Really interesting choice, huh? I covered that she would be in Glamour on Tuesday, but didn't discuss that they had made her Woman of the Year.
Glamour Magazine chose her as one of their "Women of the year." Although the article does not go into depth about her experience of domestic violence or any treatment she may have received, she does openly discuss the shame and isolation she endured......Many women who have suffered from domestic violence also feel that same sense of loss and loneliness. The shame women feel from choosing an abusive partner and feeling that they "allowed" it to happen can also contribute to not seeking help. Sometimes when women do reach out for support from their families or friends, they feel judged and retreat more.
Women who find themselves with abusive partners typically do not have media hounding them day and night after their abuse is reported to authorities. They also do not have the public scrutinizing their involvement and reactions.
I can understand that Glamour chose to do this because it brings to light the issue of violence against women, but it seems a little soon and potentially exploitative of her story. As the article asks, I have to wonder if this was her choice and part of her healing process or created by her PR team to support her upcoming single? And hours before her 20/20 interview tomorrow, MTV is airing an interview with Chris Brown. The media spectacle of it does give me pause.
In other news, his new tour is doing lousy. Wonder if it is connected to his "anger issues?"
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I'm glad they chose her. She's appears to be a good model for young women and girls on how to handle a tough situation. With an upcoming CD and video release I imagine she's pretty happy at the 'win'. If she was ready to step back into the spotlight she certainly could've refused. She inspired a much needed discussion about abusive relationships among teens, and among black teens in particular. This is great. I'm glad to see that she's recovering, and recovering so well. Big, big ups!
Why is Feministing so preoccupied with one victim of domestic violence? Who is now being further victimized by a ubiquitous patriarchy? It doesn't just happen to celebrities.
I see there's the beat-up on the media angle, but pointing out the flaws or hypocrisy in our media is really too easy.
I don't know; what makes this award "too soon" and how do you decide what an appropriate time line for healing would be? Another year? In some ways the media has profited off her abuse since February (and a lot of feminists were disappointed that Rihanna wasn't participating in the conversation sooner). But she is speaking out publicly about the violence now, in a way that feels powerful and sincere to me, and continuing to build her career. I'm just not comfortable calling that exploitative.
I'm guess I'm already feeling appalled at all the negative feedback I've seen online this morning in response to her Good Morning America interview, criticizing Rihanna for her "publicity stunt." Not only do I think she should not be judged for when and how she chooses to speak (or not speak) about her experience, I also don't necessarily have a problem with the timing coinciding with a new single. The picture of her battered face changed and possibly damaged her career and image through no fault of her own. If after 9 months of media coverage she has decided to assert her own voice, talk to other young women facing domestic violence, and in the process help rebuild her career, great. Of course, if she were actually being coerced by her PR people then I would not feel the same way, but I don't think I have a reason to assume that she is.
I know you weren't posting about the interview, it's just something really bothering me today and I think it relates to this discussion of media coverage surrounding of Rihanna.
Hmmmm....I hope she's alright.
I'm bothered by this, I really am. She has been quiet (as her right) all this time and now that she has product coming out she "speaking out"? This is straight out of the Halle Berry playbook: got a movie coming out and omg my husbad cheated on, next time, omg my dad wasn't there, next time omg I suffered from low self esteem... As a young woman of color I don't need her to be a "spokesperson" for me, just take care of herself and try to be well and happy. So yeah I am cynical.,
I have a second take on this, it may not be her pulling a "Halle Berry". She does have product coming out and so yeah you have to promote it. The press is going to ask about it. Maybe it's not so much her wanting to use what happened as a selling point as much as that's the angle the media is hyping to promote the interview.
I love Rihanna's music. I loved it before she was a victim of domestic violence and I'm sure I'll love it after. Her songs are empowering, catchy, and sophisticated- her voice is clear and incredible. I have so many memories driving around with my roommates singing Umbrella in a red convertible or dancing to Live Your Life on repeat.
Her identity is not- to me- wrapped up in that one horrible moment in her life. Will every decision she makes now be scrutinized by the women who are supposed to support and uplift her for the rest of her life because she was been made (by no action of hers) a spokesperson for victims and women? I surely do not wish that upon any person.
Good points.
In other news, his new tour is doing lousy. Wonder if it is connected to his "anger issues?"
A double dose of Karmatic Debt & Poetic Justice. I know I'm not alone when I say that I can't see or hear anything to do with Chris Brown w/o thinking of that photo of Rihanna's pulped & beaten face. Fucking Bastard. All of the piss-poor excuses offered up by CB's music-industry defenders & fanbase/enablers just shrivel in the light of that evidence.
Whatever, her job is to be a celebrity and to be something like "Glamour's woman of the year". She's gorgeous and one hell of an entertainer. As a past victim of domestic violence who lost an entire career to the stigma of what was done to me I say let the woman keep her damn job.
I think it's commendable that Glamour is not requiring that she disappear into shame and ashes for being attacked by someone else.
Who are we to say that it's too soon for her to speak (or too late for that matter)? I actually think the timing is perfect; it shows that she has survived and thrived despite everything she has gone through. Kudos to her.
On another note, the National Coalition For Men is calling on Rihanna to discuss her violence against Chris. The timing of this "call" smells fishy.