Opposing viewpoints: Grammy’s domestic violence PSA falls flat with infamous abuser in audience
February 12, 2015
This year’s Grammy Awards featured a beautiful display highlighting the problem of domestic abuse and violence, including a video speech from President Obama and a heartbreaking performance by Katy Perry. Ironically, Chris Brown sat in the audience.
At this year’s Grammys, the awards ceremony reminded viewers of the music industry’s main goal: making money regardless of its origin. Chris Brown’s thriving career proves the industry’s insensitive moral conscience.
If Brown’s fanbase refused his music after his assault against Rihanna, his career would have rightfully ended. The Grammys invited him because he makes money, and he only makes money because we support him. By promoting and celebrating Brown and his music career, we as consumers encourage the industry to do the same.
Brown cannot decipher whether consumers support his music or himself as a person. And frankly, he does not care. He reaps millions of dollars, so why would he?
The domestic violence display proved necessary six years ago, directly after Rihanna’s undeserved assault, not five award ceremonies later. Brown performed at the Grammys in 2012, only two award shows after the assault. Grammy executive producer Ken Erhlich even said, “We’re glad to have him back.”
He did not suffer from his actions. This points to a bigger problem in society. Frankly, the Grammys failed the expectations of social exile for a man who hospitalized his own girlfriend.
Showing support for domestic violence victims proved challenging for them. They removed possible support for Rihanna by implying her abuse placed a burden on the Grammys.
Think about it from a domestic violence victim’s perspective. By allowing Brown back, the entire world says that his or her aggressor will be forgiven quickly. This does not just apply in Brown and Rihanna’s case, as everyday people suffer from this tragedy. Society tells domestic violence victims to “forgive and forget” and “get over it.”
I do not blame the Grammy Awards for their ironic display of inviting Brown to an event pointing out the problem of domestic violence. I blame society for helping his career continue to survive.
