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Over a month after his alleged beating of (ex-?)girlfriend Rihanna, Chris Brown is still beloved by many of his teenage fans. This adoring base includes girls who think Rihanna instigated or earned her smackdown. The NYT explores fans' loyalty to Brown in a piece today in which kids seem to argue: "If Rihanna forgave him, why shouldn't I?"

The article also points out that there's extra pressure in the black community to forgive, lest another black male be written off as a criminal. A Harvard African-American studies professor told the Times that girls have been taught that "what matters is that we don't destroy boys."

Not Just Chris Brown
What's missing from much of the media coverage about the Rihanna-Chris Brown case is an acknowledgment that this occurs all the time -- with Oscar nominees as well as Kids' Choice Award ones.

Click here to read who else has been in Brown's boat.

Experienced brawler Josh Brolin got popped for spousal battery, yet there was no outcry at Diane Lane for sticking by his side at the Oscars. Terrence Howard was arrested in 2001 for punching his estranged wife in the face. (After Brown's arrest, Howard had to apologize for saying, "It's just life, man ... Rihanna knows he loves her.")

Charlie Sheen, one of the highest-paid actors on TV, was accused of abuse by his ex-wife Denise Richards. He is also reported to have "accidentally" shot ex-fiancé Kelly Preston. Shot her. But nobody (except maybe critics) seems outraged that "Two and a Half Men" is picked up for another season.

Our question: Why do we expect teenagers, what with their underdeveloped prefrontal lobes and all, to hold Chris Brown accountable when, as a society, we don't blink at other celebrity perpetrators of violence against women?

Tell us! Do you think teenagers are going too easy on Chris Brown?

Click here to read a Lemondrop blogger's first-person account about abusive relationships.