Tag Archives: celebrity

Domestic violence awareness: Another missed opportunity!

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BY R.D.

The show must go on, but does it pause domestic violence?

  • I understand that the timing may not be ideal.
  • If not now, when should we pause domestic violence?
  • This is an old story. I get it. However, there are always new victims.
  • They have already been punished; I get that! However, the pain never stops.
  • The victim went back with him. Could it be lack of support and fear?
  • He needs a second chance. That is important, and so are others.
  • The network is not the world’s police, rightfully so.
  • There are many other things to talk about; I will do so.

We’ve missed several personal and business resolutions this year. No one can predict which story will dominate this year’s headlines. However, if history remains our guide, despite today’s cynicism and lack of trust in government and leadership, many communities should be focusing on policies and resources for several women who will become victims this year.

This issue affects extended family, neighbors, schools, and friends; the list goes on.

In late November 2014, the Soul Train music award on Black Entertainment (BET) and Centric TV captured many who tuned in to witness Kool and the Gang receive a lifetime award for their 50 years in the industry, not to be distracted by the glamour, fashion, music critics, or the gossip about who attended with whom. Once the show concluded, the phone rang.

Oh, guess what? Chris Brown showed up! Everyone deserves another chance.

If you don’t have the opportunity to take the next correct steps, how can you overcome certain issues?

But, you know, being accountable is also important, especially when you have a platform where millions of people admire you.

I have always believed that you are your own role model, even if others do not perceive it in that way.

Oh, not even your parents, huh? Oh, I learned from a friend that some individuals actually prefer to receive love from a distance.

Nonetheless, despite his excellent showmanship, and I know when he seeks or receives help, he may one day look back and realize that domestic violence is bigger than a few dance moves. However, as of today, we wondered if his appearance and platform brought back thoughts of Rihanna’s face,” people added.

What if Chris Brown had said, “Violence against women is horrible,” before his performance? Would that have changed anything?”

You may disagree for whatever reason you may have, but the show must go on. It’s time to dance, not focus on your busted lips or blackened eyes.

However, this incident is not about Chris Brown, who assaulted Rihanna a few years earlier.

It is about millions of young teenagers, especially women who normally tune in to watch the show, who may have suffered from the abuse of powerful men. 

Additionally, there are those in the community who don’t have a voice, much less a camera for evidence.

I get it again—millions of records sold. I receive it again; it’s record sales, stupid!

Domestic violence is an epidemic beyond your shores.

One in five women who may have watched these events are either victims or know someone who has been abused, raped, coerced into sex, or subjected to other forms of abuse.

In addition, nearly one in five adolescent girls has been in a relationship where a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup, according to the Washington Coalition Against Violence.

Even the US Army noted an increase in criminal assaults in 2014.

Domestic violence is a persistent problem that profoundly impacts numerous lives. Even in the Caribbean, where silence weaves, the laid-back atmosphere creates a fertile ground for the emergence of pain. Case numbers are staggering, like waves crashing strong against women’s faces, like the ocean’s song.

The Trinidad Express reports that around 11,382 domestic violence cases were filed two years ago.

In Jamaica, research has revealed that approximately 9,000 and 300 sexual assault instances were reported in the same year.

Today, I’m also wondering what would happen if international soca superstar Machel Montano of Trinidad and Tobago, who won an award at the BET Awards, and Jamaica’s Tessanne Chin, a former winner of The Voice USA, were given the opportunity to raise awareness and potential impact with their massive audiences.

Tennessee Chin-Jamaica

Machel Montano-Trinidad & Tobago

Whose responsibility is it?

Television networks have been instrumental in raising social awareness regarding significant matters such as AIDS, technology, fashion, voting, and marriage equality.

These issues have a global reach, especially in impoverished and developing nations, and any rise in awareness can have a substantial impact on society.

This year, we should utilize more cameras to raise awareness about domestic violence in these regions, where it continues to be a critical issue.

This does not imply that every award function and performer bears responsibility for crimes against women, nor should it mandate a permanent disclaimer about domestic violence on the television screen at every event. Nevertheless, with success comes responsibility.

The issue at hand requires a comprehensive national strategy, particularly in impoverished communities where the disparity between the privileged and the underprivileged has been increasing.

This phenomenon is applicable to individuals of all races, cultures, and social classes.

In addition, given the high per capita murder rate observed in various nations within the region, it is worth considering the potential urgency of addressing domestic violence.

The issue is further exacerbated by the prevalence of images in music videos and other contexts that perpetuate a narrow perception of female beauty, despite the ongoing challenges.

We should focus on possibilities in 2015, not on what is popular. Many more global award presentations are scheduled, including the Carnival, Reggae Sun Splash, Grammy, Super Bowl, Golden Globe, and Oscars. Other networks will continue to pursue the “Big Get” by featuring another high-profile domestic abuse story.

These “gets” can provide the misleading impression that because the perpetrators and victim are wealthy and well-known, the problem can be remedied quickly.

In actuality, re-victimization is generally overlooked, although a television rating can skyrocket.

A powerful abuser can be charming. The victim frequently assumes it is a one-time incident. Regrettably, many of these significant stories are merely premeditated statements.

This case is just one of the numerous concealed instances of domestic violence abuse.

In an email, a woman informed me that while she was living in the Caribbean during the 1960s, her first husband subjected her to years of domestic abuse, including rape and physical violence, even while she was sleeping.

He would quickly apologize, but due to a lack of resources and her inability to cope, she accepted the abuse as normal.

When she reported evidence of abuse to the local police department, the officers dismissed her claim, saying, “She must have done something to him.” She also remembered a coworker who wore thick make-up to conceal her bruises and a friend she lost when her husband severed her skull.

Often, it seems that media pundits focus more on the outcomes of this violence rather than addressing its root causes. The victim’s support is paramount, especially for escaping an abusive relationship.

The fear of financial hardship, neglecting children, and safety concerns, along with a lack of support, remains a significant hurdle.

We must disprove the notion that it is acceptable to stay silent out of shame. This only leads to more abuse.

This is what has not moved on:A compilation of studies from the United Kingdom was conducted by an advocate group.

These studies quantified the costs associated with pain and suffering, as well as the expenses incurred for victim services and the reduction in economic output resulting from domestic abuse.

The findings of these studies concluded that domestic violence incurs a total cost of approximately $23 billion for individuals, the state, and businesses.

The Disconnect:

The victim’s race, color, sexual orientation, economic status, or nationality should not lessen the significance of the problem either in 2015 or in the future.

The way some people perceive this epidemic fosters increased intolerance, which is as perilous as the act itself.

In the context of the gay, lesbian, and transgender community, socio-economic status hinders the pursuit of equality for all and poses a significant obstacle to inclusion when facing these challenges.

W We must put an end to the xenophobia that excuses criminal behavior related to domestic violence, as this is deeply concerning.

W When pop superstar Rihanna became a victim, her Barbadian nationality was prioritized over the abuse she suffered. One woman suggested that Rihanna’s Caribbean heritage might have influenced the violent incident. 

“She was overly enamored with this American boy and failed to comprehend his cultural need for space.” Another comment was, “He better watch himself; those island women are crazy.” He just smacked down the Caribbean, and she lost the fight.

When does it become a crime?

Whether a woman is punched in Barbados or Boston should not matter. It hurts everywhere. Furthermore, the narrative needs to change because many commentators suggest that instances of domestic abuse primarily involve Black men and disadvantaged communities.

YOften, you can hear the minimization of domestic abuse cases when the perpetrator comes from a privileged background or culture.

This situation resembles implicit bias that arises from factors such as fame, cultural differences, or national origin.

Domestic violence impacts individuals universally. The objective here is to address and minimize violence against all individuals.

Next Up!

The Taliban massacred over 100 adolescent students in Pakistan for seeking an education, Boko Haram expanded its offensive in Nigeria, gas prices have reached a new low, the president’s approval ratings have risen, Cuba now has a new friend in the United States, the economy has recovered, and society will move on until the next big event.

Global Reaction To The Terrorist Attack On French Newspaper Charlie Hebdo

All geopolitical, criminal, economic, and societal challenges are critical to address immediately, but awareness of domestic violence has quietly diminished from public discourse when other issues surfaced.

Delaying this topic puts many women who have been in toxic relationships for decades at risk.

Domestic violence, like Santa’s Wish, should be a significant theme on popular television.

It is a serious issue in many parts of the world, where criminals often go unpunished and remain unrecognized.

A celebrity’s accusation of this problem may prompt a time-out, the whistle to blow, everyone to see the replay, the live game to resume, society to move on, or someone to serve time in jail to convey a message.

Unfortunately, it is often too late for them to receive help in managing their behavior.

Despite being abused, many continue to move forward and gain authority.

In the present day, an increasing number of women are using their academic accomplishments to create significant change. Women are currently outpacing men in obtaining college degrees.

The majority of consumer purchases, which include automobiles and healthcare, are made by women, accounting for 85% of the total.

According to multiple studies, a significant majority of women—specifically 75%—identify as the primary shoppers for their households.

Additionally, these studies indicate that consumer electronics purchases total $90 billion. If she chooses to stop, my products will remain unsold.

It is critical that more local and international performers use their platforms to raise awareness. When women lose their trust in the judicial system, it can create silence, especially in the poor and developing nations and communities without resources.

Let Tango for safety, and beyond the camera

This year, like a stubborn tree rooted deep in the ground, many people who believe women should only be visible and not heard will cling to their unchanged mindset. Indeed, gender bias will linger like a shadow at dusk, refusing to fade away.

Many abusers will dance back into your life or appear at your local concerts like shadows in the night. Like a sea of stars, millions of young women will be screened, and even you will have the chance to dance, but I hope that at least a few of you will attend, holding a picture of the abused women and their families who have been lost, like whispers in the wind.

We should not view domestic violence as a mere opportunity for transformation but rather as a pivotal moment that allows everyone, including men, to attain safety and comfort.

“I felt as guilty as a cat trapped in a room full of rocking chairs because this article should have been published much sooner.”

Commentary: Celebrity and criminal justice: A test of the Jamaican criminal justice system`

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BY R.D.

More that just a trial

Jamaica-Reggae Super Star, VYBZ Kartel- Photo Credit-Carib Photo

The anticipated verdict focused primarily on the Jamaican justice system’s handling of the last disposition, its far-reaching impact on celebrity justice, the treatment of victims, and the message it would send to the next generation, where trust in the criminal justice system is often low.

The trial was larger than the prosecutors, defense counsel, witnesses, law enforcement, how they gathered and preserved evidence, or the lack of communication and proper rules.

Although the Vybz Kartel case did not receive the same worldwide notoriety as the O.J. Simpson case in 1995, A number of individuals in the Caribbean closely monitored this case to determine the outcome of justice.

Quietly, to many, this public case brought back memories of earlier ones in which earlier politicians and the rich and powerful people in the region often walked away free, even when the evidence pointed out that a crime had occurred.

This is not to say that all rich, famous, and powerful defendants were guilty in all earlier cases. However, as many Jamaicans waited in anticipation of the verdict, the alert for civil disobedience and vigilante justice was high.

A test of the judiciary system

Luckily, amidst a divided nation and a high-stakes trial, the Jamaican judiciary system demonstrated its resilience by upholding order following the verdict.

It was truly remarkable how people managed to gain a deep understanding of the jury system and the intricacies of the court process, thanks in large part to the invaluable contribution of the media.

Often, in regions where poor economic conditions still have a strong hold, justice is often seen through the eyes of one’s economic status and notoriety.

In fact, as much as we would like to see a balanced system, often these trial outcomes mirror several other countries based on one’s race, sex, creed, and color.

The mandated strategies to combat crime and public safety should not create a generation of hopelessness. It should make sure that when penal codes are violated, the rule of law as written in the “said constitution” remains intact.

Rule of law, public service, and safety are extremely important, whether in a democratic or totalitarian system of government. To promote central control, a responsive government is required.

This concept guarantees the selection and proper staffing of the departments to uphold integrity and balance the public safety mission.

Who else will be watching?

In the Caribbean region, criminal justice has undergone a transformation, exemplified by the evolution of the police force, which began as a class system protecting private property in Great Britain in the early 18th century and has now evolved into a decentralized global system.

Undoubtedly, this verdict will spark months of debate, offering a fresh perspective on the functioning of this process.

Debating the rule of law is nothing new. After testing the British common law in a court of law, other nations also underwent a period of amendment.

When colonial British powers expanded throughout the Caribbean region, they brought not only slaves, but also a criminal justice system that laid the groundwork for how the government protects its people and implements justice.

However, even though many of his followers may desire restoration and a mental break from colonial imprints, if all local appeals fail, he still has the opportunity to take his case to a system where technology still reigns supreme.

The verdict has put the Jamaican judicial system, law enforcement regulations, entertainers’ role in the system, and the possibility of buying justice to the test. This verdict is more than just one man, and the impact will be long-lasting.

Unfortunately, if the government does not use this opportunity to send a message, key departments will soon be unable to function to their fullest capacity as required to maintain public safety and a fair and balanced system.

What is sad about this verdict is that, despite a modernized process, it appears that when a crime has been solved in the region, several departments stay on trial afterward, such as Vybz Kartel’s conviction.

The final analysis suggests that Vybz Kartel’s new jail number won’t have any impact on the Jamaican stock exchange, the number of additional prisons required, or the economic situation.

However, if this criminal trend persists, given our limited resources, we’ll find ourselves with more questions than solutions when it comes to combating crime and ensuring public safety. In addition, it seems that Jamaica and other regions will soon find themselves in need of additional prisons.

This particular aspect of the justice system often goes unnoticed, particularly in cases where new prisons are being constructed and operated by private entities.

This verdict, perhaps even for this case, also showed that there is some justification in the system somewhere. However, it appears that the blame game persists, focusing on what went wrong and suggesting potential solutions.

Training is now critical and, if the body of government that plays a vital role in upholding the law refuses to investigate gaps from preserving of evidence, and ensuring that officers can conduct comprehensive investigations from the emergency system to tracking criminals, to redefining agility and structural deficiencies, then public trust will still continue to decline.

The community, officials, or the system in general have to be careful not to blame everyone immediately if the outcome is not favorable to expectations.

Dedicated employees might have made some mistakes in the process, but what has taken place after the verdict is that law enforcement seems to have become the focus of the debates.

In the future, the government should establish a commission to examine these issues and determine whether poor staffing and inadequate training in these crucial areas require immediate attention.

Many argue that the system should meet an independent commission, which will be far from coerced-subjectivity and politics, to check any lapse in compliance that has led to overall deficits across the agency that necessitate action.

Photo credit:Getty Images

They must collaborate, communicate about the agency’s overall process, maintain ongoing security, and ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive information.

Although they can slow down the process from hiring to implementing human resources functions, checks and balances are always necessary.

However, immediate action is required to address the concerns of the dedicated staff and, moving forward, to provide some level of internal and external oversight.

Even though I had never heard of him before this trial. However, I understand that he has a large following, and some people may disagree with the outcome, which is perfectly acceptable and democratic in any society. We cannot force anyone to love.

On the other side, imagine the impact he could have had in mobilizing the next generation for better things. Many locals remain l optimistic that this time justice was in the open and not taken up in the hands of a few through retaliation.