Chris Brown and Rihanna: What Do Girls REALLY Think?

Chris Brown and Rihanna

16 Apr 2009 19:44 Africa/Lagos


Chris Brown and Rihanna: What Do Girls REALLY Think?

New Survey Uncovers Interesting Results

NEW YORK, April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new survey commissioned by GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA through the BUZZ MARKETING GROUP has uncovered some interesting news regarding the reactions of girls to the highly publicized Chris Brown and Rihanna incident: 95 percent of girls surveyed say Chris Brown's alleged actions are not acceptable or justifiable for any reason, and 48 percent believe that low self-esteem will be the primary reason for Rihanna getting back with Chris Brown.


Girl Scouts of the USA commissioned the study to ensure girl's voices were accurately represented and to stress the importance of self-esteem among girls. The incident reportedly left young singer Rihanna battered and bruised at the hands of her singer boyfriend Chris Brown. Shortly after, it was widely reported by the Boston Public Health Commission that teens were believed to put Rihanna at fault for the alleged attack.


However, it seems Boston teens do not reflect the nationwide view among girls. The Girl Scouts of the USA uncovered that a majority of girls - nearly 59 percent - hold Chris Brown responsible for what happened, followed by 33 percent who place the blame on both Rihanna and Chris Brown.


"Girls are now telling us loud and clear - it is not OK to hit a woman," says Tina Wells, CEO of Buzz Marketing Group. "That doesn't mean they don't sympathize with both parties. The girls are looking at the situation from all angles and understand that no one knows what really happened. They like Chris Brown - he is an idol for younger girls - and it was hard for them to believe at first."


The findings did contain one disturbing trend among girls - it was the younger ones under the age of 13 who were more likely to blame Rihanna. Self-esteem is at the center of discussion for girls, as the study uncovered almost half of the respondents - 48 percent - believe that low self-esteem will be the primary reason for Rihanna getting back with Chris Brown. This reinforces the importance for parents to speak to daughters early and often.


"Overall, today's girls are more savvy than often assumed," says Leanne Gluck, Manager of uniquely ME!, the national Girl Scouts / Dove Self-Esteem Program. "The media attention surrounding this unfortunate incident presents an opportunity for parents and daughters to engage in open dialogue on the importance of self-esteem and healthy relationships."


In addition to being the voice of girls, Girl Scouts of the USA recently launched a new Girl Scouts Leadership Experience which aims to empower girls with a strong sense of self and critical thinking skills to tackle issues such as low self-esteem. This learning model engages girls in a fun, experiential way to discover themselves, connect with others and take action to make the world a better place.


Survey results from Girl Scouts of the USA / Buzz Marketing Group:
-- 95 percent believe Chris Brown's alleged actions are not acceptable or
justifiable for any reason
-- 59 percent hold Chris Brown responsible for what happened
-- 33 percent blame both Rihanna and Chris Brown for what happened
-- 45 percent believe Rihanna could have provoked Chris Brown

-- Girls 13-17 were more likely to think Rihanna provoked him in some way


The nationwide survey of 420 girls, not necessarily Girl Scouts, ages 8-17 was conducted in March by the Buzz Marketing Group and included questions on demographics and familiarity with both singers.


About Girl Scouts


Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.4 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.


About Buzz Marketing Group


Founded by Tina Wells, Buzz Marketing Group, the premiere by-youth-for-youth marketing and communications agency specializes in market research, content generation, and trendspotting, with particular focus on viral outreach, focus groups, and lifestyle marketing. Whether it is through online research or immersion experiences, Buzz Marketing Group provides the solutions that enhance the clients' bottom line. Wells has relied on those invaluable insights to write Mackenzie Blue, a fun and entertaining novel for tweens that marks the beginning of an exciting new series. For more information on Buzz Marketing Group, call (856) 346-3456 or visit www.buzzmg.com.


Source: Girl Scouts of the USA

CONTACT: Joshua Ackley of Girl Scouts of the USA, +1-212-852-8038,
jackley@girlscouts.org


Web Site: http://www.girlscouts.org/