All We Hear is, Lady Gaga
When I was asked to write about Lady Gaga, I was pretty excited. I’m not going to lie. I really like her. When I was asked to write about her from my feminist viewpoint, it was even more exciting for me. See, the thing about feminism is, it is an umbrella term under which there are many types of feminists. Some are stricter than others, some have different standards and morals than others and really one feminist cannot represent them all. So I feel I should say that everything I say here is my own personal view as a feminist and also as someone who is very interested in the use of art to express yourself and be yourself.
So where does one even begin to discuss Lady Gaga on these terms? The opinion on her seems to be split down the middle when I talk to people. They either love her or hate her. Judging by her record sales, I’d say she isn’t doing so badly in the industry, so she must be doing something right by them. One of the issues I find coming up a lot about her is that she is some pop singer who is just milking the industry and trying to be different. I also hear a lot about her being a typical pop star who is trying to make an easy buck by getting attention through half-naked costumes and feeding into an image that might be seen as degrading to women. Well, it is pretty easy to put her into the same category as someone like Britney or Christina, when you are hearing them all on the radio and they are all classified as pop stars, but given a closer look, there is a big difference and when we are talking about Gaga, we are talking more about the Madonna of today. I hate hearing all of the comparisons to Madonna, but being someone who grew up during the age of Madonna, I can really see where it is all coming from. Madge gave us girls an image we weren’t used to in the music industry. A strong female, singing about topics that we were taught were taboo and wearing clothes that made a statement. The statement was a strong one. She wore what she wanted to wear, she made her look a bit risqué but also a style that people wanted to imitate. You knew when someone was influenced by Madonna. Not only did her style and music stand out but her business practices did as well. She was and still is a very strong, and intelligent businesswoman.
So that’s Madonna in an eggshell for those of us who grew up with her. Millions of us little girls saw a woman who did what she wanted to do and it implanted that idea in our heads. We can be assertive, we can be strong, we have choices and we can control our own lives. When I look at Lady Gaga today, I see nearly the exact same thing happening.
Lady Gaga (Stefani, but don’t call her that!) is definitely not stupid. She is a very intelligent and creative business woman who is in control of nearly every aspect of her career. She overseas the entire operation known as “Haus of Gaga” and is an extremely accomplished musician. (She learned to play piano by age of 4 and by age 11 was accepted into the Julliard School, although she didn’t go. She also was accepted early at the age of 17 to NYU’s Tisch School of Art for Music.) She is proof of what determination will get you. She has claimed multiple times in interviews that she was always an outcast in school because she was eccentric or different. She is a huge advocate of self expression and being yourself despite what others think. This is something younger girls need to see as they grow up. Even if her art and her music is not to your taste, there is no denying her positive influence on young people (herself being only 23 years of age). She has also been a huge advocate for the homosexual community. This is another aspect of her image that helps to leave an impression on the younger generations who will grow up seeing her and listening to her music and being influenced by her courage to be herself and express herself.
Some people will argue that she is too controversial or a little too open, but in all honesty and in my own personal beliefs, most of us need more of that in our own lives. Especially in the United States where we are constantly shushed when we discuss certain issues or topics. She is like a breath of fresh air (I know that was a very trite statement) in the music industry today. She is fearless, fierce and intelligent and that will undoubtedly inspire many younger people in years to come. For me she is proof that when you have to express yourself artistically and you have that opportunity, you are truly free.
TEXT // Lady Mothra Rose
This article is the first from R.O.O.T Webzine’s new columnist, Lady Mothra Rose. Writer and art lover, currently living in New Jersey, USA, she joined the team to share her vision of life in a new series titled “Femme Vision”.
Excellent article! I love the dichotomy between Gaga’s perfect pop songs and her outlandish presentation of them, but what I love most about her is the freedom you described.
It’s hardly rational to address Lady Gaga from a feminist standpoint. Every song I have ever heard by her is completely drenched in references to wanting a man to love her, want her, take her home from the club now that she is completely drunk and defenseless. Bad Romance? Have you seen the video with the strip club scene where she is bid on and sold by the strictly male audience after being offered up by the other women ripping her clothing off? Feminist? Hardly! Lady Gaga is nothing more than a female version of Marilyn Manson. She is cashing in on the fact that the sedated masses think that her gimmicks are really “different” when in reality, she can be likened to the next McDonald’s menu item. You know what I’m talking about! It’s new, and interesting and a definite departure from the same old bland shit you’re used to eating. Watch out, though. While it may seem palatable at first, I guarantee it is destined to leave a lingering, lardy film in your mouth! I just offer up a tiny little prayer to the over-digitized music Gods that this new “artist” will, like those infamous menu items be for a limited time only!
I agree with you. Her endless fashions statements are mostly marketing. What she does here is selling herself (so not feminist!). She has a new single out titled telephone? Let’s make it visual! She puts a phone on her head and some flashy colors. Everybody sees her and she makes her point.
It looks and sounds genius and fearless, but i think, unfortunately, that the society was ready for this.
I’m not saying that she is a total asshole, but, as a singer, she is a faker. To me, she is an actress and comedian, doing whatever it takes to be seen. We never see the real her. This leads me to the question: what the fuck is art?
Excellent commentary! As I said earlier in my article, feminism is an umbrella term. So some feminists agree with certain issues why others don’t. There are pro-porn and anti-porn feminists. There are feminists who believe in the power of using your female prowess and some who loathe it. It’s all part of the same thing and that is that we concern ourselves with women’s issues and the state of women in today’s society. I know many feminists who, like you both, do not think she is very feminist and some who think she is making a huge feminist statement. I am kind of on the edge of feminism and art with Gaga. I don’t think anyone can truly define either term, feminism or art. Of course they try, but they will never truly come to one solid definition that is agreed upon by the masses of feminists and artists/art lovers out there. For me, feminism should not define what a woman should do or be…it should allow her the freedom to be who she wants to be. And that is where I stand on Gaga. I do appreciate the feedback though. I love that we live in this world of mutual respect for each others opinions and views. Thanks so much for reading!