Chris Brown, who three years ago beat his girlfriend Rihanna, returned to the Grammy awards last night to not only perform, but also win best R & B Album. He returned with little to no controversy and even received a standing ovation for his performance.
With his return, we've noticed that there seems to be a troubling trend in celebrity circles. People seem to think that beating and violence are wrong, but not really
that wrong. You can make the rounds, say you're sorry and then forget about the whole unpleasant incident and move on. It's what happened to Michael Vick, Charlie Sheen and Chris Brown, among others.
While Brown, like anyone else, deserves a second chance, we feel that he hasn't done enough to be so warmly accepted back. You need to prove, through your deeds that you have changed and learned from your actions. In that spirit, we thought Brown could use some guidance from some very simple lessons we learned in school.
1. Say you're sorry like you really mean it.
Instead of just making the rounds on the talk shows and giving hollow apologies, Brown could have used this opportunity to give back to others by helping them understand how his actions were wrong. He could have volunteered at a women's shelter to recognize the damage he did. He could have worked with young boys to talk about the mistakes he made. Words without deeds to back them up are just shallow.
2. You have to EARN respect. It's not just given to you.
Brown and his fans seem to think that he is entitled to fame and success just because he was previously successful. No one is guaranteed a popular career and the respect of their peers. Everyone, including Brown, will be judged based on their actions as well as their talent. Everyone must continually earn the respect and adoration of others through the actions they choose to take. Fame is not a given right.
3. Use your words.
Well, this is obvious. When you get upset, you never raise your fists or lash out in violence. Either use your words or walk away.
4. Keep your hands to yourself.
This is another obvious lesson that you don't lay hands on another person, especially in anger.
5. If you need help, just ask.
We realize that Brown is human and that he may need help with anger issues. There is no shame in asking for it. There are many support groups and clinical psychologists who are trained in addressing anger and violence issues. If he doesn't address these now, it will only pop back up in his future.
Disclaimer: We realize that this article is not directly related to veganism and vegetarianism, but it deals with a pervasive blindness to violence which encompasses abuse and cruelty to animals.
