By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
Rihanna is one of the biggest stars today in Pop music, but the singer’s image is nothing short of controversial. After Rihanna was assaulted by her on and off again boyfriend Chris Brown, the singer seemed to embrace a bad girl image. Rihanna’s new raunchy image hasn’t hurt her anyway, in fact, she’s achieved more being naughty than she did when she presented herself as the normal pop princess. Despite the nude selfies on Instagram and Twitter rants, Rihanna landed her first number one album last year with Unapologetic. And as a result of her success, many of her critics feel she should behave more like a role model, an opinion Rihanna says she just doesn’t agree with. It now appears she’s not alone in her opinion amongst Hollywood beauties because actress Rosario Dawson says she wishes people would stop trying to force Rihanna to be a role model when they don’t force the same label on men in the business.
Rosario tells the Winnipeg Free Press:
“I don’t think individual women do have a responsibility [to set an example for others]. Often they are working within a certain dynamic. Take Rihanna. To put all that responsibility on one woman is outrageous. I don’t think we should engage with that ‘should and shouldn’t do’, ‘should and shouldn’t wear’ and ‘should and shouldn’t look like’. We don’t do that with men.”
Rihanna continues to curse people out on her Instagram account that criticize her for not being a role model but she recently opened up to Oprah and told her that she doesn’t want to be a role model because the thought scares her.
Do you agree with Rosario? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Rosario makes a very good point. But when a person is famous, society as a whole exalts that person and it makes kids want to be like that person. People blame parents, but it’s actually a problem that our society as a whole created. And Rihanna should be mindful of that but we all know she refuses to.
THIS! It’s not really just about the parents, but the fact that as a society, celebrities are placed on these pedestals and these kids want that same admiration so they take the paths they saw these celebs take. That’s why it’s so important that parents talk to their kids about this and teach them to be different. In the end, kids will make their own choice.
Meh, she’s not all the way right. Celebrity men are treated the same. Especially athletes. They are always told to be role models and most of them try to.
Being a role model is a choice. Not a requirement. Rihanna chose not to be and she has the right to that choice.
Add me to the list of folks who doesn’t think someone should be forced to be a role model…
I disagree with Rosario. So many little girls look up to Rihanna. When she decided she wanted fame, that’s the life she signed up for. That’s just how it is. But she has the right to choose to be a good one or a bad one.
I love Rosario but I’m confused as to how she made this a debate on sexism. I don’t get the logic.
LOL me either girl. Role models come in both genders and as a whole, most people are taught to try to be one. Celebrities always like to pull the “oh it’s no fair” card but they can miss me with that when they make millions with subpar talent. The least they could do is try to be good people in the public eye. Sheesh.
Being a role model has always been and will always be a choice. Either you do it or you don’t. Period. It’s not about gender.
I forgot this chick existed. She might want to place more attention on getting movie roles than what Rihanna is or isn’t doing. The whole role model debate is tired any way.
Rihanna has chosen to not be a role model. In fact, she obsessed with not being one so bad that she’s become a big mess. But she’s grown and it’s her right. I for one don’t really care. I just want to teach my kids to not be like Rihanna. #shrugs
Rhi’s gonna do what she wants to do with her music..life..image just like everyone else, as she should! She cant live her life for other people or be concerned about what they think of her every move because she cant please everybody anyway. People will criticise with negative opinions NO matter what she does so why bother? I feel she should just continue to “do her” & keep it moving..if you dont like it then leave it. Role models should be your parents & other people in your family/community..not a celebrity who dont even know you exist! Rhi’s only responsibility is herself & her career.
I agree. I want my children to look up to me, the person raising them, and loving and caring for them. It’s a shame that society has given these celebrities so much power. This is why so many celebrities are rude and out of control.
She’s right…almost. Rihanna doesn’t have to be a role model, but I do have to be a parent so….I don’t let my girls listen to Rihanna’s music and Rihanna gets none of my money…..She can do whatever she wants to do. At the end of the day, your sins are your own…….