Domestic violence shouldn't get a Grammy
Scott is 22 and unemployed. He love all kinds of music, particularly Punk, and plays the bass well and the guitar poorly. He'd love to play music or write for a living.
Scott Woolley thinks Chris Brown should show more remorse for beating his girlfriend Rihanna, and says his lack of punishment makes a joke out of the serious issue of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence accounts for almost a quarter of all reported violent crimes according to Womens Aid. It is a serious crime, one that can ruin or even end lives. However it seems that if you're famous, it's not such a big deal after all. The recent controversy surrounding the popular singer Chris Brown, who many view as a role model, highlights the appalling way domestic violence is handled in our society.
On February 8th 2009, he carried out a brutal attack on his former girlfriend, Rihanna. He smashed her head into a car window, punched her in the face numerous times, and allegedly bit her ear and fingers, all whilst threatening to kill her. Now, I'm not an expert in criminal law, but I'm fairly sure someone who does that deserves more than a few hours of community service.
His reactions to criticism - tweeting 'f*ck off' to haters after winning a Grammy - are proof that he is either incredibly insensitive or doesn't care. I find it shocking that after committing such a crime, and showing no remorse, he can continue to be at the forefront of our celebrity-obsessed culture. By failing to condemn his actions outright, by continuing to support Chris, his fans are turning a blind eye to a very serious issue.
Fans of Chris Brown really need to ask themselves if they're happy supporting an artist who not only acts so despicably, but shows so little regret afterwards. As a music lover I can assure you there is a ton of better artists out there, ones who aren't so morally pathetic. If you're a Chris Brown fan, why do you continue to support him? Do you think violence against women is acceptable? Do you think Chris sets a good example, or deserves your money? Why are you blindly supporting him?
It sends a wonderful message to young people - that you can severely beat a woman, and your life will continue on as normal.
Watching 'Chris Brown can beat me up any day' trending on Twitter during the Grammys was, quite frankly, terrifying. No matter how sarcastic someone saying that might be, it still demonstrates a severe lack of understanding at best, and its condoning violence against women at worst.
It really makes you wonder how successful the Government's recent campaign to stop domestic violence among young people can be, while the media continually supports Chris Brown after everything he's done. It sends a wonderful message to young people - that you can severely beat a woman, and your life will continue on as normal.
Whether or not Chris Browns enduring popularity will lead to an increase in domestic violence is both an abstract argument and impossible to prove. However one thing is for certain: if we're trying to teach kids that respect for women is important, and domestic violence should not be tolerated, then Chris Brown is setting a disgusting example. And he's being paid a lot of money for his efforts.
Domestic violence is a horrendous and serious crime. If you've ever known a victim of it, you'll know that those scars and bruises are not just skin deep. They leave a lasting impression on the victim's heart and mind, and the pain will remain long after the bruises have healed. Chris Brown is just one high-profile example of this crime. And, as long as we allow actions like his to go unpunished, women will continue to suffer.
It's something that should not be tolerated no matter how rich the guilty party is. Hitting women - and idolising the people who do it - needs to end if we're to consider ourselves a decent and upright society.
Updated: 08/06/2012
Help us help you - Help us improve TheSite.org
Take part on Helping the homeless?
Wake up in a bad state? - Hangovers explained
Read more on Helping the homeless?
Second year student - Sarah feels life at uni has only just started
Read more on Helping the homeless?
Depression - Learn how to recognise it and cope
Read more on Helping the homeless?
Paternity leave - Dads have rights too
Read more on Helping the homeless?
Carbon footprint - What's all the chat about?
Read more on Helping the homeless?
Boys and girls - James tells TheSite.org about coming out as bi
Read more on Helping the homeless?
Faking orgasms - Dont be a phoney, show them what you want
Read more on Helping the homeless?