By R. Renee
DISCLAIMER: Let me make it clear that in no way, shape or form am I justifying or condoning Chris Brown’s assault on Rihanna. So I ask that you approach this article with an open mind. Thank you.
There are THREE sides to every story – His side. Her side. And the truth. Regarding Chris Brown and Rihanna we’ve heard his side of the story. We’ve now heard her side of the story. But have we heard the truth?
There’s no doubt there is a lot more to the Chris-Rihanna drama than we may ever know. Only Chris, Rihanna and a few people in their inner circle really know what went down in their relationship and in that car that fateful night.
Rihanna
Nevertheless, it’s perhaps safe to say that their relationship was unhealthy and dysfunctional. And although Brown is clearly the “bad guy” in this situation Rihanna herself was also “bad girl” – “a girl good gone bad” so to speak.
The National Coalition for Men (NCFM), who came out and supported Brown, released a statement saying: “According to court records and other sources, Rihanna struck Brown in the face ‘numerous times’ before he assaulted her.”
Is it possible that Rihanna physically assaulted Brown? Yes. Is it possible that Rihanna provoked and instigated Brown’s assault? Yes. Is it possible Brown got fed up and snapped? Yes. Is it likely Brown acted in self defense? Yes. Does this justify or excuse Brown’s assault? NO.
But let’s not be so quick to label Chris Brown a monster and to throw him under the bus especially when we don’t know the whole TRUTH regarding their relationship.
#########
Chris Brown
There are many females who emotionally, mentally, verbally and physical abuse their boyfriends/husbands. Men don’t talk about it due to their own shame and embarrassment.
There are men who don’t leave these abusive relationships for many of the same reasons women stay in abusive relationships (“love”, low self-esteem, co-dependency, etc.).
There are men who don’t defend themselves because they refuse to hit a woman under ANY circumstance.
There are men who don’t defend themselves because they know that even if they physically restrain a woman all she has to do is call 911 and he’s going to jail.
This is the flip side of domestic abuse/violence that no one talks about. Let’s not have a double-standard when it comes to domestic abuse/violence. Yes, it’s wrong for a man to abuse a woman but it’s equally wrong for a woman to abuse a man.
Was Rihanna a victim? Yes. But so was Chris Brown. From my perspective, Rihanna and Chris victimized each other.
So if you want to take sides, so be it. But in doing so just remember there are THREE sides to every story – His side. Her side. And the TRUTH.
R. Renee is a poet, author, lecturer, and commentator. She is the author Face Tha Fiyah – a compelling story of African-Americans striving for success, dignity and peace of mind in a sometimes racist and oppressive world.
Recently teen singer/rapper Teyana Taylor dispelled a rumor that she was “getting it on” with Chris Brown. She then took it one step further and proclaimed she was a virgin and wasn’t getting it on with ANYbody.
