Why Rihanna’s New Fashion Line ‘$CHOOL KILLS’ Is a Brilliant Statement

Rihanna’s made it pretty clear that she has no interest in being anyone’s role model. Last year, she told USA Today, “I can’t really say I’m a role model. I’m not perfect. I’m not trying to sell that.” The year before, she replied to a Daily Mail article shaming her gun tattoos, long nails, and bad girl image with a statement that included, “’Role Model’ is not a position or title that I have ever campaigned for, so chill wit dat!”

Yesterday, news broke that Rihanna’s company has filed a patent application for ‘$CHOOL KILLS‘ to make ‘leather products’ and ‘clothing products.  Many are calling this a totally irresponsible message to be sending to her fans.  I have to disagree.  I think this is a brilliant statement…let me tell you why.

Over the past three years, my partner and I have been pushing a program in schools entitled, “X=POSURE”.  This program’s purpose is to open the eyes of students to ALL of the opportunities that are available to them .  It’s an eye-opening experience for many of the students to help them see more of what they can do in the world instead of just a linear thinking.  In my book, ‘I Hear That Girl:  Life Advice for Every Sista, ‘ I discuss the importance of thinking “outside of the box”.  Our school systems are nothing more than a manufacturing plant.  We set ourselves up to think one way only.  Graduate, go to college, get a job, get married, have kids.  Is that the only path to success and enjoyment of life there is?

This is why I believe Rihanna’s statement of ‘$CHOOL KILLS‘ is brilliant!  If you think she’s shaming education, you’re wrong!  If you think she’s against going to school, you’re wrong!  What she’s saying here is that the limitations and formatting of schools are indirectly killing your ability to live a truly free life.  It halts the creative process because it fights so hard against it.  “Stay within the lines” is actually taught to our kids!!  Can you see how stifling that can be to a creative person?  We need to have this dialogue in our schools so we can change the “manufactured” style of teaching into a more “free thinking” production.

RiRi, I hear what you’re saying, society will not dictate my way of thinking.  Maybe I’m thinking too deep, but maybe everyone that has an issue with her fashion line’s name, aren’t thinking freely.  I’m just saying…