Wednesday, February 11, 2009

How Chris Brown Fits the Cycle

The typical progression looks something like this:

A child witnesses domestic violence and learns that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems. Violence is normal. That child never receives help.

Chris Brown Talks Growin' Up In Domestic Violence

Child grows up to assault a partner.

Chris Brown Under Investigation for Felony Battery

Someone notices.

R&B singer Chris Brown booked on suspicion of making felony criminal threats
Chris Brown In Legal Trouble For Allegedly Assaulting A Woman
Chris Brown Assault: Rihanna & Chris Brown Cancel Grammys Appearance Over Domestic Violence Investigation
GRAMMY DRAMA: Chris Brown Investigated In Domestic Violence & Felony Battery Charges!
Chris Brown Wanted In Domestic Violence Charge, Rihanna Cancels Grammy Appearance!

The abuser begins to be held accountable for his actions.

Chris Brown's Bottom Line Takes Beating (what a title)
Wrigley suspends Chris Brown, Rihanna silent
Will More Radio Stations Stop Playing Chris Brown?
Is Chris Brown's Career Already Over?

He attempts to justify his actions, making it all her fault.

Did Rihanna Give Chris Brown an STD
Rihanna gave Chris Brown Herpes?

If that doesn't work, he attempts to discredit her story, by making her look crazy or by making her the "real" or the "worse" abuser.

Chris Brown fights back: Insiders claim Rihanna beat Brown, has history of violence

And we move smoothly into victim blaming, where she deserved it and all of their friends think she's the one who's crazy. If she's the one to blame that means he doesn't get punished, and she learns never to calls the cops again.

Just watch.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

The media coverage of this story has been disappointing at best. The general public has no problem rushing to the defense of an abuser and blaming the victim.

Anonymous said...

I am disappointed that none of these media outlets have not offered any resources for victims of DV.

Anonymous said...

I like this set-up here of the blog entry, meaning the parallelism b/t the "cyle" and Chris Brown's recent "experience."

Anonymous said...

I like this set-up here of the blog entry, meaning the parallelism b/t the "cyle" and Chris Brown's recent "experience."

Unknown said...

I would like to see justice served. In my opinion, Chris Brown should serve jail time. So many children look up to him. They need to see that this type of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This crime should not go unpunished.