Feministing asks, What about the survivors?

Check out this must-read post on Feministing.com about Chris Brown’s breakdown at Sunday’s 2010 BET Awards. Rose Afriyie writes:

America’s conversation about Chris’ conviction of felony assault has officially been shifted to the controversy at play in Chris’ tears. Adding insult to injury were the stars and fans who have been caught on camera cheering on him, his performance and calling Sunday night’s performance a comeback. I can’t help but ask: what about us? What about the women who relive their experiences when a man is given a platform to imply that his pain is greater than the brutality he has inflicted on a woman’s body? What about Rihanna? Where is the tribute for survivors and what has BET done to change the scourge of violence in Black women’s lives?

If you think she’s making a mountain out of a mole hill, remember this: Homicide at the hands of a current or former intimate partner is the NUMBER ONE killer of African-American women ages 15 to 34. 


I’m not saying that Chris Brown shouldn’t be forgiven, but that Rihanna and other women like her should not be forgotten.