I’d like to start writing on something other than the Rhianna/Chris Brown story, but when the headlines of adult run companies like Nickelodeon are ’supporting Chris Brown’ as a formidable nominee, I can’t turn away. They say kids voted for his songs and therefore he should get to play ball in their court. Kids are bright and have voices that should be heard, of course.  However, this is different.  Abuse is an adult issue children might not yet be able to understand. By putting the onus on the kids it is more than irresponsible it is pathetic.  It teaches no matter what celebrities do in their private lives, if they can jam a good beat and a smile – they can still be your heroes.

Just yesterday I had a conversation with a young girl I mentor about reality shows.  Her 12-year-old perspective was that if it was titled a ‘reality show’ it must be ‘real.’  She’s a smart girl. And I fear she as well as her cohorts would believe if Chris Brown ‘won’ this popularity contest he would be then considered a winner and popular.  What?!

Whether Nickelodeon believes Chris Brown is an abuser or just popped one off accidentally, there is no excuse to celebrate him when he has taken no public responsibility for what he has done.  He has not released a statement to his fans about his disappointing behavior.  He has not schooled kids on why his behavior was so wrong.  In the days since his felony convictions, he has played ball, gotten on a jet ski, gone to trendy dinners, and got back with the woman he bloodied.

At the time of this posting I realize Chris Brown took himself out of the running.  It’s a start Chris.

But why not Nickelodeon first?

Nickelodeon help us teach our future generation, this is a world with consequence.  Please do not allow an abuser to walk the stage with blood on his hands.  Please do not allow young girls to scream for him, but understand this is behavior in which they should be screaming to get away from.

We all need to take a part in this education.  Nickelodeon, please evaluate your position and help provide your vast audience of dedicated children tools to understand there is no glamour in abuse, and there is no excuse – no matter how well you dance around it.