The night is for lovin’, not protection against sexual violence
Justin Timberlake loves the ladies. And the ladies love Justin Timberlake. But does Justin Timberlake love THE LADIES?
Justin Timberlake’s new song is called Take Back the Night. The song details typical Justin Timberlake-y sexual adventures with his female listeners. Apparently the night has been taken by someone (potentially the day?) and Justin Timberlake and his motley crew have come to collect. Here’s a little sample:
“Your love’s a weapon
Give your body some direction
That’s my aim
Then, we could
Take back the night (etc)”
Unbeknownst to the Prince of Dirty Pop, Take Back the Night shares its name with The Take Back the Night Foundation. The foundation’s stated goal is to “create safe communities and respectful relationships through awareness events and initiatives.”
The Take Back the Night Foundation holds rallies and events dedicated to protesting rape and other forms of sexual violence against men and women. Many of these events are held at colleges and universities across the country.
Justin Timberlake didn’t go to college, so I guess that’s an excuse for never hearing about the foundation…right? After receiving notice from Take Back the Night’s Executive Director, Justin Timberlake addressed the situation with the following statement:
“Upon the release of my new single Take Back the Night, I was made aware of an organization of the same name called The Take Back the Night Foundation. I wanted to take this opportunity to let all know that neither my song nor its lyrics have any association with the organization.
As I’ve learned more about The Take Back the Night Foundation, I’m moved by its efforts to stop violence against women, create safe communities and encourage respectful relationships for women — Something we all should rally around. It is my hope that this coincidence will bring more awareness to this cause.”
So was this an honest mistake from Justin Timberlake, the former Mouseketeer? Or does this reveal a more misogynistic agenda from the one-time marionette? Is there more than just a dick in his box? Could there also possibly be…villainy?
