Bell Hooks on Madonna
The stardom of Madonna continues into the present age, unlike some of the celebrities we have discussed recently. Her celebrity is more well-known to the younger population than that of Arnold Schwarzenegger, for example, partially because she is an inspiration to pop stars today like Lady Gaga. Therefore, I found the Hooks article an interesting criticism of her, since I hadn't heard these complaints before. Hooks claims that Madonna utilizes appropriation of black culture in order to seem "radical chic" and cool to audiences. But since she isn't black and doesn't understand the history of struggle for the black community, her actions of commodifying black culture are repulsive to many African Americans. The article suggests that "if Madonna had to depend on masses of black women to maintain her status as cultural icon she would have been dethroned some time ago," implying that she does not have a black audience. Madonna also has "blonde ambition" striving toward beauty standards that are extremely white. Her beauty is attained by hard work and isn't just natural, but is also a standard that other races cannot live up to. Black women feel that they cannot act with sexual agency like Madonna, because they have, for years, been "punished" for rebellious sexuality. Therefore, Madonna's image is a point of frustration. Hooks also calls our Madonna's "Like a Prayer" music video as using black females in a contemporary "Mammy" role when they are used as supporting characters who catch a falling Madonna. Hooks is also critical that Madonna treats her subordinate cast (a group of non-white people, both gay and heterosexual) in a demeaning way. In her documentary, they allow her to dominate and humiliate them, especially in moments when they all relax off-stage. Hooks sees Madonna as a figure that's simply perpetuating a white supremacist status quo.
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