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Lady Gaga: 'Skank With a Brain'

Pop's newest explosion exploits our obsession with sexuality, salaciousness

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 16, 2009 9:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – “Lady Gaga is pretty skanky,” writes James Brady Ryan for Nerve. “That might sound harsh, but there are some facts we all must face: the girl is no fan of pants, for one thing.” She may be crass, outlandish, and over-the-top sexual—but “she is also completely awesome.” And what makes her different from fellow blond sexpots like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera is that Gaga “is a skank with a brain.”

“She walked around like a space-age hooker from day one,” Ryan continues—unlike, say, Britney, who took years to go “from virgin to whore.” Today’s pop stars don’t have to be talented—which Gaga is—“all we require is that they entertain,” which Gaga does. And her “obvious cunning subverts the guilt we feel while watching a young woman’s life melt in front of the cameras, allowing us to simply enjoy the show.”

Lady Gaga performs during the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in New York.
Lady Gaga performs during the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in New York.   (Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup via AP Images)
Lady Gaga performs at the MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto, Sunday June 21, 2009.
Lady Gaga performs at the MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto, Sunday June 21, 2009.   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)
In this March 11, 2009 file photo, singer-songwriter Lady Gaga poses for a portrait at Interscope Records in Santa Monica, Calif.
In this March 11, 2009 file photo, singer-songwriter Lady Gaga poses for a portrait at Interscope Records in Santa Monica, Calif.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file)
Lady Gaga arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Sept. 13, 2009 in New York.
Lady Gaga arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Sept. 13, 2009 in New York.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
Singer-songwriter Lady Gaga gestures during her appearance at IFA, the world's largest trade fair for consumer electronics and electrical home appliances, in Berlin.
Singer-songwriter Lady Gaga gestures during her appearance at IFA, the world's largest trade fair for consumer electronics and electrical home appliances, in Berlin.   (AP Photo/Gero Breloer)
Musician  Lady Gaga performs at the Lady Gaga and the launch of V61 hosted by V Magazine, Marc Jacobs and Belvedere Vodka on September 14, 2009 in New York City.
Musician Lady Gaga performs at the Lady Gaga and the launch of V61 hosted by V Magazine, Marc Jacobs and Belvedere Vodka on September 14, 2009 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Lady Gaga attends Lady Gaga's VMA after party at Avenue on September 13, 2009 in New York City.
Lady Gaga attends Lady Gaga's VMA after party at Avenue on September 13, 2009 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Lady Gaga accepts the award for 'Best New Artist' during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on September 13, 2009 in New York City.
Lady Gaga accepts the award for 'Best New Artist' during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on September 13, 2009 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
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Yes, her outlandish behavior can often come off as calculating, and sometimes it’s not nice to have a front-row view of another person’s crotch. But no matter how canny she may be, her antics remain captivating. - James Brady Ryan

Gaga seems to have the game figured out and exploits our gaze with shocking precision. She’ll give us over-the-top sexuality, ridiculous outfits, and salacious rumors. - James Brady Ryan

With lyrics like 'I wanna take a ride on your disco stick,' she’s just subtle enough that her meaning is lost on potted plants. - James Brady Ryan

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 23 comments
bewilderbeast
Oct 13, 2009 6:17 AM CDT
Issues, Jojo?
Guest
Oct 2, 2009 9:48 PM CDT
its amazing how many people misuse the word skank. its a dance originally from jamaica, favored by skins, rudeboys and mods.
Guest
Sep 20, 2009 1:44 AM CDT
Hey Blee Bloo, lighten up, that was absolutely hilarious...... Hey, KW, are you still sipping henny????
 

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