This originally appeared on momlogic, see full story
When it comes to being a teen role model, lately Chris Brown falls short. The 19-year-old Radio Disney sensation was recently charged with beating up his girlfriend Rihanna — although, according to reports the couple has reconciled.
It’s the kind of tawdry story parents often use as a cautionary tale, and is hardly behavior that should be rewarded. Yet the children’s network Nickelodeon still plans to feature Brown in their upcoming Kid’s Choice Awards.
Parents, particularly moms in the blogsphere are voicing their disapproval. Twitter and message boards have been inundated with calls for Nickelodeon to remove Brown from the award ballots. Both Rihanna and Brown are up for multiple awards.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Cara Gardenswartz questioned Nickelodeon’s decision to keep Brown on the ballot. “Nickelodeon is an adult-run network that is saying we are letting the kids decide. They are saying we don’t need adults to step in and say that this is inappropriate,” Gardenswartz said. “It’s setting a horrible precedent and it’s damaging. Kids can’t differentiate between [Brown’s] actions and his songs.”
Despite Nickelodeon’s determination to go ahead as if nothing has happened, an online petition has been circulating to remove both stars ballots. “We are appalled that Chris Brown and Rihanna are still listed as a nominees on the Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards show.”
