Lady Gaga and the Death of Sex (2/8/13)

Questions:

1. Why does the author feel the need to put Gaga down through comparisons to other artists?
2. Why does the author put down Gaga's attempts to spread love?
3. Does the author believe that technological advancements have something to do with the increase in Gaga's popularity?

From the moment I began reading this article, I was already against the author. Paglia’s immediate use of words such as “unreal,” “cartoonish,” and “outlandish” immediately threw me off. To disagree with someone’s style or demeanor is one thing, but to outwardly criticize them to such an extent is another. I felt like the entire article was just saturated with bashing and cruel commentary about Lady Gaga’s life. I was also annoyed by the constant comparisons Paglia makes between Gaga and other artists. Just because Gaga draws inspiration from her predecessors and produces similar sounds does not mean she’s just some washed-up loser who mindlessly remixes old works and calls them her own. I believe Gaga’s music consistently delivers a message to her fans, most of which are positive. Call it cliché all you want, but I can find nothing wrong with an artist telling her fans that they should love themselves no matter who they are or what faults they find in themselves. She compares Gaga to Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton, saying that they all came from the same school and insinuating that they come from similar backgrounds. It’s a cheap shot at undermining Gaga’s intelligence; Richie and Hilton have made mindless television shows about partying and other useless endeavors. Gaga strives to boost self-confidence among her fans and to spread as much love as possible. Concerning her constant use of blood and death as imagery in her videos and performances, I believe it is merely a means of self-expression and although shocking, it’s a great marketing technique and a unique way to grab people’s attention. And deny it all you want, but the human race has a definite strange obsession with death and gore; although it may seem repulsive, most people are drawn into Gaga’s videos and performances, shocked by something they have never seen before. Overall, I think Gaga is a fresh new spin on the music scene and I always look forward to the new music she produces.