Dear Grammys,

I’m not sure what message you’re trying to send. But I can tell you what message I received from your show last night.

For all the young and impressionable young people watching the Grammy’s yesterday, one thing was made clear: If you can dance and sing, we’re willing to turn a blind eye. Well, at least if you’re a man. Dancing and singing trumps all, people.

Chris Brown, who in 2009, was brought in on criminal charges (and pleaded guilty) for beating his then-girlfriend Rihanna, and released on $50,000 bail was hailed as a glory boy at last night’s Grammys. He was featured in a stage performance to what looked like a standing ovation from the audience. And then walked away with a Grammy award, a much sought-after award in the music industry in which members of the Recording Academy have the final voting rights.

Rather than shun and publicly speak out against Brown’s violence, the music industry has embraced him in one big giant, protective hug.

According to Amnesty International, one in three women worldwide is a victim of beating, rape, torture, or attack. The music industry is highly influential. But clearly, it will not use its influence to help stop violence against women.

And this, just days after Whitney Houston, is found dead in her hotel room. I can’t help but see an eerily similar path for Rihanna, with the rumour mill reporting that Brown and Rihanna are dating again. Houston, widely known for her problems with drug abuse, also shared in a 2009 interview with Oprah Winfrey that her ex-husband Bobby Brown used to “slap” her.

I find it very disturbing. All of it.

It makes me think that I will need to work harder to protect my children (both male and female) from your industry’s influence. But I’m willing to do that. With what little influence I have, I’ll do it.

Signed,

A concerned parent