Paris is Burning… lil looksy…
Posted by Sacha Gabriel | Filed under WTF
After watching the movie Paris is Burning, ones mind might focus on the most obvious and shallow happenings within the context of film. Ethnocentrically speaking, many straight, white, and working class citizens, would find there is quite a lot of spectacle to take in. It may be seen, by some, as a privileged tutorial about the more glamorous side of the drag scene, and somewhat of an eye opener, as the characters portrayed are more than just a comedic perversion of gender and behavior, but are somewhat innocent, somewhat whimsical and delusional. However the not so implicit underscore is the need to belong and find love. Obviously this doesn’t say much for the average viewer. However one can easily make such an assumption just from the outright bigotry that is so prevalent towards gay and transsexual culture and the outstanding amount of ignorance straight Americans, especially in recent history, have demonstrated in regards to the emotional and intellectual intricacy within such a world. Consequently, there was much excitement surrounding the film, and the media placed Jennie Livingston’s work under a holy spotlight claiming she was the messenger and the medium in which this subversive group could find a voice and maybe even a proper Tiara.
Perhaps the awareness factor that Livingston brought to the masses was essentially good, but she did not escape the critics. Both Judith Buttler and Bell Hooks dug into, dissected and brought to light even more intricate issues that exist between the viewers and the characters in the film. Such as glorifying the sociopolitical status of the current hegemonic majority, the racial problems that the film only seems to perpetuate, Livingston’s employment of Lacanian phallicism, and the ironic reality of gender roles whether gay or straight. While some feminist academics may argue that Buttler’s claims are more relevant than Hooks, I tend to believe that both women have valid and differing points. Anyone curious about gender politics and the various facets that make up such a topic should come to understand the main ideas these two ladies were essentially targeting. I have chosen a few key points to discuss.
In her article Is Paris Burning, Hooks goes into the history of black men in the media. Many of the characters that black men played were that of subordinate and lower status. In fact, many of the first roles were in comedies where they appeared in drag and have continued to do so in more recent history, such as Eddy Murphy in the movie Norbit. Hooks goes on stating that the black and Latino men in Paris is Burning, are taking on a role of powerlessness when they dress in drag, not just because they are portraying themselves as women in a male dominant world, but that that they are mimicking white women in a male dominant world. It is evident. The large scale Balls that these men would compete in, were reinforcing the gender stereotypes of the rich white college girl or diva queen or super model or for some… the trophy housewife. What was also evident was the lack of black female role models. Hooks states “ What viewers witness is not black men longing to impersonate or even to become like “ real” black women but their obsession with an idealized fetishized vision of femininity that is white. Called out in the film by Dorian Carey who names it by saying no black drag queen of his day wanted to be Lena Horne”. Effectively Hooks feels that the entire film celebrates whiteness “ not just any old brand of whiteness but rather that brutal imperial ruling class capitalist patriarchal whiteness” It is hard to deny that this issue still exists. The rich and glamorous are still portrayed as mostly white and educated. Popular Culture versus High Culture demonstrates some of the same racial compartmentalization, with Hip- Hop and RnB leading the popular content in music videos and fashion and the Classical elitists culture appealing to a more segregated “ white” pallet. Therefore, to see these men dreaming of becoming something that they can never be racially speaking is sad, and the faulty sense of empowerment they get from these pageants is something to really consider.
Moving away from race and into the queer. Judith Buttler puts together a very compelling argument stating that drag is a “denaturalization and a reidealization of hyperbolic gender norms “ In her piece, Gender is Burning, Buttler queers our very foundations of gender roles and the way we act out our genders. Readers begin to unravel this idea that our gender is taught, and the question comes to mind… just who is pretending to be what exactly?
Buttler claims that the movie not only shows us that regardless of sexual orientation, normative prevailing ideology is constantly being reinforced whether mimed or simply objectified. The pageants themselves are demonstrations of straight gender roles, and coveted positions of straight socioeconomic status. Characters in the film such as Venus Xtravaganza are reinforcing the popular notion by wanting nothing more than to be a straight, white housewife with proper appliances. In Buttler’s words:
“ there is also a kind of reiteration if norms which cannot be called subversive, but which lead to the death of Venus Xtravaganza, a Latina/preoperative transsexual, cross-dresser, prostitute, and member of the “ house of Xtravaganza”.
balls and pageants are actually doing the opposite. This poses a deep and profound situation within the mind of the preoperative queen, who is a male, in a male dominated system, wanting to become the very symbol of the objectified woman. This is something most feminists are desperately trying to move away from. This patriarchal thought pattern of what it means to be feminine. What it means to be a woman. I believe that Buttler may be suggesting that it is one thing to feel that inside one is meant to be the opposite sex, and have a strong yearning for the opposite sex or both! However, it is another thing to then become an outdated and redundant reinforcement of trivial feminine mystique. In a way, these fantasmatic versions of women portrayed in these pageants, is just another phallic competition playing out between men’s testosterone.
What is left between the lines of both Hooks and Buttler’s points is the fact that while these pageants are entertaining, glamorous and give the community a sense of belonging and a makeshift scaffolding to stand proudly on; it is all fantasy. From the very seed to the blossoming of the crowned queen, it doesn’t seem to give these preoperative, gay, transsexual hearts what they really desire. It is more of a coping, while they try to figure out their real lives and how to really eventually cross over to what they truly desire, or before they find a place in the everyday where they can feel comfortable, proud and accepted as themselves.
I need to meet Johnny Depp…
Posted by Sacha Gabriel | Filed under music, Uncategorized
cause he needs to play this song on guitar for me, in a loverly gypsy Jazzy manner….
It may be the only cutesy love song I ever write….
My fair Lady… or is it ZOMBIE!?
Posted by Sacha Gabriel | Filed under Uncategorized
This summer I decided to audition for a film. With no previous experience whatsoever I figured I had nothing to lose. So, because I have always had some crazy idea of becoming something like the next Julie Andrews, I thought I would make my first attempt a real ambitious one- that’s right. I answered a call to audition for a role in a movie that required, acting ability, singing ability, and last and most intimidating… the ability to pull off a proper cockney accent as well as an upper class British accent.
My knees were shaking, as I walked into the audition hall, where there was a line up of potential leads standing with scripts. I received a few stink eyes from some. Whatever people! This is Ottawa! They came in all shapes, sizes, ages and experience… I wanted to run back to my car. But, because the world is going to end this year, I thought, again, what do I have to lose…. the aliens are coming in a matter of months, and nobody will remember if I actually completely humiliated myself or not. Yes this thought got me through. Oh, and the fact that my granny would be so happy.
Okay needless to say I wouldn’t be posting a blog about it unless I got a part right? I ended up walking away with the lead role, ( Eliza Doolittle) and am happy to say that I am starring in a film that pays homage to the classic film- My Fair Lady, and also to two great actresses I have always mimicked in the bathroom mirror… Audrey Hepburn and Julie Andrews!
This movie puts a twist on a classic that is respected, but losing touch with the younger generations. I truly appreciate old musicals and feel there isn’t enough films like this anymore. Back when anyone in film had to be a triple or quad threat. Actors and actresses would act, dance and sing…. 
I am also thrilled that someone like Brett Kelly (Director) is ambitious enough and courageous enough to make something like this actually happen in Ottawa. A period piece that is replete with new faces, new talent, new songs,amazing costume and set designs….. and BRAIINSS!!!!!
Here is the teaser- take a look!
Musings and Nietzsche .
Posted by Sacha Gabriel | Filed under random, religion, Uncategorized
In his work Beyond Good and Evil, Nietzsche suggests that there is a process that dictates all our actions, which stems from a mere perspective of what our senses and world consists of. This process is something he has labeled as “ The Will to Power”. In essence anything we think of requires an obedience, and yet the source of thoughts and consequently our will- come to us and are not from us. He suggests that the “I” unit within this equation is false, in that it our own understandings of it is limited, and that in the end, we are merely trying to sustain this compromised understanding of our “I” and our world.
Nietzsche, has seductively convinced the audience that all perspectives and avenues used for understanding are limited because our minds are functioning within a one dimensional perspective to begin with. This is due to linguistic trappings and rudimentary knowledge of objects and subjects, however he does not suggest much of an alternative that is more convincing than any other. When He states that our will is conditional and inherited, through a means of survival, he does forget the kneejerk reactions that we often demonstrate. They seem to stem from something other than preservation, but perhaps from an acute source of causa sui, that neither Nietzsche nor any philosopher or theologian can successfully explain or understand. There appears to be a contradiction in his argument; the fact that thoughts come to us versus our own production of such, could lend itself well to these particular kneejerk actions that go against a self- preservation. Such as a mother risking her own life for that of a child. What is the source of that particular will? Is the moral realm innate? If so, perhaps the stoics idea of living by nature, isn’t so far off.
Was Jesus all about women’s equality?
Posted by Sacha Gabriel | Filed under random, religion
Jesus stood for women’s rights and equality. During a very difficult time for women, when there existed a patriarchal hegemony, and women had no rights, no education, and almost no protection, a very influential teacher appeared on the scene. He was a revolutionist who scrambled up the matrix of the Jewish cosmology like a fast and unstoppable virus. He stood up for women, spared them form judgment and death, honored and acknowledged their faith and gave them attention. Again this was during a time when women were practically invisible and barely tolerated. Many passages in the bible back this claim, however one in particular shows us that Jesus wanted women to know and seek knowledge just as much as men did.
In the book of Luke 10, 38-42, we get the sense that it is more important for a woman, to hear and know the word of God, than it is for her to adhere to her traditional role and function as a subservient woman. The setting consists of a gathering of people at a particular woman’s home; the hostess name was Martha, she had a sister Mary who was also there. The story of Martha and Mary, gives two different roles a woman could possible play. First we see the role of Martha as the ever worried and busy entertainer, making sure that the needs of everyone else are met first. Secondly, we see the role of Mary, ignoring that of tradition, and sitting by the feet of Jesus lapping up the knowledge he is serving. When Martha pleads with Jesus, claiming that she is overwhelmed and needs Mary’s help, he comforts her by saying she worries too much, and also states that Mary has the right idea! In essence, Jesus is telling Martha to let go of the traditions that bind her and keep her away from true fulfillment. Jesus speaks to Martha: “ Martha Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. “( NKJV)
However, many argue with this interpretation. For while it is clear that Jesus validates the role of Mary the seeker, he undervalues the role of the woman who was working hard at making sure there was a comfortable environment for people to seek in!” If this is the case, then what he is saying is counterintuitive. For how can there be an opportunity to sit comfortably listening to a teacher in the luxury of a warm and hospitable home, if there isn’t someone providing such a setting. Jesus shows little gratitude for the opportunity to teach in such a welcoming environment. After all, should he not tote the values of respect and honor? I fully agree with the second argument. When I read this passage I desperately want to edit it and say something like: “And Jesus spoke to Martha saying, see this woman who worries about the needs of those around her? Who here has bothered to notice she does this alone? For it is not only important to hear the will of God but to do it. “ It is at this point in the Sacha Hebbert Revised Version that Jesus himself gets up off his bottom and starts serving along side Martha as he speaks to the people. Leading by example if you will.
BATTLE OF THE BIBLE SEXES….more rants.
Posted by Sacha Gabriel | Filed under Uncategorized
From an ethnocentric view based on the westernized belief and moral system that I have come to know, and based on the Christian foundations that have shaped our cosmology; to be male or female is so much more than a differentia amongst a species, it is a political status. It is not by choice that one takes up their political stance, it is by birth, and they will come to know what their own gender politics entails over time.
Every man and woman will grow into their predestined roles by nature or by rights of passage. Gender politics will dictate how men and women will interact with each other and how they interact with the templates of functions that have been used again and again for thousands of years. Anything outside of the templates will most likely cause a disturbance in the system.
The system of our western axiology or ethics that is. Anything that does not stay within the lines, but colours outside of it, may in fact meet much adversity or complications in life. For example, Gay men and women or those who are hermaphrodites.
If we look at the origins that shaped this western political system of the sexes, we need to go no farther than the first book of the Bible. While many debate as to whether the Old Testament is part of the Christian faith, it has still played a huge part in creating the Patriarchal society from which Christianity comes from.
In Genesis, Chapter 3, verses 1-20, we see the first explicitly carved template that Men and Women fall into post ” the fall”. God speaks to Adam and Eve after they have disobeyed his commandment and separates them though giving each a different and defined role. To Eve, he gives the role of motherhood and submissiveness. ” I will greatly multiply your sorrow and conception. In pain you shall bring forth children and your desire will be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.”
To Adam he gives the role of the modern day breadwinner, cog, slave, or simply creates the field of employment to which men will enter. ” Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread”?
Clearly we have a set of guidelines for men and woman to follow at this point, thanks to the serpent and Eve having a little conversation about intelligence and freethinking. The interesting underscore in this chapter of the Bible is the fact that, men and woman prior their defined gender roles, were prone to think for themselves and even question authority, particularly the woman. It is the woman that may have a tendency to be more inquisitive or perhaps prone to causing problems in the future, thus a system had to be put in place!
The man must rule over her, and she must tend to what nature dictates, which is to be a mother. The last line of the passage shows us that Adam had no problem taking the role of leader when giving his wife a name, “And Adam called his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all living.”
Something a father would do, or something that an owner would do. The great benefit for this religious system is that if God is one supreme voice dictating these gender laws, it should then take away any resentment women may have against men, for if they do become resentful they are sinning against God. Brilliant.
Lil Rant About Men and Women In The Good Old Bible.
Posted by Sacha Gabriel | Filed under random, WTF
I am going to write a ton more on the topic I am sure! If you had any doubts as to what it meant to be a woman in the O.T days…read on. 
There is no doubt that the old testament was born from a patriarchal society that saw women as the perfect fit to Man’s sexual organs. Only there to serve the function of a lactating device and the vessel from which more men could be brought forth to carry on the family name and vision of what dominion over the earth meant. Women were in most cases considered inferior and perhaps disposable if their nature given functions failed in some way. Or if a crisis arose, a woman’s life was better lost than that of her more valued male counterpart.
The Old Testament is replete with passages suggesting that the woman is confusing, unclean, and a seductress causing men’s folly. It also suggests that a woman should keep her mouth shut, and lists a number of submissive attributes, which describe the ideal wife. However, an ideal behavior does not guarantee ones safety, protection or status. A woman in the Old Testament had to tiptoe gracefully to get by and repress any type of passion, opinions or her body. In fact, she didn’t even own her own body. It belonged to her father, and then to the man, which would own her through a marriage or slave contract.
Today, the general consensus is that the father’s role in a daughter father relationship is to protect his daughter. However in the Old Testament we see instances of fathers selling their own daughters as slaves or worse. In Judges 19:22-24 we see a father offering his own daughter as a sexual object to a group of men to use. Essentially what we would call a ‘ Gang Bang’.
” Here are my virgin daughter and his concubine; let me bring them out now. Ravish them and do with them what seems good to you; but against this man do not do so vile a thing. ”
This passage alone, sends us the very real and very unsettling message that a mans worth is far greater than that of a woman. It show us that despite what a woman may do, accomplish or the fact that she is in fact the perfect fit to man, she isn’t worth much, and certainly not equal.
Totally Dig Miss Artemis.
Posted by Sacha Gabriel | Filed under Art, random
The Goddess Artemis is a wild and independent woman, who will not be caged by any man. She is self made, competitive, ruthless at times, yet fiercely protective. Tall and athletic she hunts with a bow, indicating that while she may have beauty she also posses strength and skills that would rival any man. She has the precision that most masters of her craft would wish to achieve. She is awesome. She is inspiring. She is almost a perfect species!
There are several Stories that portray Artemis as a woman who stood for virginity, and she had made a plan to remain one forever. It has come to my knowledge that, virginity at that time did not necessarily mean abstaining from sexual encounters, but rather a staunchly independent life. However she did both! It appeared that Artemis saw value in maintaining ones body, mind and spirit, and for reasons of the greater good; bearing Children was not in her destiny. She had a responsibility to protect young girls from themselves and men until they were married, she had what I consider ‘ saint’ work to do.
Running along side animals and keeping with the beasts of the forest, it seems like Artemis preferred the company of beings that were more predictable in nature and focused on survival and loyalty to the clan. Artemis’s principles almost mimicked that of a wolf mother and her pack.
One particular story called The Metamorphosis Of Kallisto is a testament to Artemis’s zealous practice and demonstrates the lack of compromise and Goddess like power she had over her people. Kallisto was a highly esteemed follower of Artemis and swore her allegiance to Artemis by keeping her actual virginity. However Artimes’s father had a thing for going after different females all the time and some how either seduced Kallisto or raped her. The curious thing about this story is that Kallisto Chose not to tell Artemis, and instead hid it. Why? Artemis’s role was to protect young women. However Kallisto hid it until, she and her pregnant belly were exposed while bathing. At that point Artemis had put it all together and because of the covert actions of her esteemed follower; Artemis turned her into a bear. Just like that.
Much Like the Amazons, she was threatening to men and patriarchal systems. She expected her little goddesses to lead by the same example and to not be tempted. To do so would have been such a compromise of personal power, and a disservice to her entire mandate. I believe that is why she took such swift action with Kallisto. It was a lesson to be wise to the ways of Gods and men. I also believe that Artemis may have been more forgiving to Kallisto if she came to her for help. For kallisto is known for protecting women more so than the other Goddesses.
As I read many of the Artemis stories, I find myself almost wishing I had her face in some kind of pendant, which I wore when I was about to lecture someone or speak my opinion on matters of the sexes. I relate to her sticking up for the underdog, and her protection of young women and childbirth. Though I am not a virgin, I am a fiercely independent mother, who can see the maternal yet firm role she took with so many. Artemis is a wonderful feminist role model.
Not down with LULU.
Posted by Sacha Gabriel | Filed under WTF
A cult is a “ group or movement exhibiting a great or excessive devotion or dedication to some person, idea, or thing and employs unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control… designed to advance the goals of the group’s leaders, to the actual or possible detriment of members and their families or the community.” Perhaps not all cults act in such covert ways, and perhaps not all new religious movements need to be deceptive. The exact definition of what a cult is is controversial and there are many sides. However for the purpose of this post, this particular interpretation will be used. It is essential to take a close look at the first part of this quote for it will be applied to the promise extended by the company known as Lululemon. After which, the essay will explain the manipulative techniques Lululemon uses with staff and future clients. The last part of the statement will also be explored as evidence suggests that the price point of their product is ridiculously higher than average, leaving many customers reaching and stretching beyond their means. There is certain parallel that exists between name brands and followers and that of religious movements and their followers. Lululemon has tapped into what seems to be a strategic plan to develop a cult like community around their brand, by creating a cult like loyalty amongst the staff, ambassadors and customers. Lululemon is popular culture as a cult.
Any company that is successful usually begins with something known as a motto or mandate. It is the mythos or the core value system of the company. It reflects the principles and provides a clear direction for the companies leaders and employees. It is an identity. The Lululemon Manifesto is provided on their website. A modern graphic image of sentences toting spiritually based slogans and healthy life style tips. Some of which are “ Do one thing a day that scares you” “ Stress is related to 99% of all illness”, “ Friends are more important than money”, “ creativity is maximized when you are living in the moment”, “ Breathe Deeply” or “ your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself”. Everything about the manifesto is reminiscent to the large influx of self help books, various esoteric and eastern philosophical teachings, and religious movements that have been popping up everywhere since the second world war. As a result of the post war religious pluralism, yoga is more popular than ever. However, because of the constant secularization of the mainstream media, many of North American yogi’s are less about the religious teachings of Yoga and more about the benefits. North American yoga culture itself has adopted more of a self –help/ New Age cosmology. This is why the manifesto appears so non discriminatory and all-inclusive. Lululemon is providing the esthetic, or perhaps the hip religious gear to go along side the newly converted and evolved individual. Even if the individual has not achieved salvation or in other words, the best possible version of them self, they can look the part by wearing the brand.
The founder Chip Wilson shares the history of Lululemon and how the west coast company began. He was an avid suffer turned yogi and saw a need within the demographic “The post-yoga feeling was so close to surfing and snowboarding that it seemed obvious that yoga was an ideology whose time had come (again)”. The companies website goes on to explain how lululemon began as a yoga studio/clothing store as well as a hub, so the self aware, healthy and spiritually inclined people could form a community. The shop’s popularity grew and from that point on has become the multi million- dollar chain it is today.
What the website fails to mention is the fact that Chip Wilson strongly subscribes to the Landmark Forum’S philosophies, which are very controversial because they are highly invasive and expensive, hinge on brainwashing techniques and are cult-like. Chip, uses these self-empowerment principles created by Werner Erhard, an ex scientologist in the 1960’s, and applies them to the internal employee ethics. Any manager or leader within the company is strongly urged to attend the three day Landmark seminars which require attendees to call family members and loved ones, informing them of the changes they are making, or the acceptance they are feeling or the apologies necessary in order to better one’s life and move forward. These calls are made during thirty-minute breaks within a one-day session.
“The Landmark Forum could be classified as an LGAT (large group awareness trainings), “a sociological grouping that includes neuro-linguistic programming. Insight Training seminars (the movement of spiritual awareness) and a whole plethora of sales and motivational courses.” Chip also openly subscribes to “the books of motivational business guru Brian Tracy, and Oprah-endorsed best seller The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne. He is now hard at work formalizing them in a Lululemon “internal constitution.” Employees that are further up the ladder are required to put personal goals up on the wall behind their desks where everyone can see. There is very little privacy when it comes to people’s emotional states or personal beliefs. Lululemon is very serious about the company culture and the individuals within it. Here is a exert from the employee training section of the website.
“The Company will provide training and educational materials, including Core Values, Mission, Vision, this Code and various legal and other compliance materials, so that employees are informed of the Company’s ethical standards and requirements to comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations and Company policies.”
These ‘educational materials’ include self-help DVD’s and audio books by motivational gurus. The employees are expected to listen to these on their own time.
“The Company will provide the organizational structure and the channels for employees to report suspected violations of Code or other Company policies. “
This last quote suggests that if an employee suspects another employee as not having the right lululemon spirit or is not subscribing to the ideology, then one should inform higher ups.
Lululemon requires the internal culture to be very strong and family like. There is a reason for that Chip states “ Our vision is to elevate the world from mediocrity to greatness, and we are growing so we can train more people to spread the word of The Secret—which to us a Lululemon is not a secret”.
Many criticize The Secret as being based on emotional triggers, making people act irrationally rather than logically, and that the target market is usually the lazy and impatient. The Byrne theory is that we all have antennas that directly speak to the genie of life who is waiting to give us anything we can think of. This concept is attractive, especially to business savvy owners who know that if they can implicitly convince the market that their clothing holds the phone line to the life genie; they will make a major profit! Therefore the more authentically excited staff are about the idea, the more curious outsiders get.
Once the core of the lulu family is established and everyone is sufficiently ‘ empowered’- it is time to launch the next phase of the Lululemon strategy which is to hand select ambassadors or disciples in new cities, to continue expansion and world elevation, or domination. Head quarters will actually send scouts up to a year in advance of a store opening to court and persuade local yogi’ heroes into wearing the brand. They do so by offering generous discounts and promises of endorsement once the store is open. This is how Lululemon spreads the word about how to look the part while working on the new and better you. They let the locally established self -empowerment movement do the preaching while; they get ready to supply the demand as soon as the doors open. This cult like courting and building of the foundational members within each city is very similar to the way scientologists have benefitted from celebrity ambassadors. If lululemon decides the Yoga teacher isn’t quite right, they will break off the relationship. They must be the right fit.
Like Lululemon, who does not advertise but spreads awareness through community ventures such as free yoga empowerment outdoors, and word of mouth, Scientologists weave their way into the community with their subsidiary companies that include disaster relief and drug rehabilitant/ counseling groups.
What is interesting about scientology is though they continue the fight to define themselves as a religion; critics see them more as a business. Offering therapy and self-empowerment for a price just like Landmark Forum and also like Lululemon. “When Scientology made their transitions form therapy to religion, Scientology retained the fee-for-service basis “. Scientologists are seen as a business empire. “ Scientology uses added religious trappings only to conceal its true commercial interests.” Finally “Scientology has blurred the line between religious practice and secular therapy by providing what resemble therapeutic services under the mantle of religion. “ Certainly, without much difficulty we can see the similarity of Lulumeon acting as a modern- self-awareness –product, simply to cash in on the restless first world seekers. The not so coincidental fact is; Lululemon uses the Landmark Forum to shape the personality and attractiveness of the company. Lest we forget that the original creator of Landmark Forum was a known Scientologist.
Lululemon has adopted the business strategy of scientology and the Landmark Forum has been applied to their internal culture. At the same time they outwardly support North American style Yoga practice and self- empowerment agendas. This is the actual secret. Do the customers benefit as much as the stakeholders and investors? Are these garments really bringing the consumer closer to the new and empowered person they want to be? Or are they simply two hundred dollars poorer than they where the day before, strutting around in a pair of Promised Land yoga pants. The clothing cannot teach discipline or change a person’s life. Lululemon is delivering false promises, and people are buying it up the same way they would a made up food supplement called something ridiculous like “ The Real You”. Lululemon has proven that all it takes are a dozen suckers to sell gold sniffing groundhogs to hundreds. Apply that ratio to millions and one gets a million dollar ‘feel good’ business success. The followers of lululemon may not be achieving their own personal goals outside of wearing the cult apparel. However they still are reaching deep into their pockets to afford yoga gear that is on average, twice the price of competing brands. Like many devout followers who sometimes tragically fall victim to false teaching and promises, so too are the loyal customers of Lululemon. They can thank the strategic brainwashing within the company’s culture and the insidious expansion efforts of the company’s leaders, who prey on those seeking to become better people, happier, thinner and fulfilled.
LADY GAGA- Queen Of Confusion : a lil looksy at her video Judas….
Posted by Sacha Gabriel | Filed under Art, music, pop art
On February 14th 2011 Lady Gaga announced the release of the chart topping single Judas. Shortly after, on April 3rd2011, the music video hit the screens with colourful dance choreography, skin, sex and religious symbolism. The video was directed and produced by a team that included Lady Gaga as well as creative director and choreographer, Laurieann Gibson, fashion designer Thierry Mugler and creative director Nicola Formichetti. It was everything a Lady Gaga fan might expect; a cacophony of mixed messages and catchy, melody hooks. It confuses and enrages the religiously devout, yet somehow represents our modern day predicament of lost religious meanings and a grasping for what feels relevant.
The video is set in a non-existent reality, which blends together a bejeweled Jerusalem, with a North American biker gang aesthetic. Roman Catholic symbolism and biblical inspirations are clearly evident throughout the video.
In the Judas video we see Lady Gaga portrayed as Mary Magdalene, a character from the New Testament, attached to her leather jacket toting Jesus. However she is hopelessly lusting for the bad boy in the pack of twelve- Judas. At this point the video establishes the biblical context of Jesus and his disciples, with the often-questioned Mary Magdalene. Gaga, goes through numerous costume changes during the three minute video. Each outfit is replete with crucifix patches, cross pendants, white virgin-like gowns. There is also one outfit that is reminiscent of a catholic nun or and bishop combined. However, the most striking ensemble would is her blue head covering, and the Sacred Heart symbol woven into her shirt. The handsome actor portraying Jesus is constantly seen, wearing a crown of thorns and heavy gold chains with dozens of crosses hanging from them. Judas, staying in character with his role in the New Testament, is often seen gallivanting with other women and betraying Mary Magdalene’s confidence.
The video is immensely rich with religious iconography and religious content period. It has everything from the obvious crosses and use of colours, to the borrowed biblical story, and finally to the lyrical content. For instance, the red bandana, and red flowing material represents the blood sacrifice of Jesus. Or the blue outfit Gaga wears, which is nearly identical to those worn in the Byzantine era and are often associated with the Catholic Virgin Mary. Continuing on, we see the obvious New Testament characters. Lastly there are the highlighted lyrics such as; “ I am just a holy fool, but I’m still in love with Judas” or “ Jesus is my virtue, but Judas is the demon I cling to”. Such saturation of sacred material begs the question as to what kind of intention has been poured into such a production.
Perhaps Lady Gaga’s use of Roman Catholic symbolism in the video Judas is an evangelical attempt. Perhaps Gaga’ is using her status and influence to get a message across to the youth culture that consumes her products. By making it fashionable and mainstream, somehow it becomes cooler and more acceptable to be Catholic or believe in the Bible. After all, Gaga was raised Catholic, and was quoted saying that she herself is a spiritual person. In an interview with E! She explains her love or religious imagery.
“I respect and love everyone’s beliefs. I’m a religious and spiritual person who’s obsessed with religious art. I’m obsessed with it.”
The choreographer and co-director of the video Judas, Laurieann Gibson, is a self-professed Christian who has openly stated on television that her career is the evidence that God is working in her life.
If the audience takes a look at the pivotal points in the video, we do see Jesus as a calm and consistently forgiving character, and we also see an unconditional love from Mary towards Judas, despite his betrayals. Finally we see the theme of judgment, when Mary is stoned to death at the very end. At a rough glance, this could very well be keeping with a Catholic theological standpoint, and some of the more liberal minded Catholics may even feel content with the general message or moral of the story, even though it’s extremely suggestive.
Continuing along this line of reasoning we can also see that the Judas video has certainly re introduced the classic story of Mary Magdalene, who was a woman possessed by numerous demons and possibly a prostitute. She was social outcast, marginalized by the majority, yet taken in by Jesus because of her humility, repentance and faith in him as her saviour. The biblical text states:
“Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. (Luke 7:44) ”
The video also reminds us of the judgment brought upon Judas for being destructive and sinful. Therefore, this could be seen as a reiteration to those consumed with all the glitz and glamour of popular culture and fashion to not forget about their inner moral compasses.
Some may even suggest that it’s through fashion that religious messages have a chance at really penetrating the minds of consumer culture. The popular brand Forever 21 for instance, has four hundred- and- eighty- one stores in eight different countries. It and is run by a Christian couple who after successfully establishing the chain, has now begun printing textiles that say things such as “ Jesus love’s you” or
“ LOVE, PEACE, FAITH, HOPE, JESUS”.
It is possible that rapidly dropping Christian contemporary music sales, and a general lack of interest amongst youth culture towards traditional Christian or Catholic practice, is forcing evangelicals or pseudo evangelicals to create new and imaginative ways of getting a message across, such as through the mainstream fashion and music industries. Lady Gaga might just be an Angel in disguise, so to speak. However, could she be responsible for the exact opposite. Such as what is depicted by the author Dr, Henry Augustine Smith, from a sermon in 1731, in the book The Arts and Religion:
“ Music is a two-edged sword; capable of quelling the passions, so of giving mortal wound to virtue and religion; and therefore should always be in sober hands…. Quick and powerful, and penetrating the minutest parts of the body, and inmost recesses of the spirit, when employed under the banner of religion; but likewise searching and irritating every evil thought, and intention of the heart, when debauched in the service of immorality and profaneness What ought to kindle a devout affection, may blow up every evil desire into a flame, may be the fuel and incentive for vice.” (99)
Is Lady Gaga just a blasphemous pop star, using religion as a gimmick? There are certainly critics who think so. In fact, the Catholic league released a statement in response to the video to Fox News:
“This is a stunt… Lady Gaga tries to continue to shock Catholics and Christians in general: she dresses as a nun… she swallows the rosary. She has now morphed into a caricature of herself”
They concluded by saying “ The video is a mess, incoherent, it leaves the viewer more perplexed than moved.”
Similar responses were heard when the master of shock value herself, Madonna, released the video Like a prayer in 1989, for some of the very same reasons. Author Douglas Kellner, writes about Madonna’s video Like a Prayer in his book Media Culture, and states:
“Yet such are Madonna’s contradictions that her use of images undercuts the religious message, as she appears dancing in a church in a slip and her erotic behavior in the church probably goes beyond established boundaries of propriety- indeed Italian television banned the video under pressure from Catholic groups” (277).
Mark D Hulsether points out further criticisms, in his article Like a Sermon:
“ Because Madonna consistently uses sexual images, she can be interpreted as a bimbo with only one overriding message: pandering to male lust through stereotypical images of women for the purpose of making a buck” (86).
There are some remarkable similarities between Lady Gaga and Madonna. I would even suggest that Gaga is merely an echo of Madonna’s business tactics, using pop and dance music, shock values, sensationalism and taboo subjects to draw attention to her iconic brand, and therefore cashing in. Some might label this phenomenon of popular culture as a religion. However, I find that statement filled with intangibles and almost impossible to quantify, because of all the variables involved with what shapes popular culture, and the symbiotic relationship that plays out between religion and secular society continuously. At the same time, I can’t really see Gaga intending to make a post-modernist statement on religiosity.
However, because Gaga calls her self ‘spiritual’ and ‘religious ‘ it is hard to pin her as an atheist capitalist either. Unless she is completely corrupt and just saying that to throw yet another bedazzling curve ball at the media. Lady Gaga discussed the intention and meaning behind the video Judas in an interview with Entertainment.ca:
“Judas’ is a metaphor and an analogy about forgiveness and betrayal and things that haunt you in your life and how I believe that it’s the darkness in your life that ultimately shines and illuminates the greater light that you have upon you. Someone once said to me, ‘If you have no shadows then you’re not standing in the light.’ So the song is about washing the feet of both good and evil and understanding and forgiving the demons from your past in order to move into the greatness of your future. I just like really aggressive metaphors—harder, thicker, and darker—and my fans do as well. So it is a very challenging and aggressive metaphor, but it is a metaphor.”
This quote explains why the imbedded cosmology in her video is so confusing. Lady Gaga’s personal misperception is evidenced quite blatantly with her understanding of what a metaphor is and how to differentiate the physical laws of light and dark. Darkness cannot illuminate a greater light upon or even within something. Therefore using a flawed or invalid ‘metaphor’ to describe ones inner struggles is more confusing than saying nothing at all. There isn’t anything new about the classic metaphor of Judas or the video. In fact all the imagery and story lines are really old, borrowed and obvious. In other words, this isn’t a Lady Gaga metaphor; this is classic metaphor about betrayal and inner conflict. Perhaps Lady Gaga is trying to say that the video is about her forgiving herself for crossing the line so many lines, and that now that she is wearing a crown of success, it’s all worth it. If that were so, then why does she die a condemned death at the very last moment of the video? Ironic coincidence? Biblical experts know that this isn’t the fate Mary Magdalene met; in fact the New Testament spares two women on two different occasions from such punishment. However, keeping with Old Testament tradition, is the Judas video not saying that despite acknowledgment of past transgressions there is still great judgment? This does not support her explanation, or what she portrays herself as.
Regardless of the Pop Diva’s inner battles with demons and the laws of nature, it is certainly clear that the Judas video is not representing a Roman Catholic cosmology and perhaps not even a Christian Cosmology. To call oneself ‘spiritual’ could mean so many things. Lady Gaga does not state what kind of religion she subscribes to, nor does she state what might in fact be sacred to her. Life experience will tell most of us that, just because one is raised under a certain religious banner, does not mean one will subscribe to it for the rest of their life. I believe Lady Gaga represents so many people out there today struggling to define what ‘ spiritual ‘ means to them, cobbling together what might feel right and suites their needs at any given time. Traditional Christianity seems so outdated to most–even the imagery has lost meaning amongst youth culture. Many women are choosing their own definitions of what it means to be Christian or Catholic, as gender politics and waves of feminism continue to hit the shores of our collective ideologies. Perhaps it is not so much Gaga’s intention, but the evidence that we do live in a post modern era where no one claim is valid for all people or their beliefs, and that our current time is more about relative truths for each individual. I feel this is the only sufficient response I could come up with, regarding the core value system of the Judas video. A rich and colourful iconographic spectacle of imagery that once held so much meaning, but is now just fashionable ways to say take it any way you want. It’s up to you to create your own future holiness, whatever that is to you.
Pop culture as religion: lady Gaga explains the controversial biblical imager in her upcoming music video “ Judas” Entertainment. Ca. Author: Kevin Ritchie. April 26. 2011.