Why Domestic Abuse is No Laughing Matter

The recent incident involving popular singers Rihanna and Chris Brown has brought attention to an issue largely ignored by the general public -- domestic violence. Although no one knows what exactly happened between Brown and Rihanna but themselves, it is evident that he physically assaulted her.

This matter of domestic abuse seems to quickly get forgotten within days days of high-profile cases. Another example would be the assault on evangelist Juanita Bynum by ex-husband and self-proclaimed "man of God" Thomas Weeks less than two years ago. Though often given a lot of attention by the mainstream media when celebrities are involved, domestic violence rarely garners much attention when it involves the average citizen.

According to the American Bar Association, at least 25% of women and close to 8% of men will be victims of a physical assault or rape by a spouse or dating aquaintance. Often this matter is used as a punchline for bad jokes or, even worse, victims are blamed. Lauren Williams (a writer for the Black Voices blog) had this to say about how this type of violence affects the black community, in particular:

"As much as Chris Brown's reputation has been ruined as a result of these allegations, Rihanna -- the one with bruised and bloodied face -- has been dragged through the mud as well. Consider this hypothetical scenario: Chris Brown exits a club after a night of drinking, encounters a cop and insults him. The cop tries to arrest him, but he resists. The policeman beats him to a bloody pulp. Let's imagine the reaction in the black community. Technically, he would have "started it", but I strongly doubt anyone would say he deserved what he got. Marches would be organized in his honor. Al Sharpton would hold a press conference! Barack Obama would be pressured into making a comment.
As a community, we will almost always take the side of the black man over the police. We stand up against police brutality. Why don't we stand up for our women? As insidious and rampant as police brutality and racial profiling is, violence against women is just as, if not more, rampant and insidious. It's a global epidemic as old as time.In the United States, the leading cause of death for black women ages 15-34 is murder by a former or current intimate partner. African American women experience domestic violence at a rate that's 35 percent higher than that of white women.
This is not a joke. If we were smarter, we would take this situation and turn it into a chance for us to grow as a community. If we cared more about violence against our women, we would use this an example of how domestic violence can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. Instead, we make jokes. We excuse alleged bad behavior and blame the one who is bloody and bruised. We say "if he did it, he must have had a good reason."

Unfortunately, the physical abuse of women has somehow found its way into popular culture. The term "wife beater" has become a popular term for a form-fitting white tank top. How this has become an accepted term for any respectable person is beyond me. It is this kind of casual attitude that contributes to the acceptance of assaults on women. Men that abuse women should not be excused or given a wink from others. They should be punished and then rehabilitated.

The reality is that if one out of four women suffer violence at the hands of a partner, then this is a serious issue that should not be tolerated or used for joke material. In fact, I just received an e-mail recently from a Christian woman that found herself in an abusive marriage and wasn't sure where to turn. If you or someone you love is the victim of domestic abuse, I'd encourage you to read this article and seek out the help of someone near you that can assist you in escaping this reality.

How Technology is Changing the World

We all know how much technology influences us, but few understand how dramatically technological innovations are affecting our world. The Barna Research Group recently conducted a study that gives some insight into how newer technology is perceived by age groups and how that technology is being utilized. One interesting perspective that the study found was this:

"All Americans are increasingly dependent on new digital technologies to acquire entertainment, products, content, information and stimulation. However, older adults tend to use technology for information and convenience. Younger adults rely on technology to facilitate their search for meaning and connection. These technologies have begun to rewire the ways in which people - especially the young - meet, express themselves, use content and stay connected."

Although most Americans have adapted to the use of newer technology like the Internet, cell phones and iPods, not everyone uses them in the same way. These differences are likely no more apparent than among those our ministry reaches out to -- college students. College students seek and share information, connect with current friends, make new acquaintances, find entertainment outlets and even search for answers to life's deepest questions through modern technology.

The world is rapidly changing and it is hard to keep up with all the new gadgets and updates that seem to come out on a monthly basis. For those of us in Christian ministry, it is imperative that we learn about current technology and the role that it plays in the lives of people of all generations. A resistance to adapt to modern technology will only lead to one thing -- irrelevance. The gospel message of Jesus never changes but how that message gets communicated to each generation needs to be adapted.

Here is a video that I saw today that points out some of the realities of today's world. (If the player doesn't show up, click here.)

A Cartoon, a Chimp and a Controversy

You have probably heard or read about the controversy surrounding a recent editorial cartoon published in the New York Post in which a dead chimpanzee was interpreted as having been compared to President Barack Obama. It is common for political cartoonists to try to tie seemingly unrelated current events into a humorous image. In this case the subjects were the passage of the recent stimulus bill and the death of a well-known chimp.

I like what Edward Gilbreath has to say about it:

"The debate over whether the cartoon was just boneheaded insensitivity or blatant racism is something that will continue as long as there’s such a thing as mono cultural editorial teams (wasn’t there anyone in that NY Post newsroom to raise a caution flag?) and monophonic civil rights activists (Al Sharpton leads the charge again). But as a journalist, one of the most interesting aspects of the controversy for me is the ethical questions it raises for the media and other communication leaders.

From my perspective, the question should be: Will we use these incidents to start constructive conversations about race, culture, and understanding (the kind I believe Attorney General Eric Holder was attempting to get at yesterday), or will we use them as justification for our hostility and as vehicles for our continued separation?"

I think the ability to voice one's disagreement with public officials is part of what makes the United States a great country. But we can do it in a civil manner without resorting to outdated and racist stereotypical images. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that this type of thing has happened with President Obama nor is it the first time a president has gotten compared to a simian (see at left). But because of the racial baggage that comes with it, I would hope that political junkies could think of something more original when they wish to disagree with the president. President Obama should not get treated with kid gloves because he's African American. But neither should his race be used a backhanded slight from those that still think black people belong in the back of the bus.