The media is notorious for its depictions of gender, portrayal of sexism, as well as violence against women. Domestic violence is commonly seen in songs, music videos, and movies as well as in the real lives of many celebrities and in a way makes it appear that violence is a normal part of a relationship.
Take for instance “Love the Way You Lie” a hit single in 2010 by Eminem and Rihanna, in which violence is part of this couples’ relationship: “You swore you’d never hit ‘em; never do nothing to hurt ‘em/ Now you’re in each other’s face spewing venom in your words when you spit them/ You push, pull each other’s hair, scratch, claw, bit ‘em/ Throw ‘em down, pin ‘em” (Mathers, Grant, Hafermann, 2010). The song was nominated for best song and rap/sung collaboration by MTV, BET, and the Grammys and the music video, which shows a couple fighting, has been watched over 800 million times on YouTube. Is this not celebrating domestic violence? Some may argue that the song won awards for the talent of the singers themselves, but shouldn’t we also be questioning the content of the songs?
I want to argue that I think it is important that topics and issues such as domestic violence are talked about in art, music, and other mediums, but are these images and depictions creating conversation or is violence as part of a relationship being normalized?
References
Mathers, M., Grant A., & Hafermann, H. (2010). Love the way you lie. On Recovery [CD]. Santa Monica, CA: Intermath.
I want to argue that I think it is important that topics and issues such as domestic violence are talked about in art, music, and other mediums, but are these images and depictions creating conversation or is violence as part of a relationship being normalized?
References
Mathers, M., Grant A., & Hafermann, H. (2010). Love the way you lie. On Recovery [CD]. Santa Monica, CA: Intermath.