I just inhaled a tasty recession-friendly dinner (for one) on what is supposed to be "the most romantic holiday" of the year. Yet, as I sit here typing, I can't help but think that there is at least two other people in my shoes on this very evening. Sure, those shoes are a tad more expensive, but this Valentine's day, our story is practically one and the same.
A week ago today, Chris Brown and Rihanna were virtually inseparable. The two were spotted canoodling at several pre-Grammy celebrations, preparing for the music industry's biggest showdown and were probably thoroughly enjoying the satisfaction of knowing that they were number one (debatable) in their respective fields. Now one week later, Rihanna is left attempting to recover from physical and mental wounds, while Chris—and his team—are probably scrambling away trying to come up with various strategies to save what little reputation he has left. It's heartbreaking to say the least. Just how did it come to this?
Like most people, I have my theories. Before you shoot the messenger, hear me out. About three years ago, when I was an intern at a popular teen magazine, my editors happened upon this new 16-year-old triple threat from Tappahannock, Virginia, a super-talented boy by the name of Chris Brown. After serenading a room full of magazine editors with his dreamy voice and school-boy charm, it was apparent he was the next big star in the making. My editor immediately scooped him up for a 5-page cover story, and thus began our wordy love affair with the teen sensation. Just a year later, however, when it came time to request another cover story from our beloved Chris Brown, we received a resounding "no" from "his people." It seems as if he'd outgrown us.
A similar story unfolded with Rihanna. Before she landed that coveted endorsement with Covergirl, she was the magazine's go-to cover girl of choice. But by her third album, Rihanna's “people” had set their sights on greener pastures, and apparently we were a few shades too dark. Once again, we were left standing by the wayside.
Now some platinum-album sales, endorsement deals and millions of fans later, the chicken has come home to roost. And this, my friends, is what happens when you have too many “yes men/women” around you saying "yes" to the wrong things and "no" to the right things, i.e., "Yes, Chris, that platinum plaque gives you the right to do as you please. Yes, you can hit a girl if she doesn't report it the first few times. No, you don't always have to listen to your mother. Yes, she gave birth to you, but we made you a superstar." The same goes for Rihanna. "Yes hun, just stand there, sing this note, wear this dress and look cute. No, you don't have to smile at the paps. No, you don't have to grace the cover of this magazine. Yes, you can date Chris Brown."
Frankly, it's appalling. Just think, this whole unfortunate incident could have been avoided had these two young people, who haven't even reached the legal drinking age, had parental supervision at least half the time they were out gallivanting around the world. Now instead of performing in Malaysia or enjoying the All-Star festivities this weekend, Rihanna and Chris Brown are in self-imposed exile as the media, fans and anyone else with a mouth and two lips, chime in on how this could have happened to two of America’s most adored pop stars.
But what do you guys think? Does the root of this incident stem from Chris and Rihanna’s “yes men”? Do you believe all the allegations that have been leveled against Chris Brown? Can Rihanna share in some of the blame? How can we address domestic violence issues amongst our young Black youth? Lastly, what will it take for you to "forget this ever happened" or have we passed the stage of forgiving and forgetting?
by
Trés Ink
Originally written on February 14th, 2009
