Lady Gaga’s “Body Revolution”

It is on occasion that we look to public figures to teach us lessons on compassion, self image, respect and the like. However, one public figure seems to be teaching the world’s population a multitude of lessons: anti-bullying, self acceptance, and now a positive perception of one’s body.

Adorned in her usual costumes of latex, leather and fishnets, Lady Gaga recently came under scrutiny when she was photographed in Amsterdam looking to some “heavier” than normal. After these pictures circulated, there was a litany of backlash from press outlets wondering what could have caused Gaga to gain so much weight. Speculation turned into nasty reports, where journalists condemned Mother Monster for “letting herself go.” But to interject for a moment, anyone who has ever rocked liquid leggings or tights of any nature know that if they even move a centimeter out of place you can go from nonexistent tummy to muffin top in two seconds (regardless of how slender and in shape you are).

However, leave it to Lady Gaga to turn this otherwise bad press into a lesson of self acceptance and celebration for her army of supporters and fans. She has started something called “Body Revolution 2013″ on her social media site LittleMonsters.com where she asks her fans to upload pictures of their own body. The overt message of this revolution is acceptance, appreciation, and love for one’s body. She has posted pictures of herself as well, adorning a bright yellow bra and bottom with the caption “Bulimia and anorexia since I was 15.” It’s very brave and bold of Gaga to reveal something so personal, but as we have learned from Gaga in the past, it is important to reveal such personal notes about oneself if it will help boost the self esteem of another.

Many condemn Gaga for aspects of her life they do not agree with. However, one cannot deny that she has helped millions of fans with her messages of positivity and tolerance. If all skeptics could look beyond the costumes, the music videos they deem inappropriate, and the disapproval in her support of specific sexual orientations, they would see a woman who is helping encourage the youth of today to stand up for themselves and work through their insecurities and issues.

So RC readers, join me in putting your paws up to Mother Monster who continues to overcome her own adversities so that we may overcome ours.