Should we expect artists to be role models?

In a short word, I guess, no. I often write about artists who through their work provide images of female empowerment, be it stealthy or overt. As much as I think this is important, I think it's easy to fall into the trap of expecting women in the entertainment to be superwomen, or better yet, super feminists (even if they don't identify as such). I'm a huge fan of Ann Powers, but I was ultimately disappointed in her piece  on Rihanna's "Birthday Cake," a duet recorded with her abuser, Chris Brown:

What's upsetting for those of us who admire Rihanna's talent and boldness — and for me as a feminist — is that she has clearly not taken up the narrative of women's enlightenment and self-liberation. Quite the opposite — the story she wants to tell is the one in which the endangered woman doesn't get out, or leaves for a while but comes back, or at best does leave, but can't resolve the mixed feelings she has about her choice.

It's not so much her disappointment in Rihanna's choice to work with Chris that gives me pause -- I think that's expected and inevitable -- it's her claim that Rihanna isn't acting as she wants her to. Blackamazon has a more nuanced discussion  on her Tumblr that I can provide, but it's little disheartening to see seasoned critics lay claim to an artist in a way that fans are normally chided for. Also, it's indicative of something I see from feminists of my generation far too often: criticizing women for not acting in ways that are perfectly in line with feminism.