Perfectly imperfect.
So there’s a lot of scuttlebutt about Madonna’s half-time show. People either enjoyed it, and were inspired by Madonna’s energy and vitality at age 53, or are using the performance as a jumping point for another discussion of the merits of what Madonna brings to the world. I’ve read lots of opinions on the subject, and I’m sure you have, too. I’m sure you even have your own opinion.
But there is a discussion thread I would like to pick up, because I think it speaks to an issue many of us face on a personal level – and because of that, it seeps into our modern social fabric. Put succinctly: there is a popular belief that Madonna should be using her powers for good. Meaning, I suppose, that because she can garner the world’s attention, she should be doing more with her life than singing pop songs at a half-time show.
The statement is so juicy I almost don’t know where to begin! Almost. First of all, Madonna has earned the world’s attention through her success as a pop star, so performing to millions of people (via television, internet and at the stadium) is definitely appropriate. To deny her the opportunity seems, in my mind, no different than asking football players who earned the right to play at the Superbowl to sit out the game because they should be doing something better with the notoriety earned from their pre-championship successes.
Next: what exactly is the more we are asking of Madonna? To give millions to charity? Done. To have a social conscience? Done. To share her wealth with less fortunate? Done. To be a dedicated and loving mother? Done and done.
Or are we suggesting that Madonna – whose life-long message to us (love her or not) is to Express Yourself? Madonna has publicly experimented with her identity as she works to fully understand who she is and what she is capable of. Despite what may seem to us like some wrong turns along the way, (haven’t we all made those?) I am in awe of her fearlessness to make those turns so publicly. I don’t think Madonna does anything small – even making her mistakes.
And so why is Madonna so polarizing? Here’s what I think: Madonna shows us what we are all capable of when we find our purpose and avoid making excuses about why it can’t happen. It doesn’t matter if your goal is to own a car repair shop, to cycle across Canada, to design dresses or to raise a houseful of kids, we all have a purpose and a way to contribute passionately to the world. It also doesn’t’ matter if everyone likes you, or likes your decision. As long as your passion is not illegal, immoral or life-threatening (thanks, Barbara Coloroso), go for it.
And so Madonna Expresses Herself. Is she perfect? No. Are you? I know I’m not. Madonna does the best she can at this moment in time and in the place she is on her own life’s journey. That’s all anyone can do. It’s all anyone can expect of another person. (And I don’t think Madonna will die with any regrets.) Instead of asking how Madonna could do more, perhaps it's time for each of us to look inward to determine where we can do more.
And to paraphrase Mary Poppins, we’re all perfectly imperfect. Thank goodness!
I'd love to read your thoughts!
Until next time,
Let's all walk the talk!
Lisa
