Is Rihanna's New Video Art?

     The new music video Man Down by the famous pop artist Rihanna is in the news for being too controversial, but the artist disagrees. Parents Television Council, Industry Ears, and Enough is Enough are upset, once again, at the video which portrays Rihanna shooting a man after being raped. Though there is no actual nudity or *actual rape* the intention is implied. Rihanna from her twitter responded with

rihanna Rihanna 

And this is why!Cuz we turn the other cheek! U can't hide your kids from society,or they'll never learn how to adapt!This is the REAL WORLD!

     In response Melissa Henson, director of communications and public education for the Parents Television Council said, “BET’s justification for airing Rihanna’s video is beyond inadequate. If BET is serious that the video ‘complied’ with its standards, we would like to know just what those ‘standards’ are. In the interest of full disclosure, we call on BET to issue a public explanation of its programming guidelines and urge MTV to keep the video off its network. This video offers a gunshot to the back of the head as a way out of abuse and assault. Victims deserve better.” 

Yesterday on BET's 106 and Park defended her piece by calling in and saying, "art with a message." She then continues to talk about how rape is universal and "wants girls to be careful...and girls be everything they are, but don't be naive." You might remember that Rihanna was a victim of domestic abuse in real life.



 

     Another controversial video that features a trigger being pulled was Erykah Badu's Window Seat.