Supporting Rihanna

By Tatiana Sanchez

The world was shocked when R&B superstar Chris Brown turned himself in to the Los Angeles Police Department on Feb. 8 following a domestic violence incident with longtime girlfriend and singer Rihanna.

According to reports on MTV.com, Brown and Rihanna got into an intense altercation in Brown's car after attending a pre-Grammy party. As the argument escalated and became out of control, Brown reportedly attacked Rihanna and threatened to kill her, leaving her with several visible injuries.

As one of Hollywood's youngest and most successful celebrity couples, there is no question that this incident has sent shock waves amongst young people everywhere.

As expected, the media has had a field day with Brown's attack, but it is this negative attention being thrust upon Brown and Rihanna that hinders the severity of such a tragic incident.

The media's fascination with trivial details of the attack has turned it into just another juicy celebrity gossip episode, when in reality it is the story of a young couple torn apart by domestic violence.

As the male aggressor, Brown is being torn to shreds by the media and fans alike, and rightfully so. Brown's decision to assault Rihanna has ruined the squeaky-clean reputation he used to hold.

The revocation of his lucrative endorsements may just be the beginning of a plummeting career, but as someone who beat a woman, should we have expected any less?

Rihanna's vulnerability and transparency in this attack prove that despite her fame, she is simply a 21-year-old woman who faces the same challenges many of us do. As the victim in this incident, the media and fans have given Rihanna an outpouring of support.

During a time when it is most crucial, fans have expressed their loyalty to Rihanna, and I am extremely proud of the way that so many women have taken this as an opportunity to speak out against the physical and emotional danger of domestic violence.

But just as there has been an innumerable amount of support for Rihanna, there has also been an incredible amount of unnecessary photos, comments and blogs, all of which claim to show the truth about what really happened, when in reality, it is these very "reports" that take away from the reality of the domestic violence that Rihanna has suffered.

Rihanna too has been torn to shreds by the media and insensitive people looking to satisfy their boredom with juicy gossip. As details of her attack continue to be leaked, I wonder, will she ever get the privacy she deserves during such a difficult time?

As a society that is more concerned with unimportant details about why or how Rihanna was attacked, it's time to re-evaluate our priorities, put aside our petty desire to turn gossip into truth and realize that domestic violence is a much larger issue than the type of car Brown was driving that day.

Though it is unfortunate and shocking, this incident has proven that celebrities are not untouchable, but are, indeed as human as you and me.

Rihanna and Brown's shattered image of bliss proves that even celebrities who present positive and confident exteriors can carry torn and pain-filled interiors.

Just as Rihanna has fallen victim to domestic violence, there are thousands of women around the world facing the same struggle. According to the Domestic Violence Resource Center, one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.

Brown and Rihanna's story is one that is being repeated worldwide and one which proves that domestic abuse can happen to anybody. It transcends gender, culture, race and religious tradition. It knows no boundaries, no shame and no mercy.

What I truly hope that women all around the world take away from this incident is a greater awareness of the seriousness of domestic violence.

Women must be respected and valued as equal individuals, and I hope that Rihanna's story is an awakening for many young girls struggling with the heartbreak of domestic violence.

Instead of looking at this incident as another juicy gossip story to follow, take Rihanna's story as a sign of what to avoid in your own personal relationships.

Though domestic violence often becomes a vicious cycle, please do your part to put a stop to it. Keep in mind that no matter the circumstances, domestic violence is never OK.

Tatiana Sanchez is a junior English major.