Man Down: The Many Sides of Rihanna - Page 3
Even if we would never turn to violence, we are still drawn to the prospect of seeing it fictionally carried out in response to the wrongs we know our mothers, sisters and daughters (and even ourselves) have had to endure. Even better, apparently, if it has a catchy soundtrack...
Yes, “Man Down” has a few quick moments of cold-blooded violence, both by Rihanna’s character and by the man in the alley; however the content is not a far cry from the images in the No Doubt’s “It’s My Life,” another over-the-top retaliation music video.
Were the characters’ responses proportional to the original offenses? Depends on who you ask. Should we encourage the behavior exemplified in so many of these movies and songs? Of course not. “The music industry isn’t exactly Parents R Us! We have the freedom to make art, LET US,” said Rihanna in response to the outpouring of anger over “Man Down” — “It’s your job to make sure (your children) don’t turn out like US!”
Over and over, Rihanna has proven that she can stay in the spotlight. So who is tugging Rihanna to and fro, through the ever-melodic soundtrack of her life? What hidden forces push and pull at her, demanding that she have so many faces, if perhaps only to better appeal to the rest of us?
It would appear, perhaps, Rihanna herself. And perhaps through the controversies that arise from her music, her outfits and her words, we find ourselves all residing in Rihanna’s personal palindrome, being slid in one direction or another, based on her whims.
The music sure sounds great though, no matter in which direction we are pulled...
Technorati readers: What are your thoughts? Are we making way too much out of a music video and song? Has Rihanna scored another home run and sparked a much-needed conversation? Or, does Rihanna’s new single offend you? Let us know in the comments below!
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