SF State of Mind..

Elizabeth Mendez Barry discusses Chris Brown and Rihanna

In 2005, Vibe Magazine writer Elizabeth Mendez Barry wrote an article entitled "Love Hurts" in which she explored the prevalence of domestic violence in hip-hop. In her article she exposed the domestic violence perpetrated by deceased hip-hop legend Big Pun along a few other well-known rappers. Her piece generated passionate reactions from both sides; there were those who were supportive and applauded her willingness to confront an ugly reality that exists in hip-hop. There were also those who responded with hostility, upset at Barry for "airing [hip-hop's] dirty laundry" and tarnishing the image of one of hip-hop's most beloved stars (Big Pun). In this video she discusses her article, the dynamics of domestic violence in general and the recent events involving Chris Brown's alleged assault on Rihanna.

via Nah Right

[Final Thoughts:] Domestic violence can never be condoned, and I'm glad Barry took a stance on an issue that is prevalent, yet often ignored - not just in the rap industry, but in society at-large. This latest episode is sad for a variety of reasons. It will most likely ruin the career of a talented young star, Brown, who as a child witnessed the physical abuse his mother suffered at the hands of a boyfriend. I can't excuse Brown for his actions but I will say that he is a 19-year old young man who has faced challenges and pressures that most adolescents have not had to deal with. And while he clearly has some issues to work through and he committed an atrocious act, he is still only a young man. I can only hope that he recognizes his mistake and that he never hits another girl ever again. As for Rihanna, aside from the physical abuse she suffered, she has to bear the weight of this humiliating and painful experience in public. Whenever she decides to return to the public-eye, she will be subject to endless questions about her private life that a 20-year old young woman shouldn't have to face. Furthermore, her future relationships will be negatively affected without question.

It just goes to show that celebrities are flawed human beings just like everyone else. The public persona they put out is simply a highly polished and carefully crafted image, and it must be recognized as such. We never really know what kind of person a celebrity (or public figure) is when the cameras aren't watching. I have found that the best way to avoid being let down is to just appreciate a person's work (because that's what it is, his/her means to supporting him/herself) for what it is and not make assumptions about who that person is in real life. In a world where celebrities are constantly being exposed for some misdeed or failing - Kobe, Will Smith (scientologist), Mel Gibson - what other way is there?