2/15/96
Unfinished
The title of this article may suggest that it is another brilliant attempt at satire, but this is a serious article. If everyone in the world were to subscribe to Madonna's philosophy for life, we WOULD have a Utopia, although if everyone did have the exact same philosophy as everyone else, it would make for a very homogenous population. This is not what would happen if everyone shared her philosophy, however, because hers is a community-oriented yet individualistic philosophy which emphasises the goodness of every person as well as the collective consciousness.
There is one reason Madonna's philosophy would lead to an end of all the "bad" things in the world and effectively bring on a Utopia. This reason is love. The feelings expressed in her music are rare: unconditional love of self and love of others, even to the point of allowing people to be hurt when they need to be, allowing them to hurt others when it must happen, and feeling the hurt within one's self rather than denying it. It is VERY seldom to find this kind of love expressed in such a clear and unhypocritical manner as she does. When it is expressed clearly, it is POWERFUL, and people are naturally drawn to it, especially when they feel that they live in a world void of it. THIS is the reason behind Madonna's popularity.
This kind of power is also contagous. To those who know me, my life has undergone a significant change since my great interest in her began and flourished. This change has not been without pain. Twenty-four hours ago, I was harboring secret fears that my mother was going to commit suicide because she thought I, along with the rest of the world, was going insane. I secretly prayed that she would get through this difficult time. My prayers were answered, and my faith was healed. God is a powerful force, and Madonna is in touch with Him/Her, and she has, without ever being in my physical presence, helped me to get in touch with God. To be able to reach somebody without ever personally knowing them, without ever even being aware of their existence, is something which can only be caused by Divine inspiration. It is, I believe, God's gift to her for all the pain she has suffered, and she shares it generously with a world that makes fun of her.
Now, for the nonbelievers, I will offer some evidence they might consider more concrete. This will include analyzing the music video Open Your Heart, the movie Truth or Dare, and the song Rain.
First, let us begin by looking at Open Your Heart. The music and lyrics themselves suggest an intense frustration due to rejection, but at the same time they never give up, saying "Don't try to run, I can keep up with you. Nothing can stop me from trying. You've got to open your heart." These words instill a never-ending belief that no matter how much rejection one faces, there is always the possibility for closeness and intamacy. This in and of itself, when believed, is enough to create an impregnable desire to survive and prosper.
The video is even more telling. It begins by portraying an early adolescent boy outside a peep show. This image in and of itself evokes painful questions. Where are the boy's parents? Does he have any friends? Does he even have a home? While the viewer is thinking on a subconscious level about these things, we see him making an unsuccessful attempt to get inside to see his favorite dancer, whose is pictured outside. This is perhaps the only person in the world he thinks he can connect with.
We, the audience, are then transported inside to see the object of his desire beginning her performance. She is wearing a black wig and a sleazy looking leotard. She removes the wig and begins to perform, using a black metal chair to assist in her stunts. We are then treated to a view of her audience. They are isolated into several separate compartments, one containing two men in military uniforms staring blankly into space, another with a man who is shown trying on different glasses throughout the show, and one who scribbles furiously on a piece of scratch paper.
As the drones continue to engage in their various activities, our dancer becomes more apparently desparate in trying to win their attention. She becomes increasingly kinky, trying to perform acts of sexual stimulation to arouse the chair, groveling around on the floor, and touching her own body in an attempt at consolement. The audience remains unaffected.
Now, let's consider the song "Rain". This song has many possible interpretations. I'd like to state one of mine.
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:15.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16.
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16.
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:16-17.
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgement is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:6-7.
[3/9/96: Wow! That one was a real masterpiece! Not! And it was going to be the grand finale for Part 2. Well, guess what? I'm leaving it here as is, because I don't feel like finishing it, but I think it's got enough good stuff to be worth keeping. So much for my Grand Finale.]