Rihanna Loves the C-Word: Understandable or Unacceptable?

Rihanna doesn't exactly have the cleanest image in the pop music industry. Even next to risque performers like Lady Gaga and Britney Spears, she usually takes the cake. Songs like "S&M;" and "Rude Boy" dwell on the crudest elements of human sexuality, and she's never been one to pass on profanity. So it's no surprise she digs one of the most offensive four-letter words in the English language (hint: it starts with a c.) Though she does have a cultural excuse for this one.

Rihanna told British Vogue, "That word is so offensive to everyone in the world except for Bajans. You know African-Americans use the n-word to their brothers? Well, that's the way we use the c-word. When I first came here, I was saying it like it was nothing, like, 'Hey, c---,' until my make-up artist finally had to tell me to stop. I just never know."

Naturally, that conversation led to her "role model" status and what she thinks about the people who supposedly look up to her. She explained that the music and videos she creates don't actually reflect her as a person, suggesting that sexuality and crudeness are "toys and textures to play with."

She added, "See, people -- especially white people -- they want me to be a role model just because of the life I lead. The things I say in my songs, they expect it of me and [being a role model] became more of my job than I wanted it to be. But no, I just want to make music. That's it."