Rihanna Shoots A "Man Down" (PHOTOS)

Then there is the problem of gun violence in this country and abroad. A number of national organizations and community leaders have come together to petition stronger gun legislation in the United States to prevent weapons from getting into the wrong hands – young black males, in particular. We need to address how illegal guns are getting into our communities.

WE, as a culture, are responsible for looking at OUR problem, asking questions and creating solutions when no rational answers are found. Domestic violence is also a problem that, in many countries, doesn’t even have the manpower to be properly addressed in a court of law. Take Rihanna’s native Barbados, for instance. Domestic abuse overwhelms the legal system to the point that cases fall through the cracks, go unpunished and most often aren’t even reported. This puts victims – more specifically, women – in a vulnerable position all over again, adding insult to the injury. There is anger, guilt, fear…all kinds of seemingly justifiable emotions that must be acknowledged. But violence is never the solution. 

I've had the pleasure of watching Rihanna grow as an artist, most notably with her on stage performance and vocal ability. As a woman, rape survivor and media personality, I will always wish her continued success. Natural beauty aside, Rihanna asserts power, owns her image and has branded herself in a way that's allowed her to take advantage of some lucrative opportunities. It is my opinion that she should stick with that formula and continue to promote life instead of death. Isn't Rihanna living proof that victims do in fact go on to reclaim their power – bigger and better than before? There’s nothing more powerful than being our best self, without regret or need to ask permission.

Guns are for cowards.

--Kim Kane