When I read this comment about singer Rihanna's song Man Down, "Man Down" indeed: In the video for Rihanna's new aptly titled single, the songstress goes vigilante when she kills a man who rapes her. Bubblegum pop has apparently turned a new page.", my initial feeling was that I would not appreciate it at all, that it would make me feel somewhat angry and depressed about the misogynistic, violent and anti-political aspect of much of today's music.
But I was moved by the song and really like it and its not offensive like "bubblegum pop" either. I'm headed to I Tunes to download it. In it there is remorse and regret, sorrow and the absence of the macho imagery and style that would accompany a male singer and it's not offensive like the imagery we see of women all too often. She isn't advocating vigilantism. I should add that I know next to nothing about Rihanna but if anyone grew up around reggae like I did, you have to admit she's a bit different to Millie Smalls and this song ain't no "My Boy Lollipop."
2 comments:
I liked it too, the lyrics are all about the character's remorse over what she had done. That's actually a good message! The video tells a story, and tells it effectively.
The musical aspects of the song are very good as well, in my humble opinion.
I liked it too. It doesn't promote violence but you can understand why someone might do this. It's like the scene in Thelma and Louise when she shot the guy trying to rape her. I don't say we should push this as the way to deal with rapists but it didn't hurt.
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