Hanadee Abu-Zayed

Melissa Dempsey

English 1200, sec 070

Project II

8 April 2013

                                                         True Meaning of Glamorized Violence (Rebuttal)

            Although, Lady Gaga appeared to have sexualized violence in her music video, “Paparazzi”, the ending sent out a message that not many recognized. As she sits with the man, who sexually violated and abused her, she poisons him and kills him. This does not mean you are allowed to kill the abuser! It tells viewers that women have an equal amount of power as men, we are just as strong and no one should ever doubt what we are capable of. Many individuals in the entertainment industry may add scenes or lyrics on sexualized violence, but it is not shown to promote but rather to prevent and aware individuals of the sexualized violence that goes on everyday, where victims do not speak out.

            Rihanna, a famous singer, who went through a dramatic break up with her boyfriend, Chris Brown, due to being physically abused, released a song called, “Man Down”, as well as, “Love the Way You Lie”, both were connected to an unhealthy, violent relationship. “Man Down” was made for women who can relate to sexual violence and “Love the Way You Lie” is a song telling the story of a violent relationship between a man and a woman who can’t seem to leave each other. Rihanna uses “Man Down” as a way to spread the word on rape. She states that “Rape is, unfortunately, happening all over the world and in our own home, and we continue to cover it up and pretend it doesn’t happen…” This shows that some parts of the media, such as Hollywood entertainers, use their artistry to acknowledge the fact that the society has accepted violence against women and it is crucial to speak out, if you are a victim!’

            “The mass media is uniquely positioned to wield its influence and inspire actions that help eliminate violence against women” (Drezin, Laney 23). Whether the person is an entertainer, actor, journalist, designer or reporter, there are people out there who reflect the glamorous Hollywood media that want to raise awareness about sexualized violence and how it can be avoided. The media and its advertisements do not advocate sexualized violence, but they show how gender-based violence is portrayed every day in a sometimes glamorous and eye-catching way, some just take the glamour as the media praising violence, which is untrue.