Music and Misogyny: Why Rape Culture And Racism Combines To Allow Him A Pass

I watched R. Kelly storm off the set of Huffington Post Live! last week after he agreed to be interviewed. His arrogance and dismissal of questions about his affinity for young girls struck a hard chord. The self-proclaimed ‘Pied Piper’ of  R&B is tied to allegations that point to an ongoing obsession with teenage girls. His latest release of Buffet is not doing as well as Black Panties in sales. Kelly was on the show to publicize his music and appeal to followers.  The Chicago-born native has become used to enjoying the ongoing support of black women. His continued media presence is allowed only by a rape culture that is interwoven with racism.

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Hot Beats And A Smooth Voice Culls The Atrocity of Sexual Violence

Admirers of Kelly’s music sway their necks and finger pop, ignoring the fact that he likely sexualizes girls. When pedophiles take advantage by touching, manipulating, or violating a child–repercussions and consequences are in order.  What’s the hold up?

Sexual Violence Against Black Women Is Rooted In A Painful History

Black communities know the damage done by childhood sexual abuse even if they don’t like to talk about it. Black men (numbers for women are increasing) are given passes for abusing black youth. All kinds of unaddressed feelings and angst are rooted in our collective history in this country. The shame of it all. Slave behavior and the history of terms like (mother-fucker) all have roots. There has been no time in American his/herstory where black girls are safe.

Black Girls Lives Matter

Supporters of Kelly send a message that Black girls don’t rock…that they don’t, in fact, matter much at all. It seems heinous to honor and revere a man who hasn’t apologized and spouts self-righteousness.  Kelly has been given a pass for his crimes, which tell so many brown-skinned girls that their lives and their stories are not important. For those needing to see a rundown of Kelly and his history look no further. While he’s managed to stay out of prison for statutory rape, he’s also been reported to have paid out in several civil lawsuits.  

Where’s The Accountability

Whether you are a celebrity or the man who lives up the street–it does not matter. No one has the right to violate anyone’s body without repercussions.  The collective voice calling out Kelly and those like him is played on low. No bass backs up a message denouncing Kelly, holding him accountable.  Instead he continues to fatten his coffers from the support of Black women and men, (and non- blacks as well). 

Denying the reality and prevalence of sexual violence in Black communities is not healthy. It gives R. Kelly and others free rein to ride terror over the lives of black girls and women.  

C. Imani Williams is a human rights and social justice activist. She writes to empower and give voice to those silenced through systematic oppression. Her work has appeared in Between the Lines, Michigan Citizen, Tucson Weekly, Harlem Times, Dope Magazine and various news and popular culture blogs. Follow the unapologetically black political culture critique @ https://twitter.com/Imaniwms and https://www.facebook.com/You-Have-The-Right-540358412796352/?fref=ts