Issues of Today's World by Feministblackboard

Jul. 21, 2011 @ 5:45 PM _

Gaga and the Last Straw

I think I have been pretty lax on my views on Lady Gaga. In fact, I have skirted the issue completely. That is, up until today. Before today I just would mention how she is transphobic and has this super girl complex, but now its different. Every time she goes in for another interview, she comes out with me disliking her a bit more. (Which is a shame, I really did enjoy some of her music.) I digress.

Here are some of the things that wore me down and forced me to speak out…

In one interview Gaga says that her album cover for Born This Way is pictured the way it is because she is a vehicle. A vehicle for the voice of the gays. Back up, sister. A voice of the gays? No thanks, I have my own.
Then, after releasing the song her album is named after, she allows “no matter gay, staright or bi, lesbian, transgendered life” to be cut from the song. Was the point of that song not to be a gay anthem? I believe that’s what Gaga claimed. Oh well, I suppose she still is about turning over a quick buck. Plus, I hate when she lumps the lgbt community together by using the term “the gays.” She is not the face of the LGBT community, even if she thinks she is.

Then of course, the transphobic remarks. (not to mention the fact she says transgendered instead of transgender in the song) She gender polices, not to mention, insinuated trans people aren’t attractive in another interview of hers.

Oh, and how can we forget her latest debacle in New Zealand. She used a wheelchair as part of her act. As part of her fashion. She may claim that she is doing it to show people disabled people are still lovely, but let’s face it- she did it for shock value. The founder of the quadriplegic advocacy group Life Rolls On, stated the current situation perfectly when he said, ”I invite [Gaga] to learn more about the 5.6 million Americans who live with paralysis. They, like me, unfortunately, don’t use a wheelchair for shock value.”

Then, most relevant to this blog, insinuated, moreover, equated, feminism with man hating. She did this when she stated, “I’m not a feminist - I, I hail men, I love men. I celebrate American male culture, and beer, and bars and muscle cars.”

Really? Why is Lady Gaga perpetuating the stereotype that feminists are angry, overbearing man-hating nuttos? Not many of us hail her as an icon or an idol to begin with, but it is still somewhat upsetting. Not just the feminism part, but all of it.

She is so famous. She is heard, seen, believed in- all the time. Everything she says right now impacts a person or group of people. When she perpetuates, berates and trivializes, people take note. She is sending a message to the world. I wish it was the right message, I really do.

[EDIT]

I had some people asking for other sources on my Lady GaGa post, so here you go. By the way, I applaud that you guys don’t take everything I say hook line and sinker. It’s great to see, actually! Without further adieu:

Lady Gaga saying she doesnt know why people find her attractive because she claims she looks like a “tranny.” LINK

Lady Gaga says she is a vehicle for the voice of “the gays.” LINK

Lady Gaga says she is not a feminist because she hails men. LINK

Her lyric says “transgendered” instead of “transgender.” LINK

Gaga wheelchair show sparks outrage. LINK

ORIGINAL POST LINK