On Gaga, social norms, and intolerance

Long before I became a fan of Lady Gaga, I’ve been intrigued by, well, how strange she is. Many people just write her persona off as a gimmick and (very vocally) assert that she and her work are as brainless as the rest of the pop industry, but I can’t say I agree with this.

An article I read recently criticized Gaga as being the “ultimate example of style over substance”. It’s true that sex, drugs and the like are dominant themes in her music, but what most people fail to realize is that she isn’t a musician in the conventional sense; she’s more of a performance artist. Only when you combine her image and her music are you truly able to grasp her message. Her music embodies the pop music industry — fame, glamour, sex, alcohol, etc.; when paired with the visually unappealing and borderline grotesque image she’s crafted for herself (as opposed to the typical polished pop star look), she is really commenting that there is much, much more to being rich and famous than the glamorous facade. Kind of Warholian, in a sense.

Her bizarre appearance, predictably, has sparked much controversy. It is often cited by anti-fans in arguments against her. This in itself sheds light on the depravity of modern society — there seems to be a (rather popular) notion that pop stars must dress and act like, oh, Christina or Britney or Miley Cyrus whoever is deemed to be “normal” these days and be sexy and beautiful.

More frighteningly, it showcases the narrow-mindedness of an overwhelmingly large number of people. Take the hermaphrodite rumours, for instance. One of the reasons this rumour continues to be so pervasive (just one look at youtube comments and you’ll see what I mean, though it’s not as bad as it used to be) is Gaga’s image: she’s ugly and weird and gay (i.e. not conventional), she probably has a penis (i.e. not normal). (Not very eloquently worded, but it’s almost five in the morning, so.) That is, these people (whether consciously or subconsciously) link being nonconformity (not really the word I’m looking for, you can’t really decide your sexual preference and physical features and personality to a degree, lol) to being abnormal, strange, and wrong.

But honestly? Even if she is intersexed, it shouldn’t have any bearing on how people perceive her. Just as race, ethnicity and sexual preference should in no way affect your opinion of a person.

Here’s a comment I came cross recently (unedited for the lulz):

U guys consider her a role model……….which is embarressing enough but as a role model she should be motivating ehr followers to fit in and get along wit people. Instead shes motivatign kdis of today to be freaks and fuckin outcasts. Until she stops acting and dressing like a nerdy bitch n wears something normal she straight trash wit a nice ass

This comment single-handedly outlines everything that is wrong with society. The astounding lack of literacy aside, the idea that, uh, “acting and dressing like nerdy [bitches]” and being “freaks and … outcasts” should not be tolerated whatsoever is incredibly close-minded and just really fucking sickening. This “us against them” mentality, I shouldn’t even have to say, is the cause of so many problems.

I, personally, would want my kids to look up to someone who doesn’t give two shits about what people think of him or her, someone who is absolutely comfortable with who he or she is, someone who understands diversity and tolerance in a community are absolutely crucial. But I digress.

But anyway, none of this should matter because this bitch can really fucking sing.