Rihanna Too Sexual? Facebook Poll Attempts to Answer Controversial Issue
Today's music is overtly sexual and seemingly devoid of positive messages for young teens and even adults.
How do music fans feel about these messages; Do they condone or disagree with the ulterior message in music?
One of modern music's biggest stars, Rihanna, is currently the subject of controversy as her videos are hyper sexualized and often objectifies women.
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According to several interviews, the singer claims her sexuality and femininity is “empowering” to women. While many would disagree with her, some feel she has a point.
A poll on the controversial issue was conducted on Facebook recently, allowing music listeners of all ages to sound off on the matter.
The question asked: "Is Rihanna's overly sexualized image in music videos bad for girls and/or women?"
Fashion Designer Patricia responded on the poll: "I think she should get to do what she wants, it's her expression. Women/girls need to educate themselves more if they're going to Rihanna for lifestyle tips-- don't blame a music artist for girls wanting to be sexy!"
Law Student Jessica Voto replied to Patricia, her sister: "It makes young girls think it's okay to engage in behavior unbecoming of their age groups. A six year old should not know, let alone engage in rude boy like behavior. She's not a role model for children."
While the two women disagreed, many others also went back and forth and questioned each other.
Scott Vollweiler, owner of Broken Records Magazine, commented: "An idol should be someone who shines a positive light for someone to follow. A nine year doesn't need to hear about sexual themes in videos and music."
Music Photographer Matthew Ryan, who once interviewed Rihanna, commented: "I don't think Rihanna's sexualness is necessarily bad for women. That's one of Rihanna's big themes is empowering women to love themselves, and not be afraid of their beauty, bodies, sexuality, or self-worth for being a woman."
"That said, there is an age limit where parents should NOT be letting their daughters watch this stuff,” Vollweiler added. “Most are too young. And it's the parents fault for not being involved!"
Makeup Artist Sarah Baldini replied to Ryan:
"@matthew, our sexuality and our self-worth should not be tied to eachother. Our sexuality was intended to be a very private and INTIMATE detail meant for only ourselves and our husbands to enjoy. Part of being a woman is not exposing one's sexuality, and that is exactly why Rihanna causes a hinderance... She makes people believe that it is. It is an exploitation and it is impure."
She also said parents need to do a better job filtering the content their children and teenagers watch. "
“This is the tube that society sucks our young children into... Filter or no filter, a child will be exposed. It is up to SOCIETY to change SOCIETY,” Baldini said.
Ryan replied to Baldini’s post: "However, Rihanna is not encouraging women to flaunt their sexuality on every street they walk down. She just encourages women to be proud of it period, to be proud of who they are. And I don't see Rhianna exploiting her sexuality. She uses it to send that positive message."
"Young adult women listen to the pop-culture media that filters out these artists' spoken messages about being who you are, and being beautiful no matter whether you're skinny, curvy, or voluptuous,” Baldini explained. “Blame TMZ and those who exploit every detail they see as a flaw or a mistake, and NOT the artist who's positive message they are throwing away in the search for tabloid material."
Crystal Urraco, a music fan, thought judging the star was pointless and said "you" should worry about "yourself."
"People should be able to express themselves in their own way. We should not judge them. Who are we to judge? Live your life in the way you believe is right. You may see something as sexual but to others its art or expression. If your child is looking up to Rihanna as a role model then it is you who should question yourself," Urraco said.
Novelist Michele M. Arsenault, who wrote a book on the behind the scenes workings of the music industry, closed the arguments with her understated response: "It isn't up to her to be a role model."
The Facebook poll's varied comments drew pros and cons from each side, but the general public appeared to be split on whether sexuality through music is having a negative impact on today’s women.
What do you think? Sound off in the comment section below.
