: the footnote…I don’t think it’s an act at all.
Agreed; ain’t that much actin in the world…
This was SPOT ON *in my Madonna British voice*
I forgot how to add an avi, can someone refresh my memory, please?
Go to gravatar, enter your e-mail, then tada ^_^
Thank yyou Tes:)
^_^ You’re welcome Breazy
I know I might be in the minority with this but…..
1) I do not think Rihanna is that attractive.
2) Her chesticles are something far less than spectacular.
3) Dating Rihanna is bad for your career (e.g. Chris Brown, Matt Kemp).
Beating her was bad for Chris but I agree with you about Matt Kemp. He seems to be back to his old self.
I’m okay with the video. It’s probably because I’m really not against murder in certain circumstances. The circumstance usually, if not always, includes killing a known, unrepentant, repeat offender (murderer, rapist, sadist) in the act of the crime being committed, while all the evidence is there.
The criminal justice system does not have the man power to house all criminals or protect every abused person from a persistent abuser. It also can’t reasonably protect society from the outcome of folks choosing to be with abusers. You may love your crazy Boo (husband, child, sibling, friend), but the kids, family and society can’t manage with him around. If it’s between everybody walking on eggshells in fear of his random acts of violence or voting your Boo off the island, he gotta go. To bad so sad.
This world is a community. You can’t just go making choices putting us all in a repeat cycle of danger. If, by chance, you choose a sadist and decide to nip it in the bud yourself, all the better.
Much like you think the vapidness of Kim Kardashian and Beyonce is an act, I firmly, wholeheartedly believe the “interesting” or “realness” of Rihanna is an act. I don’t like her music and I find her to be one of the most fake people out there. but, that’s just me.
A “good” rape film is “Irreversible.” It’s French. I recommend it.
@Asiyah – “Much like you think the vapidness of Kim Kardashian and Beyonce is an act, I firmly, wholeheartedly believe the “interesting” or “realness” of Rihanna is an act.”
Agreed. Totally agreed. 100% marketing. Like Whitney Houston’s ‘classy, refined’ image and media persona of yesteryear.
“100% marketing. Like Whitney Houston’s ‘classy, refined’ image and media persona of yesteryear”
Ya gotta agree that Clive Davis is the man, for that feat alone.
Irreversible hurt my spirit.
As for Rihanna’s “realness”…I don’t think she’s ever been 100 with anything, even when she was the “Bajan beauty.” Her tendency to be too much negates her limited realness.
“A “good” rape film is “Irreversible.” It’s French. I recommend it.”
Hmm, I’mma have to put that joint in the Netflix queue. I luh some French films. Thanks! I mean…um… merci and sh*t.
I actually need some clarification on the phrase “good rape film” so that my expectations are properly in line. Because right now, I don’t really know what to make of that.
Okay? I just said the same thing. 0_0
“Irreversible” is an overall good film. I only called it a “good rape film” because the content of the movie is rape. The story is told backwards, so you see the ramifications and consequences of the rape before the rape occurs. Similar to the Rihanna video.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but any recommendation for Irreversible should come with a huge disclaimer. I saw the two controversial scenes in the movie on a different blog, and it took me almost 10 years to finally decide to watch the movie in full because of the violence and imagery in those two scenes alone.
There are two movies I would never, ever recommend to anyone, especially a woman, and Irreversible is one of them. Martyrs, another French film, is the other. And they are both well made, so they are “good” in that sense, but the violence within them is disturbing. I literally felt fatigued after watching Martyrs. The film industry in France produces some of the most violent, over the top movies I have ever seen.
Martyrs? What’s that about? You’re right about French cinema. I feel it’s aim is to push the envelope. I get it, but I know not everyone can stomach it.
Yeah, the French are definitely over the top in every way when it comes to film. I can appreciate it in some forms though. So yeah, I planned to brace myself anyway given the subject matter but I appreciate the extra warning, Phil.
Martyrs is about a young woman who seeks revenge against the person/people that kidnapped and tortured her as a little girl. There is actually no rape scene in the movie but the violence and deprivation you see in the last third of the movie is hard to watch.
However, the ideology behind violence depicted in the movie was unexpected, and made it more interesting of a movie.
Interesting.
Has anyone else here seen the Japanese film, “The Audition”? I wonder how folks feel about the final scene in the film.
Are you kidding me? I loved it. The final scene though? Mind fcuked me more than a little bit…
I saw that a while back. The last 15 minutes or so of that film…I could barely get through them.
That was a crazy btch.
The film industry in France produces some of the most violent, over the top movies I have ever seen…
Are they producing them for their audiences or more for the export audiences in America that are leaning more and more towards “torture pr0n” and the most grotesque side of humanity if it can be called that? During the last decade or so movies, especially horrors have had to
at least in the producers’ mindsup the ante misreading disgust as fear.Tes, I would have to believe they produce them for their audience and their audience alone. Some of the French films I’ve seen would not make it into US theaters, because the violence isn’t humorous enough. The violence in the films I’ve seen are meant to depress you, to make you feel something about the violence that is depicted. It wouldn’t elicit any laughs like a Saw or Hostel would.
People laughed during Saw and Hostel? o.O
I’ve never seen those movies. I don’t do torture porn.
my mama said stay away from women who wear pink wigs.
Why the hell would anyone want to watch movies about a crime as vile as rape?
Those scenes are triggering and damaging to the human spirit/psyche as Tes expressed above.
All major celebrities have their images/personas finely created and fine-tuned by a team of media moguls who want to press a meme into society at large, and into the minds of our youth in particular.
The celebrities themselves have no choice but to conform if they want to remain in the business making the big bucks.
There is a benefit to watching movies about vile crimes: putting them out there can provide us with a visual representation of these crimes and can serve to deter some (not all) from committing such acts. Also, it is an overall eye-opener. By actually seeing this vile crime, we will know just how vile it is. Not many people can say something is good or bad unless they see it for themselves, even if by simulation.
My thing with that is, a lot of mentally deranged people go to the movies to get off on them in a way and work up their nerve to eventually do things like that.
Seeing it may make it more real for those who don’t experience it, but it also makes it less and less shocking and thus it’ll have less and less of an impact to the point where it’s normal, which is not normal at all.
Asiyah, my opinion is that vile crimes should be discussed on Talk Shows, not graphically depicted on screens. Its just too triggering.
Especially rape scenes have a “sexual element” to them that do in fact get many male viewers off and that is not right.
We know that men are “visual creatures” and respond strongly to visual stimuli.
Boys who are growing into their sexuality, when confronted with such images, may find themselves being turned on and get very confused.
We can all scream, “parents need to control what their kids watch”. But by the time kids are in their teens, they are staying alone at home at least some of the time, even if its just for one hour while Mom and/or Dad or Mom and Mom’s latest boyfriend go shopping or something. Graphic rape scenes are not just on cable TV, or at night anymore. They are on regular TV during the daytime.
Plus, many public spaces have TVs blasting these days and such images pop up even there.
I don’t think its good for society at large to see such violent images displayed in such graphic ways.
Discussed in a serious fashion? Sure.
Ah, I see your point! I agree with you there, but some people might not like the “serious fashion.” For those people, “entertainment” mediums are what will have the greatest impact. Or will it? Hmmm…tough call.
Some things just can’t be “unserious.” There’s no way in the world you could depict a rape or murder to make me think that it wasn’t a serious thing; as such by trying to make it entertainment one doesn’t learn to see it as unacceptable, one learns that it’s interesting and fun and, more frightening even, normal.
Easy call: Making violence entertainment leads to more of it and less remorse for it.
I just want to share with all you “a rape for a rape” supporters.
I made the mistake of saying something similar on a Feminist website that was discussing rape and got banned for “promoting rape culture”.
They were all of the opinion, including the rape victims on board, that rapists should be “rehabiliated into society”!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m a lurker. So didn’t read the comment thread but Rihanna’s video is still playing and somewhere out there someone is buying this song on I-tune. I want to know why people are taking this video so personally? It’s a reggae song. I bet you if there was a video to every reggae song, reggae would probably be banned totally. How about this video is still on the air and I can’t watch Kanye West’s “monster” anywhere but on youtube? And that was a very artistic video based around a song? Or the fact that just about every Eminem song (and I am a black girl who kinda digs Eminem) is about killing someone, including “Stan” but he’s a lyricist? Point blank period, kids nowadays are hella soft and so are their parents! So you’re telling me that everyone is gonna go out and seek revenge on every person that ever harmed them based on the fact that Rhianna and her weave did? What happened to parental controls both on the TV set and real life? I’ve watched hella porn but never slept with the cable guy!
Its not about one isolated image making us go out and shoot someone.
Its about image after image after image, and lyric after lyric after lyric, and advertisement after advertisement after advertisement, consistently, in our homes, in our schools, in our malls, on our billboards, pushing violence, sex, and general underclass behaviour – all divorced from a family context – day in and day out.
I don’t own a TV. And yet, in large part due to the regular ol’ non-porn internet, I am exposed to shit I don’t want to be exposed to even just logging into facebook or my email account.
The only way to protect one’s child from all of this is to go live in the jungle.
Not everything can be blamed on parents.
All she did was tell a story
Isn;t that what you are suppose to do in music?
This video is no different than the movies that come on Lifetime.
I really wish Rhianna would stop making money off of Chris Brown (That’s what she’s doing!). Cause real talk if somebody beat my A$$, I would not come out with a song called S & M and talking about whips and chains excite me! Because if that’s true; you must like getting beat! (Yeah I said it!)(Sidenote: I don’t like people who don’t own tvs but watch everything on the internet; that’s a tv and probably HD at that!)
So you don’t like me then?
LOL
No I love you WW, (vsb glitter sprinkles and whatnot)(Sidenote:There’s a whole diatribe by this one black comedian who discusses about how superior people who don’t own actual tvs feel and about how they typically also have a computer with high speed internet which is like having SUPERTV!) Lol! I find it amazing that at one point you couldn’t even say pregnant (yes the word pregnant!) on TV, and now we got old Rhi Rhi shooting ninjas in the throat! I digress. I think some of it is a matter of parental control. I used to watch all sorts of stuff on tv and you know what my mom would tell me afterwards? That’s not real life! Honestly, Rhianna is like the slutty version of Beyonce (although Beyonce tends to wear a slut uniform as well!) who is making money off of her own “misery”. Technically this a formula that was previously effective for both Mary J Blige and Keisha Cole.
I guess my problem is not so much the video but with her continual in my view exploitation of the tragic victim figure. Whether it is Man Down, Lies, or Murder, she continues to find a way to bring violence into her music and videos. Call it being relevant and empowering if you want but I honestly don’t see the need for it and would rather call it exploitation. It seems because she was a victim before she seems to get a free pass to take advantage of it anyway she can. She and her reps know that any type of violence either sung or portrayed by or against her in videos and songs is going to cause controversy and boost her up in the fame game.
Everytime you want to enjoy a video…some fool always gotta come with some “Hater Group” and ruin your good time.
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Rihanna may not be as talented as Beyonce but she can sing, regardless of what some of you haters think. Lady gaga’s voice is not so special, but you don’t hear all the crap said about her. Rihanna has achieved a lot in such a short period and a lot of so called better singer have not achieved the same success. Let the young woman do her thing. She has been abused and blamed for her assault by that thug Chris Brown, who is getting the full support of young American women. Parents should be worried about their daughters showing such strong support for a convicted felon.
Rihanna haters need to step back. Black women who hate Rihanna probably hate themselves. Rihanna haters need to go fold up in a bag somewhere and never come out. Rihanna is a total winner and people who are still supporting Chris Brown the woman-beater need to SEEK HELP!
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