(ThyBlackMan.com) Like most musicians these days, Rihanna is under scrutiny for her new music video “Man Down,” which depicts the singer gunning down her abuser.
According to reports from ABC News and TMZ, the Parents Television Council has condemned Rihanna’s video for its suggestive acceptability of violence. In a statement, the PTC director of communications Melissa Henson said, “Rihanna’s personal story and status as a celebrity superstar provided a golden opportunity for the singer to send an important message to female victims of rape and domestic violence.” The statement goes on to say, “Instead of telling victims they should seek help, Rihanna released a music video that gives retaliation in the form of premeditated murder the imprimatur of acceptability.”
The organization along with Industry Ears and the Enough is Enough Campaign, is also targeting BET. In a statement, Industry Ears co-founder 
Paul Porter said, “If Chris Brown shot a woman in his new video and BET premiered it, the world would stop. “Rihanna should not get a pass and BET should know better. The video is far from broadcast worthy.”
Boo hoo, cry me a river. I’m an avid supporter of holding celebrities and public figures accountable for their actions, but only when vital. Honestly, to brand Rihanna as some eternal poster-child for domestic violence is unfair. Yes, we all know Rihanna was a victim of domestic violence (at the hands of Chris Brown), which she has spoken openly and honestly about. But does that give organizations the license to keep her on some unrealistic pedestal? I argue no. Rihanna is an entertainer, who has trademarked her career on being provocative. While I do not endorse gun violence, people, parents especially, need to realize that musicians’ function as role models can only go but so far.
“Man Down” is a song about shooting a man down for crying out loud. Is a visual replicating an overt theme so farfetched? If you want to criticize her, criticize her music–that would seem more logical. But even then, does Rihanna not have the right to be her own artist–one that uses music as art of expression? Free of limitations? Music can be interpreted in many ways, and maybe “Man Down” can be seen as a message to females what not to do. And if one listens to the lyrics of the song–“Oh mama what have I done?”–one would notice it is quite remorseful at best. I personally think the song, and video, is a strong message to victimized women to not be just that: a victim. The video is not about encouraging violence as much as it is a proclamation of taking charge of an adverse situation.
Nonetheless, artists will always be criticized for their “artistic” choices. I guess that’s the name of the game. Rihanna, however, does not seem phased by the backlash. On her Twitter account, the songstress tweeted,”Thank you for the amazing response on ManDownVideo I love you guys, and I love that u GOT IT!!!”
Staff Writer; Gerren K. Gaynor
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