Sex sells. The music industry is very aware of this fact, and have used it to build the careers of moneymaking machines such as Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Britney Spears. Lady Gaga also capitalized on this idea, launching her career with lyrics like “I’m bluffin’ with my muffin” and the infamous “I wanna take a ride on your disco stick”.
Gaga manages to stand out from pop music’s sea of catchy beats and over sexualized stars. Although her first album debuted a mere three years ago, she has broken several chart records and already reached the iconic status of stars like Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, and Madonna. But how did she achieve this status so quickly? Some argue that it is because of her obscure fashions, ranging from a dress constructed entirely out of animal flesh to a very convincing Joe Calderone ensemble. Others note her unexpected performances and music videos, which contain bizarre production elements, convoluted storylines, and almost always leave viewers scratching their heads. Though such factors have certainly contributed to Gaga’s exponential rise to fame, she enlists another pivotal tool to secure iconic status: empowerment.
Gaga has an impressive resume in the field of empowerment. Like many artists, she uses her pop star status to raise revenue for philanthropic organizations. But Gaga also gives a significant amount of her time to spread messages important to her fans and herself. Rather than using the spotlight of the 2010 VMAs simply to promote her music, Gaga invited openly gay soldiers to accompany her to the event, highlighting the flaws of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which had yet to be repealed at the time of the awards show. When Gaga discovered that Target donated money to politicians with homophobic agendas, she addressed the situation by refusing to sell her album Born This Way at the store unless Target started donating funds to pro-LGBT causes. Instead of briefly expressing her condolences when gay teen Jamey Rodemeyer committed suicide, she set up a meeting with President Obama in order to discuss the need for anti-bullying laws. Regardless of the situation, Gaga is sure to go the extra mile.
Gaga also empowers her fans through more direct channels. She constantly reminds her 14 million followers on Twitter- affectionately referred to as her “little monsters”- that they are beautiful as they are. Gaga uses her voice to urge her fans to exude confidence despite the obstacles they may face. More importantly, Gaga spreads positive messages to her following through the lyrics of her songs. In the title track of her most recent album, Born This Way, Gaga tells her fans that they are “on the right track” regardless of sexuality, color, or disability. The album contains many power anthems such as “Highway Unicorn”, a track encouraging her large number of gay fans to “be strong on the road to love”, and “Marry the Night”, which helps each fan see that they should “not give up on their lives” when things get tough.
Although Gaga has undoubtedly empowered her fans, many question her intentions. Skeptics argue that her message in the song Born This Way is hypocritical, as Gaga constantly changes her hair, makeup, and persona in order to hide her natural self. In addition, many argue that her motivation for empowering her fans is an economic one. Gaga has broken several digital sales records, which prompts questions of whether she appeals to the emotions of her fans in order to succeed economically or to avoid being a one-hit wonder. After all, she has proven to be an excellent performer. So is it too far of a stretch to wonder if she is also an excellent actress as well?
Gaga enthusiasts argue that she is not using empowerment as a manipulative device. They claim that she acquired fame because of her artistic talents rather than her agenda of empowerment. Instead of using this agenda as a marketing strategy, fans argue that she spreads positive messages to them because she deeply cares about such issues and knows that she can use activism and her fame to make a difference. Gaga is not classically pretty, and has shared stories to her fans about the relentless bullying she encountered throughout school. Therefore, fans find it easy to empathize with Gaga and to believe she is sincere.
Though both arguments have their merits, skeptics and believers can both agree on one thing: Lady Gaga has made a positive impact in the lives of her fans. And she isn’t about to stop.
