By Brianna Spause
Special Features Editor

Celebrity relationships often fall under the scrutiny of the public eye. The attention can be manifested either positively or negatively, but is nonetheless hard to hide from the tabloids. In 2009, singer Rihanna’s abuse case was equally as hard to hide from the media. Now, only three years later, Rihanna and her abuser, ex-boyfriend and fellow singer Chris Brown are back at it.

For a couple who feels as though their relationship is “Nobodies Business,” the reunion has been majorly public. Rihanna has taken to social media in order to publicize the relationship; pictures have surfaced on Instagram of the two celebrating after one of Brown’s concerts in Paris on Nov. 29.

In 2009, the couple of one year were on their way to perform at the Grammy’s when a simple argument between 19-year-old Brown, and 20-year-old Rihanna quickly escalated to physical violence. Rihanna was found i a Los Angeles suburb in a horrific state, suffering from a black eye, split lip, bloody nose and several bite marks. Brown was sentenced to five years on parole, which he is still currently serving as their relationship is rekindled.

In a culture where teen dating violence has reached an all-time high, the couple represents backwards progress. In Sept. 2011, Vice-President Joe Biden launched the “1 is 2 Many” campaign, centered on the prevention of domestic abuse.

As demonstrated by the efforts of the Vice-President, and domestic abuse foundations located all over the nation, physical violence is never acceptable in any kind of relationship. Celebrity examples of reconciliation after violence project the idea that it is okay to just forgive and forget. “This teaches young girls that it is okay to take this abuse, and not stand up for themselves,” senior Cydney Tanner said.

Brown and Rihanna’s reconciliation follows suit of many other celebrity relationships, most notably Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown’s. In a report by Hollywood Life, Rihanna admitted that Houston and Brown’s video for the song “Something in Common,” reminded her of her and Chris. “This is just like Chris and me. For real though, that’s the type of fun we’re having right now.” Brown faced battery charges in 2003 against Houston, and several other instances throughout their 15 year marriage.

“I agree that their second try at love projects the wrong image. There is a trend in relationships that if a man hits a women, he will do it again,” Tanner said.

There is no double standard. To put it simply neither partner in a relationship should lay their hands on one another to resolve an argument, establish dominance, or for any other matter.

Rihanna can easily be made into a role model in the eyes of her impressionable fans. With a successful acting and singing career, young girls may aspire to one day stand in her shoes. Instead of using the first incident of violence as a teaching point for younger women, that this kind of behavior is unacceptable and should not be tolerated, she disregarded that potential teaching opportunity. “This teaches young girls that it is okay to take this abuse, and not stand up for themselves,” Tanner said.

Maybe Rihanna believes that Brown really has changed, and this is her personal decision. But to the unknowing masses of fans, often inclined to follow the actions of those in the spotlight, that differentiation has not been made.