Rachel, I found your entry about Dexter and its relation to the as you noted the "multi-dimensional approaches [of] studying the relationship between Christianity and pop culture," really intriguing and unique.
I find Dexter's reasoning for killing people he perceives as deserving to die due to the torture they've inflicted upon others, an intriguing representation of a moral debate. Moreover, I find the inclusion of Christianity and another serial killer who utilizes Scripture as motivation and justification for his crimes, an interesting addition to a show about a likeable, or as you stated, "loveable" serial killer. I also think Dexter's own internal debate about what to teach his son in regards to religion, very relatable and relevant, as many people struggle with coming to terms with their religious beliefs in today's modern world that is wrought with many influential social forces.
As you noted, many people would find using Christianity in a show like Dexter, which is overflowing with violent, sexual, and corruptible undercurrents, offensive. However, I find including Christianity among these other themes is simply realistic. These other themes are themes that have always occurred throughout history and are important forces that drive some people to respond in opposition of these actions centered upon violence and crime with love, benevolence, and other more 'positive' stances in life.
I agree with your belief that the inclusion of Christianity among the other, more darker themes in Dexter is an example of how popular culture and religion can be used together in such a way that creates a positive outcome. By portraying the violence and destructive ways of deviant members of society, particular that of serial killers, the show reveals the importance of justice and the importance of asserting positive forms of human nature such as love and kindness, in today's society that is often ridden with evil forces such as crime.
I do not think that it's better to have shows that do not deal with uncanny, dark themes such as violence, as it's best to not sugarcoat the world in our portrayals of it in television shows and films. A more realistic depiction of today's society in television serves a more beneficial function for viewers--- it allows viewers to see the detrimental effects of violence and other destructive human behaviours and gives them the opportunity to reflect on their own behaviour and that of the society they live in.
In today's lecture we discussed one of the most controversial and iconic pop stars of our time, Lady Gaga, and the music video for her song Bad Romance.
Lady Gaga is not one to shy away from the topics she believes in even if people are offended by her tactics..I'm sure you all remember the meat dress she wore at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2010! There are certain themes that Lady Gaga revisits in all of her music that have become a representation of her image and what she stands for.
Today in class we discussed how Lady Gaga publicly identifies herself as a Christian and a supporter of equal rights for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered community. Lady Gaga has never been one known for subtlety and has caused quite a bit of controversy. Many of her fans view her as the leader of a community governed by love, tolerance, and equality. This Gaga Gospel, if you will, has a massive following of fans of all ages all over the world.
In April Lady Gaga released a song called Judas that is written from the point of view of Mary Magdalene. The music video for Judas is controversial and provocative and has upset some members of the Christian community. It is a video that is overflowing with imagery, and much of the imagery is Christian imagery. The music video begins with Lady Gaga riding a motorcycle alongside a motorcycle gang. She is sitting on the back seat of a motorcycle belonging to a motorcycle rider who seems to be a representation of Jesus, with a golden Crown of Thorns on his head and golden dreads. As the video progresses, it seems to suggest that Lady Gaga is torn between Jesus and Judas, both of whom she loves. She explicitly says in the song that Jesus is her virtue and Judas is the demon she clings to. The video shows her physically struggle with trying to choose between the two.
At one point in the music video she is standing between two men, one representing Jesus, the other representing Judas, while holding a gun, and the video seems to suggest that she must pick between the two. At another point in the video, Lady Gaga is bathing both Jesus and Judas' feet. There seems to be a symbolic use of water in the video in that it seems water is used as an almost cleansing agent.
Some viewers have felt that Lady Gaga's clothing in the video is more accurate to that of Mary (Jesus' mother), particularly the blue veil, than that of Mary Magdalene. In the centre of Lady Gaga's blue outfit there is a large red heart that is striking and impossible to miss. It has been suggested that this heart is meant to represent the Sacred Heart, which in Catholicism is a symbol that represents Jesus' love for all of humanity. The golden lines coming out of the heart are said to represent the light emitted by Jesus and are a symbol of the transformative power of Jesus and his unconditional love and forgiveness. The doctrine of the Gaga Gospel is one built on unconditional love and forgiveness and with this in mind, these qualities seem fitting to that of Jesus'.
It is unarguably quite a bold statement for a pop star to make and it is extremely bold to mix religious themes with provocative, sexual, and at times violent themes. Some find it offensive that Lady Gaga heavily borrows Christian imagery for what some view as mere displays of sexuality and extravagance. Whether or not you're a fan of Lady Gaga, I feel one thing about Lady Gaga must be acknowledged: she always tries to add depth to her songs by creating symbolic and complex situations in her music videos. Although most of the imagery and scenarios in her music videos are used solely for shock value, I appreciate that she tries to mix otherwise overtly sexual lyrics with complex historical themes that are highly identifiable.
Whether or not it is appropriate to include religious symbolism with pop music, in my opinion, comes down to a matter of opinion---appreciation of music and music videos is akin to appreciation of art and films--- it is highly subjective. I certainly find it more artistic to intertwine complex symbolism into what would otherwise be yet another pop song about sex. Lady Gaga's music videos are far more visually complex and engaging than say, Britney Spears' I'm a Slave 4 U, and other pop songs that have no artistry or depth beyond overt sexuality.
When he comes to me I am ready
I’ll wash his feet with my hair if he needs
Forgive him when his tongue lies through his brain Even after three times he betrays me
I couldn’t love a man so purely Even prophets forgave his crooked way
I’ve learned love is like a brick you can
Build a house or sink a dead body
In the most Biblical sense,
I am beyond repentance
Fame hooker, prostitute wench, vomits her mind
But in the cultural sense
I just speak in future tense
Judas, kiss me if offenced,
Or wear an ear condom next time I wanna love you,
But something’s pulling me away from you Jesus is my virtue,
Judas is the demon I cling to
-- Judas by Lady Gaga
I'll let you watch the music video and decide for yourself whether Lady Gaga borrowing Christian imagery is offensive or simply an entertaining, integral part of her artistry.
