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What does the Chris Brown/Rihanna incident say about the state of relationships in the African American community? What does it say about the perception of black males in the media? When it comes to the Chris Brown case, there are some important questions that the black community needs to answer, as well as some areas in which we must hold ourselves accountable.
Here are some issues we address in the latest Sharpton/Watkins conversation below:
1) Does the quick forgiveness of Chris Brown tell us that we don't value the lives of black women?
2) If Rihanna is really interested in dating Chris again, does this send the wrong message to domestic violence victims? At what point should the state intervene?
3) What if the woman also hits the man? Does that change the rule stating that a man should never hit a woman? How many men are unfairly incarcerated for domestic violence each year?
4) If women are willing to look past Chris Brown's behavior and still buy his records, does that justify the consistent disrespect of black women by recording artists such as Lil Wayne and others? What would an artist have to do or say to get women to stop supporting him, or is nothing off limits?
5) What is the role of African American men when it comes to holding male artists accountable in their treatment of African American women?
These questions and more are answered during the conversation below. Enjoy!
Dr. Boyce Watkins is a professor at Syracuse University and author of "What if George Bush were a Black Man?" To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.
Comments: (13)
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By: dxxy4u on 9/02/2009 5:20PM
It's a down right shame that the Black American Family has to be characterized by the Chris Brown/Rihaana incident. This story should have been history by now. Why are we keeping this mess going? I'm sick of it, already. The Redneck good ole boys treat their women just as cruel as some of the brothers. When the cops go to these trailer parks, they stay about a minute then leave. But if the problem is Brother related, in the 'hood. You'll see ever cop car from a five mile radius there. Then you'll see the patty wagon. God forbid if it's a Black public figure, then the News reporters will be there. Please for peace sake, let this story go. Find something else more constructive about Blacks than this BS.
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By: sdw on 9/05/2009 12:01AM
Wow! Dr. Watkins stated twice that he doesn't think Chris Brown is a monster. The man allegedly switched his ring to the hand he punched her with, bit her, tried to push her out of a moving vehichle, and left her in the street. Not to mention (according to police reports) this wasn't the first time he had abused Rhianna. I was just wondering what a man would have to do in order to be declared a monster by Dr. Watkins. Would he have to go as far as killing the woman? Or would the victim just have to be Mr. Watkinns' own daughter? Seems to me that the Dr. has just answered his own question as to why Black society keeps forgiving these men for their offenses against Black women. We keep saying, "Oh, he was wrong, but he's not all that bad." "He's so talented." Reports are saying now that Chris and Rhianna are still trying to be together, and even at his sentencing his attorney told the judge a restraining order was no longer necessary. Deomestic violence is not a Black thang, it's a problem within society in general. And in this situation, Chris brown is a sick individual who needs help. And if Rhianna keeps allowing him back into her life, she is just as sick and will find herself headlining as the next Nicole Brown Simpson. As long as it took Chris Brown to publicly appologize, I know that he is truly not sorry for what happened. He genuinely feels justified in what he did; like when he first made a statement on the matter saying "You don't know her". I believe that he is only appoligizing now for the sake of his career. I have had experience with an abusive person before, and I see that look in his eyes. He will try to get back into her life to abuse her more; all he needs is society's ok. And if Dr. Watkins is an example of what (Black) society thinks, he will.
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By: carla ford on 9/03/2009 8:56AM
@ sdw-
So true-when the incident first happened,I was disgusted @ Chris Brown. As time went on, I began to blame Rihanna for what happened to her like so many other women, especially black women. I erased that distorted thinking and realized that was part of the problem. Chris Brown is a monster for what he did (I knew there was something sinister behind that bright smile of his)-he needs help-and so does his mother because she doesnt seem to bright
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By: carla ford on 9/03/2009 9:02AM
To address the issue of how black men, especially the entertainers had nothing to say-now they chose to as some put it-"mind their own business" because it didnt concern them-how sickening. This was a then 19 year old who was clearly out of control-not one male figure stepped-up to check him-they seemed to encourage him if anything. Especially Sean Combs who actually opened his home to him shortly after the incident (famous jet-skiing incident w/Chris) so Chris & Rihanna could reunite!
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By: beverly j obrien on 9/07/2009 9:45AM
i was in an abusive relationship,and didn't last but 3 months.everyone tryied to make me stay.he to this day is still abusing and i'm living a calm peacefull life with my kids and new husband .they should had a cooling off period .the whole world was trying to run their life,now they need some counseling and chris needs to learn how to control his anger , my ex never did.and to this day he is miserable.
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By: Pearl on 9/03/2009 5:12PM
Is it just me or is it odd the Chris Brown has become the poster child for domestic violence. The "domestic violence" part of Nicole Brown's death did not get this much attention. When MAC 10 was beating Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins azz, you barely heard a peep, and this crap was going on at the height of her career. It's times like this when I don't understand the media.
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By: beverly j obrien on 9/07/2009 10:43AM
there is no color on domestic abususe,i know more caucasions people that beat their spouses and kids than that of color.i don't judge by color,god made people equeal in all ways. some are just sicker than others,and they need someone to help them to get help,befor it's to late,rhianna needs to leaen she doen't have to be beaten to be loved,i always thought you did.she needs as much space away from him as the court gave him away from her. they should use it wisely.
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By: Payton on 9/08/2009 1:45AM
I agree with you. Rhianna is going to end up just like Nicole Brown Simpson. There is, however, a slight difference here. You see, Rhianna has not yet been taught that you cannot hit a man, slap him, kick him and the like and get away with it. She did it and has been glorified for it. I hope she learns her lesson before she hits someone else and she ends up at Forestlawn in Hollywood.
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By: JS Huntlands on 9/08/2009 5:50AM
Help Raise awarness of domestic violence and order Nick Twisted Minds
Nick Twisted Minds:
Trapped in a world of abuse and cruelty. Tanya has to try to escape to save her and her son's life.
*
Reader Reviews
Review [07.28.09]
Source: A Publisher
Date: 7/20/2008
J. S. Huntlands highly creative style of writing and keen attention to detail could further enhance the appeal of this enlightening book.
Review [07.28.09]
Source: A Publisher
Date: 7/15/2008
The characters are developed and presented in a multi-dimensional fashion revealing the intricacies of their unique personalities and individual agendas. In addition, J. S. Huntlands effectively manages to avoid artificially padding the work with superfluous material and unnecessary characters thereby keeping the focus directed towards the primary storyline. Navigating the plot to a well conceived and logical conclusion.
Review [07.28.09]
Source: Reader from Italy
Date: 3/3/2009
It took me a couple of chapters or so to get hooked, but when i did it grabbed me until I finished the whole book. I am now looking forward to book number two. Nick, Dead or Alive coming out in 2009.
Review [07.28.09]
Source: Screenplay Agent
Date: 5/7/2008
A young woman falls in love with the man of her dreams only to discover he is not at all who he seems. Trapped in his world of abuse and cruelty, she finds herself in a fight for her very life.
Review [07.28.09]
Source: Poppy Reader
Date: 1/20/2009
Fantastic book. Easy to read with a gripping story. Loved the ending. I would strongly recommend this book to all
Review [07.28.09]
Source: Reader from UK
Date: 1/17/2009
I loved this book. It is emotional to the very end and keeps you guessing throughout. I can not wait for the next book to come out.
Review [07.28.09]
Source: Editor
Date: 12/12/2008
This book has it all. Romance, love, sex and violence. Once you start to read this book you will find it hard to put down
Review [07.28.09]
Source: Reader from New Zealand
Date: 5/1/2009
It is something like Danielle Steel would write!
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By: stp on 9/08/2009 5:44PM
Lawsuit Mentions Michael Jackson's Murder And His Fear Sony Would Kill Him (mentions Chris Brown)
http://www.judiciaryreport.com/fbi.htm
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