It may just be me, but I think there has been a collective urge as of late to put a pillowcase over one’s head and scream “RAH RAH OH LA LA.” Lady Gaga has seemingly overnight grabbed the country’s attention by the testicles and isn’t letting go anytime soon. She is most noted for her “shock effect” entertaining, but her stunning voice and addictive songs only help her cause. Between her inter-tube-on-head, hanging on stage, bulging crotch antics, she would appear to be the most attention-starved person on the planet running the most successful publicity campaign of all time.
However, I think Gaga is more than just patron saint of the gays and empress excelsior of dance clubs everywhere - she is preaching a profound message under the mess of absurdities that makes her grounded and sweet, quite contrary to her appearance.
In an interview with Ellen Degeneres, Lady Gaga was dressed in standard Gaga ensemble with glitter falling off her face and things springing from her head. What she had to say, however, was shocking in another way. Firstly, she said she could not be more grateful for what she has been given. She thanked God, her family and her fans, acknowledging that without them she would be nothing. When asked about her Gaga persona, she explained that she always felt different and uncomfortable in school and she is trying to make sure that this generation understands that it is OK to be different and be as you feel.
Lady Gaga has peeled back the lid on the conventional pop icon box, and I feel that the effect is liberating. Her stunts may be mildly offensive to the girls who wear turtleneck sweaters and order white wine out at bars, but if young women are receiving the message that no matter what you think or feel you should not be afraid to express it, then her mission has been a success. Also, I think her message resonates so much deeper than the Britney-and -Jessica-sex-objects mantra and it’s infinitely healthier despite its unconventionality. I am not saying that her music lacks sexual punch, but her outrageous and free themes are a great contrast to most conventional music, which basically has women saying, “I am an object, now please let me blow you.” Additionally, she makes it clear that despite her ludicrousness, she is a real person; not only a performer, but also primarily a daughter, a friend and a sister. She has teamed with Cindy Lauper to be MAC’s face of AIDS awareness and she has admittedly had homosexual escapades, further highlighting her unconditional love for the gay community. I feel she is doing great things, even if she does it with flying saucers on her head.
Lady Gaga’s movement should not go unappreciated. We salute you and your antics, Gaga. Love, your Little Monsters.