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How can we respond when confronted with provocative images in art?
Question from Sally about Lady Gaga’s video “Alejandro” … see my earlier post Lady Gaga and her use of Catholic and nun imagery.
I’m also curious of the controversial un-catholic video and meaning of that song so I researched. [I found a site that] could be of help though there are indeed several interpretations. It shows the “satanic” elements in the video. Personally, I somewhat felt disgusted. Children usually get drawn to her music because the beat is really cool but there are hidden meanings which might be opposed to catholic teachings, and the videos are really obscene-too sexual and violent-which may be too much for young minds to bear and understand. It may seem to be an ordinary video for them but their perception of sexuality,which is one of God’s precious gifts to us, may be subconsciously distorted….
As Catholics, what then could we do with these things??
First let me say, the video in general is not my cup of tea. And, it is not something I’d want my young nephews or cousins to experience. That being said, I also wouldn’t want them to experience some great masterpieces of religious art that include images of violence, sex, and religion too! It’s just not something they ordinarily can appreciate (in the artistic sense) or comprehend, as you put so well. I’m not trying to equate Lady Gaga with Caravaggio but I do want to give a little room for art (low or high) to provoke, inspire, challenge, create. Such art, however, must be appropriately available but, perhaps, not mass marketed to impressionable minds and hearts.
What can we do? First, each of us has to be aware of how our own actions, beliefs, and attitudes about sex, violence, and religion are shaping those around us. Impressionable persons may be affected by music videos to an extent but more so by the people they are around 24/7 and the people they love and trust and the organizations that are guides for them in their life. I see this happen in my nephews, and I am so grateful for the way that their parents have loved and raised them.
Second, we must be willing to experience and talk about the things to which impressionable persons in our lives are being exposed. We must be grounded enough, self-aware enough to be able to enter into discussion about it or even to make a couple of well-placed comments. This does not mean blanket condemnation of artistic expression because often that is read not as love and care but as “you don’t get me” or “you don’t care about me”. It means being able to understand why the person is attracted to something, in this case a song and video, affirming the good that we see (e.g., the “Alejandro” video has some great choreography and dance), and engaging the more questionable images and words used (e.g., do you think that the relationships shown are good and life-giving?).
Third, although we are dealing here with artistic expression, we must be very clear about “real life”. We must take a firm stance against all acts of rape, murder, discrimination, and any form of violence. These are never acceptable and we must take due care to protect the life and dignity of every single person and community.
Personally I am not fond of any images, however artistic, that portray rape or murder or violence. Even as an adult with a decent grounding in life, I find those images devastating. At the same time, I know that for many people in the world, this is their lived experience. When I am confronted with these images, it leads me not to bury my head but to pray, to be in solidarity as much as I can with people who have experiences such as rape, or discrimination because of gender or sexual orientation, or who live in fear of violence to themselves or to their loved ones. I live in hope that my life and my responses will be ones of compassion and help in navigating the good and the tough aspects of life.
Where do you stand with all of this? What experiences have you had that can shed some light on this? We’d especially like to hear from those of you who are parents or caregivers for young ones and deal with this every day.
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Some of us who have experienced such violence have no wish to relive it in entertainment. It is not entertainment but a horrifying reminder. I haven’t seen the video and don’t think I will.
Children see so much these days. So many children I’ve met don’t have the shine in their eyes, but more often, a bored disinterest when the simple delights are before them. My heart breaks for them. What mystery can life hold? But, on a simple day sometimes, one can touch that place in their hearts and it’s like pressing an energy button. If I could, I’d take them all away from the daily horror and devastation to a simple day, so they would know that simple days are heavenly and a balm for the soul.
Just saying.
In light of the Gaga video and this discussion…I find it ironic that in the new issue of Vision Magazine (Catholic religious vocation discernment guide) on page 23 Lady Gaga is featured speaking about her religious education.
As far as her video goes, I think it’s over the top for sure. but that is Lady Gaga. And there are videos that are worse to be sure.
Being present with my child, with plenty of open communication is key.
Sr. Julie, this is one of the most level-headed, well thought out posts on censorship, freedom of expression and personal responsibility that I’ve ever read. I’m going to direct people to your post the next time that issue comes up, whether in relation to Lady Gaga or something completely different.
Once again, your wisdom is a blessing!
I saw your Tweet about this post and was extremely interested in your viewpoint on a video that I also find disturbing for a myriad of reasons, along with the “Telephone” video.
I felt moved to comment, and then I saw what Christine wrote, and she totally quoted what was in my head. So…what Christine said!
Beautiful.
A music video/song that also has been considered contraversial is “Love your lies” (not sure of exact title). It’s with Rihanna and Eminem and deals with the subject of domestice violence towards women and the myths or generalizations regarding this topic, such as ‘she made him get mad’ or ‘if the abuse is so bad, why doesn’t she just leave?’. This song also mentions lies that the perpetrator says to prevent the person from leaving, like, “I am so sorry. I won’t hurt you again. I love you”. This video would be a good conversation starter for high school youth to discuss the dangers of dating violence, the signs and steps/resources to leave such a situation.
Love the way you lie is the name of the song.