black…MYstory

I usually don’t go too heavily into the celeb stuff.  We get “news” like this all the time.  Typically, most of what they do has very little relevance in the lives of everyday people.

However, the whole Chris Brown/Rihanna fisaco did bother me. As someone whose seen women in his own family go through abusive relationships, I saw that such relationships are of absolutely no good.

I didn’t speak on this because, I thought, Rihanna seemed to have enough sense to break away from Chris Brown before it got worse.  Today, I believe I was wrong.

It seems that they are a couple again.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.  I saw the women in my own family let abusive men back in, too.  The men were so contrite, apologetic and loving after these beatings. The swore it wouldn’t happen again and admitted they needed help.  Then, in no time at all, there would be another argument and another beating, just as bad, if not worse, would happen.  I’ve seen the women in my family with cuts and bruises.  I’ve seen the sunglasses being worn to work to cover black eyes.  I’ve seen the so-called me calling or showing up at a place of work to publicly humiliate or intimidate the women. I’ve seen cases as severe as my own recently-deceased aunt who, over 20 years ago, was found after having being beaten and thrown through a glass table by her boyfriend.  She was in a coma and, after awakening, could barely walk so that, in her 40’s, should could do no more that shuffle along. However, even this was not enough to convince her and, out of “love” she refused to press charges.

I guess this situation bothers me not because Rihanna is a celebrity.  It bothers me for at least two other reasons:

1. because she is a young woman with her whole life ahead of her and doesn’t see what a volatile situation she may be a part of and
2. young women in similar situations may look to her example and not break with abusive mates, either.

Sadly, this isn’t a story of celebrity. This is something that is all too common and, I’m afraid, all too acceptable.

Popularity: 20% [?]

Hell, why not?

Art is about pushing boundaries and expressing creativity, right?

So, when we hear that one-half of Outkast is working on a collaboration with the Atlanta Ballet Company, we should not be surprised.

Antwan “Big Boi” Patton and the Atlanta Ballet Company will debut “Big” tonight.

If you’re in Atlanta, check it out and let me know. Who knows…it might create new fans for both genres.

Popularity: 11% [?]