Is Whoopi Goldberg Blaming Women For Domestic Violence? ‘The View’ Host Defends Stephen A. Smith
The debate, that started on ESPN by Stephen A. Smith, about domestic violence continues. As previously reported Smith came under fire for comments he made last week about domestic violence during his reaction to NFL running back Ray Rice’s two-game suspension for allegedly knocking out his wife.
He made it clear that it is not okay for men to become physical with women, but his comments about women ensuring that they do not provoke actions were criticized.
We keep talking about the guys. We know you have no business putting your hands on a woman…But what I’ve tried to employ the female members of my family…and this what, I’ve done this all my life,‘Let’s make sure we don’t do anything to provoke wrong actions.’ Because if I come, or somebody else comes, whether it’s law enforcement officials, your brother or the fellas that you know, if we come after somebody has put their hands on you, it doesn’t negate the fact that they already put their hands on you. So let’s try to make sure that we can do our part in making sure that that doesn’t happen.
On Monday, Whoopi Goldberg defended Smith on “The View” Monday, saying no woman should be “surprised” if they make the decision to hit a man and the man hits back. She explained:
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She makes a good point. If you hit a man first, unless you knock him out, be prepared for what may possibly come next. It’s a sad reality, but some men don’t stop to think “this is a female who just hit me.” Bottomline is everyone should just keep their hands to themselves. Use your words.
I stand and agree with Whoopi and Stephen. I knew EXACTLY what he meant and for the life of me can’t understand why people don’t see his POV. We all teach our sons “Dont hit girls”, but where is the lesson to girls to keep your fucking hands to yourself? In addition, was I the only one who saw the press conference where Janay herself said “I apologize for my actions in the situation”? We don’t know what happened prior to him dragging her out the elevator, but I can bet you there was some type of provoking going on. No, that doesn’t mean she deserved what happened to her, but we need to hold both parties accountable in the situation. That’s what Stephen was basically saying. Just as much as he can walk away, her ass could have too. No one is “blaming” women for domestic violence. Responsibility and ownership is what should be placed on women.
Bottom line: I will teach my son that physically assaulting people is wrong. I may even go further and to say “you shouldn’t hit girls”. Yall better teach yall daughters to keep her damn hands to herself, or she’ll face my son’s sister(s) or girl cousin(s).
I’m going to just keep it real.In the black community some black women are quick to try and box with men.I’m sure their are women from other races that do it as well.But,I am speaking from what I’ve seen and what I myself have done.Steven is my guy.But,sometimes he runs his mouth a little too much.But,I understood what he meant.Whoopi stop talking the audience that your speaking too, do not understand where your coming from.
I have teenage son’s, of whom, I teach to respect a woman that respects herself or leave her standing. Period. I want them to keep their hands to themselves, however, don’t put yo hands my young men or you gone deal with me. If you don’t want to be hit then you dont hit, simple. Er’body keep their arms, legs, and other objects to themselves. … like you learn in kindergarten. geesh!