Drake Is Grooming Young Girls But He Isn't The First | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Drake Is Grooming Young Women, But He Isn't The First Artist To Do So

Perhaps next time Drake shouldn't ask Kiki if she loves him but instead, ask Kiki if she's legal.

2835
https://www.flickr.com/photos/photo-grafitti/29102971967/in/photolist-LkJkCK-dxvd3-8sC5Dm-27AWhP-srChVJ-5TqXgD-9UwnS2-4U7nk8-4w85ym-29G6qDA-FWYxX-eMkwcJ-aq6zso-bwYFwr-s2AQjw-574gWK-bmjD7T-ppQSH3-9Tsv3e-9QyPPu-9iS8Ff-aATRCd-41jxas-334v4T-BKCzG-z7rkP-Vdq1zD-r8ondC-dVFhLn-ppQS8f-cMTTt7-oDh6Cb-8SAsPP-bt2pf7-6KrXuP-rTM1Js-2c6RBqv-Mj12DS-25gNAnS-33crxN-o1Wa42-LCZ22A-paBfb-ampHkg-33ct3d-6cF3d3-pG4aUv-ax4eej-2bo1bC-cnfiuj
Harmony Gerber

Pop culture news has been abuzz lately with rumors of Drake's predatory behavior toward young women. Does this behavior stem simply from Drake's own twisted fantasies or could it be something deeper? Perhaps it has something to do with the attitudes ingrained in men in positions of power or immense fame.

From his publicized relationships with Bella Harris (an 18-year-old model he met when she 16) and Hailey Baldwin (another 18-year-old he met when she was only 14) to his strange "friendship" with "Stranger Things" actress Millie Bobbie Brown, it's fair to assume that Drake and men like him see little to no issue with pursuing these young women as soon as it is legally acceptable to do so. Perhaps next time Drake shouldn't ask Kiki if she loves him but instead, ask Kiki if she's legal.

Steven Tyler, Jerry Seinfeld, Elvis Presley, Woody Allen, and Wilmer Valderrama are just some of the famous men who have pursued relationships with young women below the age of 18. The question then becomes, are these simply stories of true love where age plays no factor? Or is it that they have done the same thing we condemn pedophiles for by grooming these young women who are impressionable and most certainly star-struck?

You all remember that crazy guy R.Kelly? You know, the one with the pee tapes and the underage girls? If that didn't jog your memory, go watch some South Park and get back to me.

The reason I bring up R.Kelly is that he himself had a situation similar to popular Hip-Hop artist Drake where he groomed an impressionable young woman and convinced her to marry him when she was only 15. Don't believe me? Just go to iTunes and listen to Aaliyah's "Age Ain't Nothing But a Number." That should quell all of your doubts.

If your 39-year-old uncle came to Thanksgiving with his 17-year-old "friend" only to find by next Thanksgiving she's his 18-year-old bride, would your family express concern? Odds are the answer is yes. So why do we condone the same actions from a celebrity?

Perhaps it's something deeply ingrained in us as young women dating as far back as the cultural phenomenon that was Beatlemania. Young women around the globe were encouraged to pine after their favorite Beatle and the idea of identifying your celebrity crush (regardless of the age difference) became fairly commonplace.

The idealization of celebrities by young people coupled with the idea that fame and wealth mean that you are exempt from the rules have led to an incredibly complex and controversial moral issue. If laws are technically being followed, is it our place to consider how much of the relationship is built on a genuine sense of love?

If we're going to be harshly realistic, based on the actions of Drake and his celebrity counterparts, they probably have an affinity for young women. It is, in turn, our role to ensure that young women are raised with the confidence and self-awareness to not fall prey to the idea that fame or money make someone an exceptional person.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23047
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9643
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6960
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments