(photo taken from MadameNoire)
Since releasing her trap song ‘BBHMM’ earlier this year global superstar Rihanna has received mixed reviews, not only because of the lyrics but also because of the provocative video accompanying. The imagery seen in the video echoes Madonna mashed with something like Pulp Fiction, as we see Female gangsta’s presented in a way only men in action films are represented. Despite Rihanna’s bad girl reputation for some reason many angered parents seemed surprised at the extent she’s willing to push the boundaries. Scenes of violence against other women and blood have caused some to state Rihanna is ‘Satanic’ and a ‘bad role model’ for young women. Although Rihanna has never referred to herself as being a role model there is a lot of expectation that along with fame artists should conduct themselves in a positive way as icons. Although the explicit version of Rihanna’s track requires age identification to listen on platforms such as YouTube, many parents see it as her responsibility not to produce offensive music rather than their own responsibility to monitor their children. With the ability for anyone to share materials they produce its questionable that regardless of fame and mass marketing, the media shouldn’t be the ones to blame for children’s upbringings.
Considering the distress seen in pornography and highly rated age films such as ‘The Human Centipede’ it’s debatable that these outlets would also have to disappear for children not to be negatively influenced.
Films showing violence and nudity are often excused because of their ability to allow the audience to escape from their every day lives without acting out on impulses. Rihanna has had issues in her real life with her accountant and although this is no excuse for publicly acting out, a video is surely a healthier outlet than physically harming someone. Research has shown its unpredictable how audiences react to the media they’re exposed to and despite some teens blaming their crimes on films they’ve seen it’s debatable if this is true.
Violence in the world continues through war and destruction regardless of measures put in place and through news reports children will always be susceptible to these images. So whilst we may not be keen on certain media products, I believe its best we educate children right and wrong so that when they are exposed to these types of imagery they aren’t easily influenced. Rihanna’s music video is a small percentage of a wider issue and it may seem easier to put the blame onto one person but she is not the only artist promoting the occult, explicit, nudity and violence. Kanye West amongst others were notably involved in the production of ‘BBHMM’. Kanye’s own music has often come under fire for calling himself a god and promoting a negative lifestyle.
Rihanna may be promoting that women should stand up for themselves but is this really the right way to go about it?
Since releasing her trap song ‘BBHMM’ earlier this year global superstar Rihanna has received mixed reviews, not only because of the lyrics but also because of the provocative video accompanying. The imagery seen in the video echoes Madonna mashed with something like Pulp Fiction, as we see Female gangsta’s presented in a way only men in action films are represented. Despite Rihanna’s bad girl reputation for some reason many angered parents seemed surprised at the extent she’s willing to push the boundaries. Scenes of violence against other women and blood have caused some to state Rihanna is ‘Satanic’ and a ‘bad role model’ for young women. Although Rihanna has never referred to herself as being a role model there is a lot of expectation that along with fame artists should conduct themselves in a positive way as icons. Although the explicit version of Rihanna’s track requires age identification to listen on platforms such as YouTube, many parents see it as her responsibility not to produce offensive music rather than their own responsibility to monitor their children. With the ability for anyone to share materials they produce its questionable that regardless of fame and mass marketing, the media shouldn’t be the ones to blame for children’s upbringings.
Considering the distress seen in pornography and highly rated age films such as ‘The Human Centipede’ it’s debatable that these outlets would also have to disappear for children not to be negatively influenced.
Films showing violence and nudity are often excused because of their ability to allow the audience to escape from their every day lives without acting out on impulses. Rihanna has had issues in her real life with her accountant and although this is no excuse for publicly acting out, a video is surely a healthier outlet than physically harming someone. Research has shown its unpredictable how audiences react to the media they’re exposed to and despite some teens blaming their crimes on films they’ve seen it’s debatable if this is true.
Violence in the world continues through war and destruction regardless of measures put in place and through news reports children will always be susceptible to these images. So whilst we may not be keen on certain media products, I believe its best we educate children right and wrong so that when they are exposed to these types of imagery they aren’t easily influenced. Rihanna’s music video is a small percentage of a wider issue and it may seem easier to put the blame onto one person but she is not the only artist promoting the occult, explicit, nudity and violence. Kanye West amongst others were notably involved in the production of ‘BBHMM’. Kanye’s own music has often come under fire for calling himself a god and promoting a negative lifestyle.
Rihanna may be promoting that women should stand up for themselves but is this really the right way to go about it?