Full disclosure first: I am supposed to be writing a literature review for my Psych class right now. But as it often does, the Internet sucked me into its dark abyss with incredible strength, and I found myself reading a blog post by a former friend. I don't look this person up often (in fact, I believe this is the first time I have done so), but for some reason I was tempted to see what she has been up to. A few keystrokes and clicks later, I found myself reading a post she had written regarding a recent Cosmopolitan article on Lady Gaga. And found myself becoming more and more frustrated by what she had written with each sentence.
Now, I don't read Cosmo often. I pick it up every few months if it catches my eye at the grocery store, and I flip through it, reading the sex stories and fashion tips. But this person is a subscriber. She receives the magazine each month, reads it cover to cover, and comments on many of the articles to those around her. So she undoubtedly knows more about the magazine than a casual reader such as myself.
Apparently, this month's issue features Lady Gaga on the cover, and includes a photo spread and a short interview. I'll admit, I have not read this article or anything from this issue, but from my experience (reading previous issues of Cosmo as well as articles and photo spreads in other magazines featuring Lady Gaga), and from reading this person's review of the article, I think I know the gist of what the article contains: Gaga talking to the reporter about how it's important to be yourself and be comfortable in your own skin, how sexual freedom is okay, and how women should celebrate themselves and their bodies.
Good for her.
I honestly think Gaga is one of the most important artists of our time. She makes incredible music that is almost universally appealing (I think the only person I know that doesn't care for her music is my brother- though this could have something to do with the fact that I go to a university that is predominately "gays and girls") and she sends a wonderful message to her fans, especially the younger ones. The idea of being yourself, being comfortable with your weirdness, is something that's taken me quite a long time to adjust to. I wonder if my own self-acceptance would have been easier if, when I was thirteen, the biggest pop star in the world was preaching a message of self-love.
Gaga is a fashion symbol, with photos of her outfits constantly circling the Internet. Say what you will about her wackier choices (the Kermit dress among them), but she is never afraid to make a statement. Her Grammy outfit, by Versace, was one of the most talked-about pieces of the awards show season, and her use of Alexander McQueen in the "Bad Romance" video helped give the designer massive brand recognition, especially of the "armadillo" shoe.
Gaga's performances are nothing short of legendary, with each redesign of her "Monster Ball" tour (currently in Europe) raising the bar higher and higher in terms of creativity and possibility. And awards shows have her to thank, at least in part, for the ratings boost they've enjoyed this season. Once her VMA performance aired, she became a huge draw for every show.
The post that I read about the Cosmo article argued that Gaga is the most influential musician of all time. I believe that this is a bit crazy. Although I would never want to demean Gaga's impact on mainstream society, she may be popular now, but she hasn't yet proven herself to have the kind of longevity that makes her deserving of that title.
I suppose the thing that really got to me about this post, though, is the self-righteous tone that the author took. She complained about the brevity of the Gaga article and lamented the fact that the photos in the spread were not outlandish enough, claiming that they made Gaga seem to be just another "blonde bombshell". I saw the photos on the Cosmo website (you can find them here), and while they aren't her most incredible, I still think that Gaga's personal style was preserved (I mean really, look at that mask!), while toning down some of the more extreme aspects for a mainstream audience. Not even Gaga wants to wear latex dresses and obscenely heavy hats every time she does a photoshoot.
There's no reason to complain about these photos, or to be upset that many articles were longer than Gaga's interview. You subscribe to this magazine. You read it every month. You ought to recognize by now that you are paying not to read the in-depth personal stories of celebrities, but rather the latest sex updates and makeup tips. At the end of the day, I suppose what I'm trying to say is, stop your whining.
So tonight, on the eve of the "Telephone" music video premiere, I say to you, Gaga: You go, girl. Don't let anyone bring you down.
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