C'est Moi, Catie

An anecdote…

I love Lady Gaga. Ask anyone. She is an insane performer and an equally amazing singer… two things I really respect (and wish I could do myself).

But my love for her is more than that. She is the epitome of what I would like to believe I am fighting for. A friend of mine tonight was sort of teasing me for liking (loving) her – “She’s too out there … She’s over the top … She’s gotta tone it down a little.” Then things got a little more serious, and a comparison was made between Gaga and an “equally” controversial performer: Eminem. Laughing, my friend said, “I mean, if Eminem had to tone it down, then doesn’t she have to tone it down?” Of course, he was referring to her “hanging herself” performance at the VMAs (I replied that you can’t win them all). He remarked that there were parallels between the two: “[They are both p]eople who don’t go with societies morals [norms, let's say].”

I had to take this opportunity to finally get to say what I’ve always wanted to say about Eminem (that is, ever since I grew up and realized all those people protesting outside his concerts were right!!)…

I get the hanging thing, and how that could be (and was) offensive to some people. But Eminem uses his relative influence over people (listeners) to reinforce already negative stigmas toward already horribly oppressed people, e.g. women, gays, you name it. While I’m sure he has a million reasons for why people should not take him so seriously, or feel so offended, I can’t support his ability to even defend himself. In the spotlight, he is aware that his sentiments will be repeated: at his concerts, in the car. Hate breeds hate; this is a fact.

You go, girl

Further, Lady Gaga has a mission. We can all agree that she’s controversial and she certainly isn’t “normal.” But that’s the point – and I think her agenda is bigger than people give her crazy outfits and envelope-pushing performances credit for. She actually wants to change people’s ideas of what is ”normal.” The simple idea of “normal” is oppressive. This is why she doesn’t respond to the hermaphrodite rumors, or dismiss gay rumors, or conform to “fashion norms”… ever.

Yeah, I love her. And her heart-pounding, crazy music that makes me want to dance in the library. BUt more importantly is one thing we should all take away from her: Her message is truth… and it’s progress.

Sorry to my friend… Hope you don’t mind me using your Devil’s Advocate skills to make a point.