Hermenuetics

Comments

What a bold parenting move! I have to agree though that although I normally hate the defeatist attitude of "they're going to see it/do it anyway", I think in Lady Gaga's case it really is true - she really is ubiquitous. It would be like trying to hide your child from seeing a coca-cola ad. Might as well watch it with them the first time and make it a learning moment. Who knows, maybe now when he watches it with his friends he can comment on what you talked about together.

Posted By: Nadine | June 18, 2010 10:56 AM

Questions from the article:

--
Is Lady Gaga making a statement, actually showing how silly celebrity worship is, by acting out in such extreme ways?

What’s the message here? Is there one?

Do you know what nihilism means?
--

I love these questions, and I have a love/hate relationship with the fact that presently we have no answer. What IS her motivation? She seems to be attacking the very thing that has allowed her stardom: we're all as fed up with it (show-business, pop stars) that we want something absurd to mock it. But it still comes in the same context. "Alejandro" sounds like an Ace of Base song. Gaga's music is original without ever having to be original.

Our culture craves spectacles. But I shouldn't speak as though I were distanced. Honestly, I crave spectacle, and I think Gaga has done some genius stuff. I also think she's done some gross and tasteless stuff, stuff I wish she hadn't done, stuff I'd rather not see again. But yeah, as far as parenting teens goes ... unless you have some INSANELY STRICT control over internet access (including complete blockage of YouTube, Facebook etc) your kid is going to run into Gaga and is going to watch. Even if it's not their thing.

So big kudos on the smart parenting, Ms Grant! When my kids are teens I hope I can do right by them and by God when it comes to this sort of pop culture nonsense.

Posted By: Patrick | June 18, 2010 11:42 AM

I work to remain "shockable". If I didn't, wouldn't I be disconnecting myself from my feelings - and from my ability to keep in touch with what breaks God's heart?

I do think it's good for your son to know that you aren't naive about the kind of world we live in. I haven’t seen this video, but I also think that moms might need to remember that they can't quite understand how visual sexual imagery can affect a young man, so you might want to be careful what you show him. There are some things he’s better off learning to look away from. Seriously, that’s an essential spiritual skill for a guy to have.

I also think that if a kid wants to shock a parent, he’ll keep trying until he finds something that works. Please don’t push him to that. I have friends and relatives who have made that mistake. I’m a Dad, by the way, which may explain the stodginess in my post... hah.

Posted By: John | June 18, 2010 12:12 PM

Good for you! I think it’s important to talk to kids about issues that will come up with their peers whether you want them to or not, and to keep the lines of communication open about what they are interested in and how they are interpreting it. I grew up in the 1980s with the PMRC and found that movement very overblown and misinformed. I resented having adults tell me what my music was about, when they really didn’t know—they were looking at it superficially and rushing to judgment based on their horror over a few key words or images, and sometimes not understanding the fact that music was commenting on things that were happening elsewhere in society rather than advocating that those things should happen. I read much of the Telephone video in this way—product placement, mobile communication and surveillance have become ubiquitous, way before this video, and we have a lot of health problems related to the way we eat (i.e., she’s not advocating poisoning people but saying that we’re poisoning ourselves—and she’s not happy about it—thus, the dead eyes). Sexuality is a huge minefield--not just in this video. I’d agree on the nihilism point—while I think that Gaga and I may be criticizing the same kinds of things, she doesn’t present a constructive view of a different way of being, at least in her music or videos (as a person I’d say she models some things well—hard work, respect for her parents, turning the other cheek at all the catty comments thrown her way, and speaking out against what she sees as prejudice). Because she’s very young and wants so badly to be famous, she also does some shocking things.

I thought your open ended questioning approach was very good because it allows you to hear what your children are actually thinking and shows them that they have the power to construct their own interpretations of things they are seeing and hearing. A heavy handed approach to criticizing popular culture risks leading kids to want more of it in order to rebel and really takes it too seriously. Most popular music is made by angsty, confused young people (and yes, I hate how pompous that makes me sound) or by profit oriented older people trying to sell music to angsty, confused young people. This is where we can step in as adults to help kids make sense of this stuff and construct their place in the world. I think it’s fine to share your horror, as long as you explain it (i.e., “this bothers me because it shows people being treated as less than human or cheapens something I think is sacred or important” as opposed to “this is bad or evil.”) and give your kids room to have their own interpretation.

It’s funny to find myself so shocked and horrified by some of the stuff that’s out there now given my own past listening to music that shocked adults at the time. Lady Gaga’s Telephone video, I’d have to say, is very tame compared to her others, and some of the other stuff out there.

Posted By: Jennifer | June 18, 2010 2:17 PM

Bottom line: parents need to parent. Censorship never works, even in the home. Lady Gaga (and other popular culture icons) glamourize many incorrect themes and ideas, but parents should engage their older children in Biblical discussions of these ideas and themes, rather than relying on prohibition.

Posted By: Andrew | June 18, 2010 2:35 PM

Lady Gaga's performances are obviously disgusting, promoting sin and Christians will probably be promped to see this eventually if not immediately by the Holy Spirit. I saw the preview of Miley Cyrus' newest video and it reminded me of Michael Jackson's Thriller video that was every where when he died. She has said that at 17 she wants to change her image to more adult one but it is sexy not sensual and she is dressed in black and the preview was disgusting. Our teens who love the Hanna Montana Miley can be easily deceived into watching her new style and the new image she is now trying to project. I feel sorry for her. She and her parents say they are Christians and that makes deception all the easier for our teens and maybe parents who do not know about this.

Posted By: integritymother | June 18, 2010 7:08 PM

This is a terrific article and I agree with others--you made a smart parenting move. Not only do I agree that even the most sheltered kids are exposed to cultural phenomena whether we know/like it or not, but I think it's good for them to be aware of what's out there. Partly so that parents can do as you did, and engage them in conversation about what they see and hear. But also because I think art has value, and good art (music, movies, books) is often nitty-gritty, portraying the realities that many people in our world live in--addiction, emptiness, despair, anger, disconnection, an emphasis on physical appearance and sexuality, etc.

I dislike Lady Gaga (I just don't enjoy her music and am turned off by her over-the-top image), but I understand why many people see her as a real artist. Some of my favorite music, while of a very different style than Lady Gaga, is full of angst, questioning, anger, and raw portrayals of the dark side of life. I think it's of value because of the truth it tells of how real people feel and live. I don't see it as dangerous for my kids; I want to help them discern art from schlock, and art isn't always pretty.

Posted By: Ellen | June 18, 2010 7:48 PM

If a singer or performer can "shock and awe" the crowd, he or she will make money from the concerts, videos,downloads, and CD sales. Wikipedia has a good biographical sketch on Lady GaGa. She may have made a good deal with the Devil. As Christians, we should remember that everything we experience in the physical realm is because of changes made in the spiritual realm around us. Wicked Spirits in high places, rulers of the darkness of this age, powers, and principalities are behind the movers and shakers in government, the film industry, the music industry, and so on. Unregenerated men and women are acting like their spiritual father, Satan himself. It would please me greatly to hear someday of Lady GaGa had a new birth experience. In the late 1940's and 1950's, there was a woman who became famous in the porn industry. One day she had an experience with the LORD. She put on her clothes and began evangelizing. She preached the gospel until the end of her days. May God grant Lady GaGa the same mercy and grace.

Posted By: Michael | June 19, 2010 5:36 AM

Thank you for this post! I can't tell you how refreshing it is to hear someone engaging Gaga as a parent critically and openly. Your child is lucky to have you; conversations about and through art can be such a powerful medium to connect with one's thoughts, feelings, and emotions, and you are teaching your child early on that they do not need to "fear" or be "ashamed" of difficult and complex cultural material. Rather, they can be a critical observer and conversation partner with culture and find their own voice in the midst of all sorts of conflicting or disturbing cultural messages.

I remember when I was a teenager (ten years ago) and our church youth leaders encouraged us to throw away all of our cds and stop watching tv and movies! I wanted to do the right thing so badly, so I threw away all my cds. I'm still sad and angry about that because that music was so important to me in that period of my life - it helped me make sense of the world. Art of all forms continues to play a huge part in my life; I am very grateful I met mentors later on who took a much different approach to art and culture. Could I have learned these lessons earlier and avoided a lot of baggage?

Thanks for encouraging engagement, compassion, critical thinking, and deeper exploration RATHER than withdrawal, fear, and shame. There's plenty to talk about regarding Lady Gaga, to ponder and perhaps to reject...but you are right to point your son towards art and artists that inspire and deepen hunger for LIFE, BEAUTY, and the GOOD. And how powerful to dialogue with him about places these seem superficially present or absent.

Also, thanks to all the intelligent and thoughtful comments. surprising and refreshing!

Posted By: rachel | June 19, 2010 9:35 AM

I see the reasoning behind your choice to show the video, but I disagree with the ideea that it was a smart parenting move. If the video contains profane language, sexuality, and other content that is offensive, then why was it a good thing? How can you justify this? Why would you expose the eyes and mind of a young person to this trash? To achieve what? Where will you draw the line, and how will you argue with him in the future about boundaries? I may come accross as a legalist, but I believe that you yourself should not have watched that in the first place. I still remember the words of a friend of mine, who said that, his wife and him only watch movies, etc., that they can watch with their kids. Otherwise, they are off, whether in private or in public. Radical?

Posted By: db | June 19, 2010 11:19 AM

Showing this to your son was a big mistake for one reason: It does not glorify God. Your wanting to be "open" with your son should not include justifying the reasons people act trashy. Your job is to protect and teach him the character of God and to feed his spirit - not his flesh.

Posted By: EagleMom | June 19, 2010 12:38 PM

EagleMom,
Jennifer turned this into an opportunity to glorify God. She took a controversial video that her son would probably see anyway and used it as an opportunity to examine its contents and spiritual overtones. She transformed this video into a bonding experience between mother and son as well as a spiritual learning opportunity. They talked about sexuality, respecting woman, nihilism: all things her son may have not processed if he had seen this by himself.

db,
You said "If the video contains profane language, sexuality, and other content that is offensive, then why was it a good thing?" Schindler's List, Shawshank Redemption, and other great movies also have such content in them. Does that mean we should steer clear from them? A movie (or a music video) is more than the sum of its parts. Obviously you have to abide by whatever you feel led to. And I appreciate your counterargument. But there is a place for art in this world. Not everything needs to be "beautiful" like Thomas Kinkade. After all, the world isn't that way. We can even learn from the "ugly". While I agree that we need boundaries, I don't believe in throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Brava, Jennifer, on your wonderful post.

Posted By: Adam H | June 19, 2010 2:52 PM

Thank you everyone for the thoughtful responses and Jennifer, above, for the insightful analysis of "Telephone." (Wonderful and I will share with my son.) I could write another post entitled "Why I Didn't Show My Son 'Alejandro.'" Just saw that last week and don't feel it would be a good vehicle for dialog -- but might leave him with images we both wish weren't in his head at his age and in this developmental moment. Anyway, again, thanks to all for these responses.

Posted By: Jennifer Grant | June 19, 2010 4:09 PM

Adam H,
I understand your reasoning. Jennifer did a pretty good job trying to persuade us why she decided to go this way. Yet...
I understand your analogy with Schindler's list, but there is a major difference between the two. Just think: what is the feeling your are left with after watching the two? The lessons for life? And then, why watch a video with Lady Gaga in the first place? The argument that she's publicized everywhere, and sooner or later our kids will watch her, is not only weak, but also dangerous. There are porn stars and movies and videos that are vizualized in a far greater number than Lady Gaga is. And it's also likely that if our kids get the right "tools" and opportunities, they could watch them as well. Does that mean that I should strike first and have them watched together and then discuss the "lessons for life"?
I too appreciate your argument, but I sensibly disagree with you over the notion of "a place for art in this world." I know many Christian parents who have no problem watching and letting their kids watch comedies that promote sexual immorality again and again. And they all laugh at the jokes. Our world and its art are messed up and I fear that we have numbed ourselves into watching "art" that is offensive and degrading. I simply don't understand how a Christian parent can stay through watching skimpy dancers repeatedly performing sexually explicit moves, putting them into obscen words, and then drawing a 15 year old mind into it! I totally agree that is imp. to talk to our boys about these themes, but we can do it without watching trash together. That is why I asked in my post, where do you draw the line? The danger is that a 14-15 year old may get the message from mom that fighting porn (or near pornography) means watching it and then philosophising about it. Please read what experts have to say about the chemical reactions that occur in the brain when the eyes watch sexual images. It's poison that will stay there and that will ask for more, and more...I understand your logic, but I am unable to see the "wonderful" in Jennifer's post. I apologize if I came accross as to harsh.

Posted By: db | June 19, 2010 4:29 PM

I am appreciative of the thoughtful comments here since I have an almost teen-aged son and am thinking a great deal about how to deal with our utterly corrupt culture. I am now considering a hybrid approach to both "sides" presented here. I believe I will watch the video (which I absolutely do not want to do) and then describe it to my son, but put it into a Christian context. I will make it clear that I don't want him to watch this video because it is the opposite of the things we should think about: "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy". But knowing my son, this will not stop him if he gets the chance. If he sees it (or others like it), my words which describe the sin and its consequences will ring in his ears. Also, he will know that he is accountable to God for a clear choice to disobey my directive to not watch it and God's directive to think of pure and lovely things. I think this is a better approach than showing him Lady Ga-Ga garbage or conversely just hoping he won't see it.

Posted By: BBG | June 20, 2010 3:47 PM

What greatly disturbs me about this article is that the author doesn't seem to get that she needs to teach her son that we must guard our hearts and minds as to what we watch and hear. Yes, she brought up a lot of good points and questions about the video, but she also seemed to be sending the message that ingesting such distorted images and questionable messages are okay, and that one isn't necessarily susceptible to their subtle, not to mention overt, influences. She seems to believe that kids CAN'T avoid such influences, so they might as well develop an intellectual, objective Christian take on them. But Scripture tells us to FLEE sinful influences. We always seem to think we can handle potentially negative influences, that WE are in control of ourselves. Yet, clearly, we've all well proven that this is not the case.

Posted By: Philip | June 20, 2010 4:42 PM

Jaded and seared are two words that come to mind while watching Lady Ga Ga's video, "Telephone."

Jaded: the more outrageous the outfit the more she acts inhuman. Jaded: impervious to the perverted sexuality portrayed in the video. Jaded: to the pre-modernist mores...to any semblance of accountability. Jaded: to laws which have been commonly adhered to in most of western civilization's history.

Seared: no purpose for life other than to exploit others and to be exploited as if that was the norm. Seared: as to what sexuality is for--not as an act of exhibitionism but to be an expression of beauty. Seared: no conscience as to the cruelty and inhuman treatment of others created in God's image.
Everything in that video is over the top--makeup, fashion, language, and message.
"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil..."

Posted By: Larry Langley | June 20, 2010 5:48 PM

Thanks, Jennifer, for your refreshingly vulnerable and honest sharing about your experience as a Christian parent. As a twentysomething not-yet-parent, I appreciate the discussion here, and I believe ALL voices have spoken out of their own personal convictions. And that is a good thing.

Some thoughts I had when reading were -- I know that when I was a young teenage boy (without a dad in the picture), the biggest teacher on how women should be viewed and treated was not the media, but the Christian men in my life.

Kudos to parents who are not shying away from talking to boys (and girls) about tough stuff. The issue isn't necessarily what you show them and then discuss with them -- it's simply whether you are discussing their daily lives with them.

Posted By: Ed in DuPage | June 20, 2010 9:55 PM

There are plenty of passages in the Bible that gives us an idea of the depravity of human beings. I don't think that you have to show lady gaga or whoever to prove the point and discuss modern cultural issues.

Some passages that might be helpful to you!

Hatred and Murder - Cain and Abel;
Nihilism - Noah's time;
Homosexuality and perversion - Sodom and Gomorrah;
Incest - Lot and his daughters;
Rape scenes - Dinah, Tamar;
Womanizer - King Solomon;
- Absalom with David's concubines;
Fetishist violence - Sojourner in Judges ch. 19;
Cannibalism - 2 Kings 6: 26 - 28;
Jealousy - Ezekiel 23 (God describing Idolatry, check out the language best read in KJV or Amplified);

And there are many MORE!!!

So lady gaga step aside. I haven't seen the video, i shall not watch it either but the point is, you read the Word of God to your children (don't tone it down or skip parts of it), discuss the Word with them, they will be fine and will neither be shocked by all that is happening around them nor surprised by it. It's all there in the Bible and much worse... Either they will become saints or little devils but definitely not mediocre / lukewarm like much of the world in these days.

Posted By: arp | June 21, 2010 1:14 PM

db,

I appreciate your thoughts. It's always refreshing to have an intelligent exchange over something as anonymous as article comments. While I don't necessarily agree with everything you said, I certainly understand your coming to those conclusions and respect your intelligence. Again, thanks for the article, Jennifer!

Posted By: Adam H | June 21, 2010 2:37 PM

Ephesians 4:
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. 20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness....
Ephesians 5:
1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

Posted By: chickpea | June 22, 2010 12:53 AM

In defense of Ga Ga--

I agree that the Lady Ga Ga music videos contain uncomfortable material—but is it meant to promote the material, explore it, or undermine it? I think it varies from case to case, but on the whole I am inclined to take the approach of John and intergritymother. This is art; it is uncomfortable; portions of it are clearly meant to undermine the images presented (the murders in Telephone and Paparazzi are supposed to be unsettling, the consumerism and celebrity worship are treated with cynicism).

In many ways Lady Ga Ga is very like Andy Warhol (consider the dark glasses, the frequent Marilyn Monroe reference, and the product placement parodies, not to mention her struggles with Catholicism). I think this similarity reflects the fact that Ga Ga’s times are very like Warhol’s. We are inundated with images from media, from advertizing, from the pop culture so frequently referenced by Ga Ga. And the message nearly all share is that sex is power, that physical intimacy should be coupled with emotional detachment, that presentation trumps product, that unabashed avarice is the norm. In Warhol’s day the presence of advertizing seemed oppressive, with technological advances it now intrusive to the point of seeming inescapable. The questions he dealt with, the angst over the pressure of pop culture, resurface for her with increased intensity.

It would be hard to over-estimate the influence of Ga Ga, you imply. True—she is enormously popular amongst my peers 23-30 year olds, including those who are Christian. But I wouldn’t credit Ga Ga with spreading and glamorizing the message of pop culture mainly because that message was spread and glamorized long before. What Ga Ga has done is encapsulated that message in a way that is significantly more self-reflective.

Posted By: Krista | June 22, 2010 7:45 PM

Ah, I see that I should have credited Jennifer and Ellen for the comments instead of John and integritymother.

Posted By: Krista | June 22, 2010 7:51 PM

1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-- the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-- comes not from the Father but from the world.

Posted By: arp | June 23, 2010 5:23 AM

Thanks for the thoughtful post.

Am middle-aged and enjoy some of Lady Gaga's songs (as fun pop dance music, nothing more nor less). Her stage shows - and videos - are certainly meant to be provocative (and not just sexually). While I don't like a lot of the imagery in them, I *do* think there's some real talent in her staging (bubble piano with matching bubble outfits, etc.).

Lady G. is a very young woman, really - and it might well be that she's become trapped in the image she and her creative team have made for her. In live performance footage (closeups) she looks quite vulnerable to me... and *young,* very young.

I truly hope and pray that she's able to survive the more soul-eating aspects of celebrity.

(I would also love to see other readers/commenters here viewing her as a human being rather than as some kind of messenger from the devil.)

Posted By: centralPA | June 23, 2010 2:08 PM

I just do not get the whole Lady Gaga craze. Before seeing this video, it was mainly the wastefulness and extravagance that disgusted me - she could probably feed a third-world country with the money it took to make just one of those ridiculous dresses. But it's also the promiscuity, the "it's all about me" attitude, and most disturbing of all, the fact that *everyone thinks it's so great.* That's the part that freaks me out.

When Glee had Lady Gaga songs one week and touted the idea that she was a good role model for teens, I left a disappointed reaction as my facebook status. Subsequently, I got a lot of backlash - as you can imagine - but the part that really rattled me is that a few of the people arguing with me were Christians. They were saying that Lady Gaga just promotes individuality, and that there are a bunch of artists who are just as promiscuous as she is, so why was I singling her out? I was stunned. Maybe after seeing this video, they would change their minds. The random murdering, the frankly gross sexual stuff (not that sex in itself is gross, but the way it was depicted here disgusted me, to be honest), and Gaga's signature wastefulness and "it's all about me" vibe...I just don't get it. The song isn't even all that catchy. Why are people so crazy for her?

I hope the Lady Gaga thing blows over before I have kids. I don't want her influence touching them, if I can help it. At all. Though by that time, someone with a worse message will probably have shown up on the scene...it's a neverending struggle, I guess.

Posted By: Cattie | June 24, 2010 9:34 AM

To Cattie,

You're right! I think the postings have shown two trends. One, that a parent is willing to let her child watch gross sexual stuff just for its didactic value, which, by the way, breaks more Scriptural principles than they can imagine. And two, that well intended Christians, watching Lady Gaga, have lost the sense of inward revolt when seeing gross sexual images, just because this stuff is packaged in nice art form. How can one reading the same Bible and worshipping the same crucified Savior not feel the pain - I am at a loss to explain!

Posted By: db | June 26, 2010 5:37 PM

I'm just wondering whether I should care about Lady Gaga. Should I be repulsed, impressed (at least at her marketing), or indifferent. Is it really so difficult artistically to simply (if that is what she does) flaunt social mores and try to shock people? I'm skeptical about the value of paying any attention to her at all. Do I have to care about all the trashy pop art out there? What criteria should I use? But I see the sense in making your kids aware of such displays and discussing the issues they raise.

Posted By: magdan | July 1, 2010 12:07 PM

I have been a youth pastor for years...and let me tell you, the parents that "think" they are protecting their kids from exposure to the more sinful or immoral aspects of our fallen culture are deluded. Kindly meant.

I get it. Every parent wants to raise up kids that are healthy, make smart choices and for Christian parents, that choose to follow Christ as their leader.

The reality of adolescence is that youth will always follow their own journey and a necessary part of establishing their beliefs and personality apart from their family's is rebellion to some extent and exploration.

I now work for a secular agency in the social service sector working with youth mentors. I do a media study where we watch several videos, clips of television shows etc, to prep the mentors for youth culture. Lady Gaga videos are rich conversation fodder.

Would I show them to youth. Yup...and have. And you know what? They were all from strict, religious homes...and they had ALL already seen the videos and clips.

Parents want to think their kids are not involved in stuff...and to be certain, some are not. However, many more are watching, participating and involved with many things that would pain their parents, if they knew. Teens like to keep their own secrets.

I think a parent being brave and walking their kid thru some it, is a good thing.

With that said, I do often wonder where we draw line. Do we watch porn with our kids so we can have a discussion?

Man, this gets complicated, doesn't it?

Posted By: Lisa | July 2, 2010 1:32 PM

Lady Gaga? Ahh, I wish for the simpler days when kids could sing along with Herman's Hermits - I'm Henry the VIII, I Am or how about I'm Into Something Good just for fun.

Posted By: Lawrence | July 6, 2010 6:27 PM

Whilst it's commendable to sit your son down and have a good discussion- perhaps take a look at discussion about her style and music been linked to the Occult/Free Masonry and Monarch Mind Control. This is why our children should be at least aware of what they are watching/hearing/seeing. Hidden symbolism- means they will accept cultural mind control via TV without even noticing it.

http://vigilantcitizen.com/?p=3423

Posted By: Talita | July 24, 2010 2:13 AM

Gaga is a beautiful woman with the balls to fight for equality when many who don't have a real conviction opposing it sit by the wayside and let harmful stereotypes run their course. I'm glad she forced you to see some things you didn't want to otherwise and I'm glad she's drawing attention to things that people take for granted. How many of you, barring scripture, can honestly say you disapprove of gays? What legitimate reason can you offer? And considering, does it really make you feel warm and fuzzy inside to be a lesser version of Westboro? I certainly hope not.

"It's always wrong to hate, but it is never wrong to love." ~Lady Gaga

Posted By: Cannerus | July 27, 2010 12:11 PM