Article by Cameron Spink

 

It seems in fashion for a celebrity to claim that "what you see is what you get". Lady Gaga recently went out of her way to show that she is living by this philosophy. Unfortunately, in all her honesty, she reveals that she smokes weed and abuses alcohol as she writes her music. Some honesty causes great harm and sometimes ripping the sugar-coating off a celebrity reveals many scabs. In this regard, Gaga has sent a very profound message to aspiring young musicians. The message is "do drugs". However, she cannot lay claims to being the first rock-n-roll star to regularly use drugs. The last fifty years is littered with rock artists who, very openly, used substances as their inspiration.

 

Musical artists seem to feel that when they do something controversial it is fine because it is artistic. Say for instance, Rihanna's new single S&M. The title is obviously referring to sadomasochism which is an enjoyment in violent sex. Such blatant sexual references in the name of her new song is certainly not the first attempt by a performer to gain attention by incorporating sexuality into their songs. Even her whole act of "good girl, gone bad" falls flat. Why is she trying so hard to convince her listeners that she is a legitimate "bad girl"? After all, this mask has been worn many, many times by women parading their stupid and immoral choices with great delight.

 

But Rihanna persists with a music video that is not far off being pornography. There is nothing glamorous about being a porn star. For some reason these musicians can only sing about sex. It's like they are obsessed with it or something. Unfortunately, Rihanna is testament to young people being affected by the messages of the glamorous pop world. After all she is only twenty-two years of age yet she sings about things in an attempt to create a "bad girl" image.

 

In the vast majority of occasions musicians should not weigh in on ethical issues. But for some reason they are happy to make their mistakes flow to a new generation. When what you say rivets thousands of adoring fans perhaps you should take some responsibility in the words you speak, or how you act.

 

Both Rihanna and Gaga claim to be philanthropists. Somehow I don't think they really understand what it means to act in the best interests of humanity. Perhaps it is time to take control of how they portray themselves for the good of humanity.