Madonna appears on a disco-ball cross on her new concert tour. Haven't we seen this movie before? Madonna attempting to shock through Christian imagery is so unshocking. Remember the burning crosses, the stigmata, the church scenes of her "Like a Prayer" video? You can't blame Madonna for her name, but you can blame her for acting the whore in spite of it. She has made a career out of controversy, and she figures to resurrect that career with stunts like this crucifixion.
Madonna has never had talent as a singer. Marketing is her schtick. She knows that sex sells. Though she is still, at 59-years-old, an attractive woman, her competition of pop-tarts gets younger as she gets older. She can't compete with Jessica Simpson, Christina Aguilera, or Britney Spears. So, what, besides sex, sells? Controversy. What sparks the most controversy? Religion. And so even though Madonna reportedly won't perform on Friday nights because of her Kabbalah convictions, she will stage a disco-ball crucifixion.
Apart from being tired and stale, Madonna's attacks on Christianity aren't particularly brave. It's not as though the New York Times, MTV, or Rolling Stone are going to excommunicate her. If Madonna wants to push buttons, make an artistic statement, and earn the inevitable designations of "bravery" and "courage," why not display the cartoon Muhammads on stage or perform in a burkha? Why not? Because it takes mere "courage" to offend the likes of Bill Donahue; it takes real courage to offend the likes of Muhammad Atta. The former hurls outrage; the latter, bombs. Criticism sells concert tickets. Bombs do not.
Not to say that offending Muslims for the sake of offending them has any merit either. It's just that Madonna chooses a safe target, Christians, who, if they are serious about their faith, aren't going to be too interested in concerts with effeminate men and topless women cavorting on stage, songs detailing S&M activities, or a book featuring a certain songstress caught in flagrante delicto with Big Daddy Kane.
At least the Dixie Chicks had guts enough to challenge the views of their core audience. Madonna will never risk alienating gays or grown-up mall rats. It just wouldn't be good for ticket sales or chart placement. Just as she knows how to market, she knows whom it's safe to offend and whom it's not safe to offend. She's talentless, boring, and cowardly.
The Church of England asks: "Why would someone with so much talent seem to feel the need to promote herself by offending so many people?" It is because Madonna lacks talent that she feels the need to promote herself by offending so many people. But that's no revelation to anyone who has been listening.
59 years old...LOL. While I appriciate your math skills I think you're a bit off.
Isn't she more like 60 :)
Madonna is a mere 48. Remember, she first made it big in 1984 with Like A Virgin while in her mid-20's
The Church of England is pretty coy with that question. They are all but suggesting Dan's response. Nice work. Madonna's career has always been a celebration of herself not her singing.
Dan, I think you know more about music and religion than I do but, as a music lover, I have always considered Madonna one of the best and most talented entertainers in the business. I think "I Remember" is one of my favorites. She is 48.
It is obvious that the Church of England is just trying to keep the sacred feminine hidden (as they have done for the past 2000 years). The truth will soon be revealed that Madonna is the last living descendent from the bloodline of Jesus. This is why Madonna on the cross makes sense. It all makes sense now.
I'm taking a shot in the dark here, but I beleive the reference to her age was just having a bit of fun, just like mine was.
great post Dan. Chris and Rob I love your sense of humour, Church of England ...2000 years hysterical!
All kidding aside, I think it's pretty edgy to attack the Church. The Church's attitudes towards sex, and all that... It's about time someone challenged them. You know, shake things up with the establishment. And a person of Madonna's stature is the perfect person to lead us to a new freedom from these overbearing bishops and priests.
I especially liked her "Like a Prayer". Both the song and the video express so eloquently how true femininity can be discovered giving a BJ to some random black/brazilian guy.
I think Madonna's expression through alleged shock value is way over and has been for some time now.
When you've got items such as Pam Anderson sex video spattered all over the place, does anybody really care if Madonna hitchhikes naked?
Indeed. Yawn.
Kenny on South Park had the definitive last word on Madonna, but I can't repeat it here.
Omigod, Isn't Kenny dead?
Hi just want you to know you are referenced on my blog in the post I wrote about Madonna's act. I hope that is okay.
Here is the link Vicar of Wadley: Madonna gets crucified in more ways than one
