A little humility goes a long way, Rihanna
Published on: 7/25/07.
I THINK Moderne Greene must have been in my mind when I too saw the article about Rihanna.
I too was annoyed at the fact that she said she didn't "have to" (assuming those were her exact words) put the Trident in her music videos and such. It sounds as though she thinks she is doing us a favour. As a proud Barbadian who knows our place in the world and our potential, I am at pains when I hear people say these things.
That is why Rupee, Edwin and Alison will always hold a place in my heart for their humility, perseverance and a major factor that Rihanna has not mastered yet "approachability" (in Bajan parlance).
They have had to work very hard to reach the levels that they are at and it seems as though there is a growing culture among the younger entertainers that they believe they are doing Barbados a favour. Rihanna is not the only one, there is another "diva" who acts like she has a chip on her shoulder.
Anyone can approach Alison, Edwin and Rupee on the road and get a hug or chat with them. Even our very own Prime Minister is "approachable".
But after an incident I saw in Cave Shepherd, Rihanna is lucky all Bajans don't dislike her. And I am sure she is well aware that when Bajans don't like you, they don't like you.
I respect her talent and I thank her for the attention she has brought to Barbados, but believe you me, if God didn't give us a Rihanna, he would have given us someone else. So don't ever for a second get to thinking you are irreplaceable, Rihanna.
I therefore continue to support Rupee, Edwin, Alison and community groups like Brewsters' Road, who continue to carry our flag high all over the world and do it because they love their birth place.
TAMARA NURSE
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