Really?...REALLY?!

I am feeling a variety of emotions right now. 

I just watched the Eminem ft Rihanna- Love The Way You Lie video and while I admit it was visually well done I am officially appalled. Just typing that makes me feel like those old ladies who are horrified by sock-less babies or parents with tattoos. In case you weren't pop-culture savvy in February 2009 I'll clue you in. Singer Rihanna was dating singer Chris Brown (if I've already lost you perhaps you should venture out from underneath that rock.) They got into a "domestic squabble" that resulted in Rihanna looking like this:

Well, apparently she has forgotten all about this because the music video portrays a couple, Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan from Lost, beating the crap out of each other then having hot, passionate make out sessions. Within the first minute she attacks him, he slams her on a bed, she spits in his face and punches him. Shortly thereafter, he pins her against a wall, punches a hole in the wall next to her head and then they make out. REALLY?! 

Rihanna said the following about the music video and Eminem:

"He pretty much just broke down the cycle of domestic violence and it's something that a lot people don't have a lot of insight on so this song is a really, really powerful song and it touches a lot of people."

Totally true-I'm sure it does touch a lot of people and does give insight into a domestic violence situation however if they wanted to send a positive message to the young girls who are watching the video perhaps it should have ended with the girl leaving her abuser and not laying in bed spooning with him. I totally get the whole freedom of expression, artistic creativity etc but when you are a public figure and are knowingly an influential pop-culture icon it is your responsibility (whether you like it or not) to set a positive example to young people who are looking up to you. Sorry but it is the price you pay if you want to be in the limelight. 

There is a way to portray domestic violence and share the insight without glorifying domestic violence or making it seem sexy. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus did just that with their Face Down video. It is an amazingly powerful and well done video that ends with a positive message. Perhaps Eminem isn't a "positive message" type of guy (I love his music regardless) but at some point you have to acknowledge your social responsibility as a public figure. Unfortunately, famous people have the power to influence impressionable (young) peoples lives and if they can't change that they need to change the messages they are putting out there. It sucks for them but I'm sure their millions of dollars will console them.