Lady Gaga, also known as Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, is a pop icon known for her unique style, powerhouse vocals and ability to push the boundaries of artistic expression. As a cultural phenomenon, Lady Gaga has inspired generations of fans, and now she is the subject of academic study in universities across the United States.
Teaching students about Lady Gaga in college has become a popular way to engage students in discussions of music, fashion, performance art, and cultural studies. By analyzing Lady Gaga’s music, fashion, and public persona, students can explore issues of gender, sexuality, identity, race, and class.
One of the first things that students learn when studying Lady Gaga is her notorious reputation for challenging social norms. Lady Gaga’s music videos challenge the traditional gender roles of society, along with promoting LGBTQ rights and gender equality. This is evident in videos such as “Born This Way,” which advocates acceptance of all people regardless of their identity. These conversations provide excellent opportunities for students to explore complex social issues in depth.
Teaching about Lady Gaga also includes examining her fashion. Her visual expression is a mixture of high fashion and avant-garde designs, infused with high levels of creativity and shock value. Her personal style has been described as a “walking art installation,” and this creativity has impacted fashion trends in popular culture. Her collaborations with designers like Alexander McQueen, Jeremy Scott, and Giorgio Armani have helped to change the fashion landscape by encouraging more daring designs and empowering individuals to express themselves through visual art.
Lady Gaga’s live performances have also brought unique performances for students to study. Her music challenges what is considered acceptable in music performances. Lady Gaga has performed unique and over-the-top shows that have been called performances of high artistic value. She incorporates different elements of performance, including music, dance, and theater, which has helped her create her unique stage presence.