(The Root) — From her Instagram account, you can gather that Rihanna really loves strippers, smoking and making fun of people who come for her family. She also really likes nudity, both hers and other people's. On several occasions she has Instagrammed pictures containing nudity, though it is a violation of the site's terms of service. Maybe that's why she typically removes the images quickly after posting them — to keep from having her account suspended.
Or maybe something else is going on. Is "badgalriri" really that bad? Is she just really feeling herself, or thirsting for attention? Kate Dries of Jezebel has examined the interesting mechanics of Rihanna's Instagram account, musing on potential motives.
Some of it definitely seems to be a marketing ploy. During her video shoot for the song "Pour It Up," about strippers and strip clubs, Rihanna posted several pictures of strippery things: clear heels, floors littered with money and her naked behind in a denim thong (which is apparently a thing). She tagged the pictures with #pouritupvideoshoot, tantalizing fans and building anticipation for the video's release. Others argue that it could be to play up her bad-girl image and strengthen her brand.
But there's also the possibility that Rihanna just loves the female form — and enjoys celebrating it, whether it's hers or someone else's. She has, on occasion, Instagrammed pictures of other women nude, too. Everybody goes through a young, reckless and rebellious stage, right? It just so happens that hers is being displayed on a very public stage.
Judging by the comments on the Jezebel post, people seem to believe the latter, saying that if they looked like Rihanna, they'd be naked and showing it off all the time, too.
Read more at Jezebel.
Tracy Clayton is a writer, humorist and blogger from Louisville, Ky.