Here's what I knew:
I knew it would be an entertaining show. I knew the singing would be good, the choreography tight, the costumes numerous and provocative. I knew the volume would be high, the hall crowded, and the excitement at its peak. I knew the L@dy in question would give a hell of a show.
But, when Beloved and I took Petra to see the show in the Las Vegas of the East this past Saturday night, I did NOT know that I would leave with my estimation of G@G@ almost completely changed.
G@G@ is a woman with a mission. Her mission is this: to spread the message, far and wide, that each and every human being is a beloved child of God. That however we were born, God called that "good." That includes every manner and flavor of sexual orientation, race, religion (or lack thereof).
She repeated the message, over and over, just about every time she spoke to the audience. (OK, it happens to coincide with a tight marketing campaign for her new album. I never said she wasn't an exquisite businesswoman).
She had a deal with a cell phone company (Virgin Mobile): concertgoers could text a message, at a cost of $5, to be broadcast on large screens in the hall. The money went to a charity for homeless youth.
Did you know that GLBTQ youth are ten times more likely to be homeless than other youth?
At one point, G@G@, who has a strangely unexpressive face-- mask-like, really--said: "I don't want you to go home tonight loving me more. I want you to go home loving yourself more.
As we streamed out onto the boardwalk, I said to Petra, "She really is a kind of.... spiritual leader, isn't she? For people who have felt rejected by the mainstream, by religious communities?" Petra nodded.
So. This pastor of the Reformed tradition came home from that particular concert feeling... inspired. As if I'd just ingested a chunk of the bread of life along with my likely mild hearing loss. And as if I, we, who are the "mainstream" churches and faith communities, have a lot of catching up to do.
Put your paws up, baby.
~~~
"Born This Way"
It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
'Cause you were born this way, baby
My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars
She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on
In the glass of her boudoir
"There's nothin' wrong with lovin' who you are"
She said, "'Cause He made you perfect, babe"
"So hold your head up, girl and you you'll go far,
Listen to me when I say"
I'm beautiful in my way,
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret,
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
(Born this way)
Ooo, there ain't no other way
Baby, I was born this way
Baby, I was born this way
(Born this way)
Ooo, there ain't other way
Baby, I was born this way
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be!
Give yourself prudence and love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice the truth
In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my youth
A different lover is not a sin
Believe capital H-I-M (hey, hey, hey)
I love my life, I love this record and
Mi amore vole fe yah
I'm beautiful in my way,
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret,
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Ooo, there ain't no other way
Baby, I was born this way
Baby, I was born this way
(Born this way )
Ooo, there ain't other way
Baby, I was born way
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
...
Don't be drag, just be a queen
Whether you're broke or evergreen ...
Whether life's disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'Cause baby, you were born this way
No matter gay, straight or bi
lesbian, transgendered life
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born to survive
...
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born to be brave
I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret,
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way, yeah!
Ooo, there ain't no other way
Baby, I was born this way
Baby, I was born this way
(Born this way )
Ooo, there ain't other way
Baby, I was born this way
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
I was born this way, hey!
I was born this way, hey!
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way, hey!
I was born this way, hey!
I was born this way, hey!
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way, hey!
4 comments:
I love her music too--but this is one song that isn't getting downloaded to my iPod. A number of my Latino/a and Asian friends were outraged by the racist words ("chola" and "orient") in "Born This Way," and the response of the "Little Monsters" to the concerns of those communities has been both racist and hateful in the extreme. If Ms. Germanotta is going to promote respect for all people, she might want to check with those she's advocating for first--and admit when she's messed up and call off her pack.
It's a lesson to me that those of us who are dedicated to eradicating racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. still need to learn to analyze our own privilege and the way we trade on it to advocate for others. I struggle with this all the time, so I know how hard it can be! But if you are going to put yourself out there as a spokesperson for the marginalized, you have a responsibility to watch where you step. She's a great artist and she can do great things with her fame--I hope she does.
Pax,
Doxy
Doxy, I had wondered about the use of "orient," but I was totally ignorant of "chola." Oh, I am sorry to hear this, but I agree completely. I admire her so much, but she needs to understand that the marginalized are afforded the dignity of claiming the language that works for them, as well as the language that causes pain.
I'll be taking those lyrics down now.
Pax, C.
Lyrics aside... I'm not really a fan of the Lady, but I saw her on 60 Minutes, and heard her fans deep and tearful appreciation that she tells them they matter... which is a big deal. And I had the thought that God is working through her if she keeps telling her fan base they are good, and they are all superstars. Kudos to her for that!
I never knew anything about Lady G and am surprised that she is so positive. This comment is being typed on the mini-keyboard on my new ipod as I am trying to see if I can blog with this while I am in Spain. I can IF I am patient enough--have the time!
Post a Comment