Sensationalist Feminists Gone Wild! Rihanna Shoots 'Man' Down

Last week, Barbadian born singer Rihanna caused a stir amongst the public.

Her anticipated new single “Man Down” premiered on 106 & Park on May 31 causing the singer to come under fire from The Parents Television council for “cold, calculated execution of murder”.



The video features scenes of implied sexual assault and bloody murder which have been labelled a “disgrace” despite her allegations that she had created the video to promote awareness of assault and domestic violence.

Rihanna blasted the reactions to her controversial video on Twitter: “U can't hide your kids from society, or they'll never learn how to adapt! This is the REAL WORLD! ... The music industry isn't exactly Parents R Us! We have the freedom to make art, LET US! It's your job to make sure they don't turn out like US."


Is her attempt at controversy simply a ploy for marketing or a form of artistic expression?

Her actions are similar to that of Lady Gaga. Gaga caused controversy by sporting a meat style dress claiming she was campaigning against being a “piece of meat” and slamming the US Military’s policy 'Don’t ask, don’t tell' which means you can be gay in the military as long as you keep it quiet.

“If we don’t fight for our right,” Gaga said, “pretty soon we’re going to have as many rights as the meat on our bones.”


These sensationalist feminists are dominating the charts as we speak.

Songs of female empowerment such as “Do It Like A Dude” by Jessie J and “Run The World (Girls)” by Beyoncé offer a tongue in cheek aspect of feminism by cavorting in leotards and deriding men.

The record labels have established the rise of head strong women and used this as corporate ammo by shooting these pop-friendly hits at the charts.

The argument that controversy is gold dust to these companies is true but the fact remains that artists such as Rihanna have indeed played on their personal afflictions for artistic expression and social awareness.

The question is now, will it go any further? Will artists become corporate puppets?