Beat logo

Reason First: Is Common Courageous for Spilling his Secret?

With the new divulgence of his past, does the rapper/actor have what it takes to stand by his words?

By Skyler SaundersPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
Like
The artist at work

From rapping on beats to appearing in film and television roles, Academy Award-winning hip hop artist and actor, Common, has revealed that he became a victim of molestation as a child. This revelation came to the light while the “Be” rapper rehearsed on the set of the 2018 film, The Tale. What is most enlightening about Common’s announcement is the fact that he did not shy away from the details.

Photo by Richard Ciraulo on Unsplash

He said that a family member whom he gives the moniker “Brandon” proceeded to perform sexual acts on Common when he was about ten years old. His bold pronouncement, and relaxed position allowed him to relay this story with which millions of people can identify.

Photo by Jodie Walton on Unsplash

Common might be seeking to turn the term “victim” into “victor.” The rapper seeks to destigmatize the idea of people holding back on painful memories, and to express them.

Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

He is man enough to know the difference. He has been strong enough to proclaim that he is an advocate for the rights of victors who have experienced similar situations as him. Common represents the men who do battle with their past lives, and reconcile the hurt, the guilt, the shame. He has blasted those ideas away, and has shown that victors ought to not exhibit any of those drawbacks, but have the courage to stand up to the memories, and say, “no more.”

Photo by neil godding on Unsplash

As accomplished as Common is, the Grammy Award-winner drives to highlight his travails and triumphs in his latest literary effort, Let Love Have the Last Word (2019). The Golden Globe-winning recording artist and actor details in an interview how this “Brandon” character proceeded to molest him by pulling down his shorts. This signals to victors, and those who have never experienced such acts, to empathize and sympathize, respectively.

Photo by Atharva Tulsi on Unsplash

He said that it was like “rewinding an old VHS tape,” to recall the appalling events from his youth. Actress Laura Dern aided Common in the time of distress related to that period in his life. While he has never come out as gay, and has been linked to love interests like Serena Williams and Angela Rye, it would be a disrespectful stance to gay men if he said that he became gay because of this experience. It is difficult enough for them to find support in this world without people claiming to be gay just because they received sexual maltreatment from someone in their family, or otherwise.

Photo by Nicholas Green on Unsplash

In recent years, the rap world has had to deal with the case of Afrika Bambaataa, and his alleged molestation of young men. This trend seems to grow worse and worse as the predators are never brought to justice.

Photo by Josh Gordon on Unsplash

For men to come forward, risking their careers to speak their truths, is commendable. Common’s ability to divulge details that may cause scorn and contempt against him should be greeted with a salute.

His courage to illustrate his experience, and have the confidence to share it with the world shows his genuine attitude. To stand up and speak out not against “Brandon,” and those like him, but for all the men and women who have been sexually molested in their lives demonstrates Common’s character.

Photo by Curtis Potvin on Unsplash

While it would be cynical to say that with the new book out, the Hell on Wheels actor is profiting off of his pain and others, in reality, he is reaping the benefits of his turmoil. He has transformed a vicious act into a victorious day for him. As he faces increased scrutiny into his love life, and professional career in film, television, and music, and publishing, Common is poised to inspire and motivate young people affected by molestation, and sexual assault, and push for senior crowds to open up about their own experiences.

Photo by Axel Antas-Bergkvist on Unsplash

Common has the power now to spark conversations concerning what the past has to say about the present and future, and to never be afraid to stand up, speak out, and remain glorious.

rap
Like

About the Creator

Skyler Saunders

Cash App: $SkylerSaunders1

PayPal: paypal.me/SkylerSaunders

Join Skyler’s 100 Club by contributing $100 a month to the page. Thank you!

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.