Since the release of LOUD, Rihanna has appeared more sexually liberated than ever. Everything from her lyrics, performances to videos have a bold, sensual appeal.
While we’ve come to be quite fond of the edgy superstar, footage of her in Barbados donning a red costume, stockings and fancy headdress has caused quite a stir. The singer participated in her country’s annual Kadooment Day Festival celebrating the end of the sugarcane harvest. At the festival, Rihanna was photographed bent over and dancing seductively on men (and even women)—and those photos have hit the net and put writers in a frenzy.
I like to argue that she was having fun. The drinks were flowing, she was on her home island, probably happier than ever to be back. However, some writers, including Amy Odell, a writer for The Cut, implied that Rihanna should be criticized for her dress and participation in the Festival.
The pop star wore a cultural costume at a cultural event, not a dress at a red carpet, so I’m not exactly sure why the headline made it seem as if she was partaking in some type of explicit behavior.
And it seems I’m not the only one slightly concerned with the “negative” portrayal of Rihanna celebrating her culture in Amy’s post, “Look at what Rihanna did in her latest bikini.” One commenter said: “she [Amy] needs to APOLOGIZE for her cultural insensitivity and thinly-veiled Rihanna hatred …she has DEEPLY offended the Caribbean readers of this website. Enough is enough.”
Another defended Amy’s use of the term “bikini” to refer to Rihanna’s costume: “I don’t understand how this is culturally insensitive? It would be like calling a pin-up a grass skirt, it’s just a generic term for people that might not understand the specific term.”
Let’s be honest for a second. How many times has Lady Gaga been spotted walking down the street or attending an event pants-less? Where was the criticism then? Not one reporter referenced Gaga as a “whore” or “skank” or even suggested that she was irresponsible in her dress since she is “a role model.” It’s notable that people with a lighter pigmentation can be “iconic” wearing “bikinis” but those of color in cultural costumes are raunchy and lewd.
What do you think of the photos of Rihanna? Should she live her life as a role model? Knowing the history of Caribbean carnivals, do you think Amy Odell was culturally insensitive for implying Rihanna was behaving badly?
-Krystal Franklin
Whether she’s sexually liberated or a slut, I keep wondering why people are even bothering…
I’m so happy that finally someone has a rebuttal for the absurd backlash she has been bombarded with over these pictures. I definitely think she is being culturally insensitive, we cannot continue to judge other people through such a myopic view or with our narrow cultural lenses that we hold so dear to. I have such admiration for the Caribbean cultures and how they are at least in my observation not so tainted by European ideals and were able to hold on to some remnants of their culture and heritage. Black Americans are so disillusioned by European conservative notions that we are afraid and disgusted by our black bodies. So at the mere sight of a “dark” body we turn our nose up and deem something so natural with so much vitriol. People of the African diaspora are known to be expressive through various forms of art whether it is spoken word, dance, song, writing or whatever there muse is. Unfortunately that is taught to be repressed here to fit into a box and the few people who attempt to break outside of it are viewed as an anomaly or worst.
LET RIHANNA LIVE. Yes I’m bias because I am a fan, but aside from that, so often countries lack tradition and culture and the fact that Rihanna is so firmly rooted in hers is to be ADMIRED NOT CONDEMNED. Most of those with the negative feedback have no concept of history when it comes to the island traditions. I completely agree with your opinion Krystal, very nice article as usual, but Love the opinion based ones.
Look, the comments on blogs and news sites go beyond culturally insensitivity. It just shows the laziness and lack of professionalism on the part of the international media – they really don’t give a damn what the festival is about, all they want to do is slander Rihanna’s name.
All this talk of ‘kadooement’ (sic) and ‘harvest’ and ‘harvest gods’ got me scheupsing my mouth – a simple google search or a trip to http://www.barbados.org will tell you what you need to know, but making foolishness up is more fun for them, clearly. As a Bajan, let me tell you, what she did was tame compared to what I saw on the road. They make it seem like she is a deviant, but everyone ‘does get on bad’ on that day. Yes, even the tourists from the UK, Europe and the U.S.
But I say, let them spout their ignorance, as they clearly have no desire to truly learn about another culture – because that’s what ignorant people do. Either way, bare Barbadians heading to Kensington tonight to see our girl, RiRi to the world!
She looks hot! Don’t knock it till you try it! Just b/c it’s not accepted in America, does not mean it’s not accepted in Barbados! Ever heard of Mardi Gra?!? Hello! What celebrity do you know will go back to their roots without airs or body guards? #sideeye. Kudos Rihanna, kudos!
I went to Caribana a few years back in Canada and this is how they get down. The costumes and the dancing– is all apart of their culture. I’m not sure if the writer was being ‘culturally insensitive,” but she was being ignorant and uninformed.
i’m loving rihanna even more.
I honestly don’t see anything wrong with the attire Rihanna wore or her actions in the Kadooment Day Parade. The actions of the people in her native lands participating in those festivals are exactly that of which she emulated. When you see women in carnivals they are scantily clad, wearing racy and bold outfits, but that is their culture, so who are we to judge? When you are a star it becomes open season for any and all attacks and this what is happening to Rihanna. Her or any other celebrity who has faced some type of adversity in the public eye will constantly be haunted and ridiculed by media for the things they do. I do believe it was insensitive for Amy Odell to make the comments she made because once again this his her culture, she embraces it and loves it as seen in the pictures. We as a society must remember that celebrities are people to. These people had lives before they reached such critical acclaim and still need to be treated like individuals.
what’s the point, she dances and gyrates the same way on stage during her concerts (i’ve seen shots from her concerts that look much more sexually suggestive than these)…she’s pretty much half naked in most of the photoshoots she does as most women are (whereas men are fully clothed as usual) so i really don’t get the hoopla. If a child or a teenager already sees her as a role model, then yeah, it’s too late…people gasping at this are blind idiots.
I was BEYOND insulted! I was at Kadooment, will be on Eastern Parkway, and will most definitely be waving my red, white, and black in Port of Spain come February, and I am NOT a slut! Its a cultural festival, originally celebrated by slaves at the end of cane harvesting season, just like Mardi Gras (the AA version) and Trini and Brazilian Carnival were the slaves version of the masquerade balls that the Whites would have before Lent. Why wasn’t Amy Odell so infuriated when Gisele Bundchen was wearing a costume at Brazil Carnival, she’s older and someone’s mother and step-mother!
This amy chick is funny if she thinks rihanna “bikini” is sluttly. I laugh at her ignorance. this could be worst trust me this is as cover up as it get but i do love the “bikini” its cute!.
Thank You! I honestly could not believe the amount of negative comments & pure ignorance that theses pictures brought about. It makes me want to scream. I cannot undersatnd why people cannot be respectful of other people’s culture’s. You may not like it but there is no reason to disrespect it and make it out to be something it is not. Alot of these writers and commenters are making carnival out to be this thing where a tons of sluts and whores gyrate lewdly in the streets which is simply not the case. If you don’t like/ can’t appreciate what Carnival is about so be it. There however is no need for name calling. This holier than thou attitude is ridicuous & irritating. It is called a costume for good reason. Geez!
she has the right to celebrate her culture.we have more pressing issues at this time…like the economy…Let’s get it together and concentrate on things and issues that are really important,
It really doesn’t matter to me because Rihanna carries herself like a slut anyway. Can you tell i’m not a fan LOL!
The very first comment on here reflects my thoughts exactly. I will NEVER understand why perfect strangers are bothered by someone elses actions when it: 1. breaks NO laws and 2. Has NO effect on their own lives whatsoever! And what is more they take it upon themselves to comment negatively about it! WHO THE HELL CARES!!! It NOT your life and therefore it has absolutely NOTHING to do with you. So do yourself and everyone else a favor and get over it and like Riri’s very own song says “Live your life.”
Rihanna has no class AT ALL so at this point nobody should really be surprised, I mean that’s what She has shown of herself!!!!!!
I agree. Had it not been for this article I would have thought she was filming a music video!
Is it somethign everyone wants to see, no but HELLO THAT IS A CULTURAL THING!!!!!! She was clearly having fun and that’s how they dress at these events. Did you see Jessica Simpson on her show The Price of Beauty? The gorgeous Brazilian women there wore full on thongs! With huge (perfectly round, get to the gym stat!) booties, and shiny costumes, they looked just as or more scantily clad than Rihanna. That’s the Carribean culture and that’s what you’d expect from a woman who wears similar stuff on stage. GET OVER IT!!!! GET LIVES!
Maybe Amy Odell should come visit us in Panama, Brazil, Trinidad, Puerto Rico, NOLA and elsewhere where we celebrate ‘Carnival’ and witness the debauchery and partying that goes on. Is Rihanna supposed to be a role-model since she’s in the public eye? If any one has children, it is up to the parents to be their child’s role-models, it’s not the celebrity’s responsibility.
Oh please. Are you people serious? I don’t know whether I should laugh or cry on your behalves.
Leave the girl to enjoy and celebrate her culture! If you don’t understand the culture here, then leave it alone!
Whatever!!!!!! RIRI looks as if she was having fun….. I wish I was there.
Go rihannah, tut to ignorant and jealous negatives!!