Is Lady Gaga a hero?

[Amaris]

Yes, because people who give up doing what they love (classical piano and concert hall singing) and sell out their life to an image specialist defiantly fall in the 'hero' category.

We throw around words far too often. Heroes... are heroes. People who sacrifice for the good of humanity, like Florence Nightingale or Charlemagne.

Modern celebrities will never be considered heroes.

You are welcome to that opinion, but it does not make it fact.

 

[Jetfire]

If a celebrity uses fame and fortune to help others they might fall into the "hero" category...which many celebs do support various charities.

[edit] Avril Lavigne has done.

Philanthropy
Lavigne has been involved in a number of charitable activities, such as Make Some Noise, Amnesty International, Erase MS, AmericanCPR.org, Camp Will-a-Way, Music Clearing Minefields, U.S. Campaign for Burma, Make-a-Wish Foundation and War Child. She has also appeared in ALDO ads with YouthAIDS to raise money to educate people worldwide about HIV/AIDS. Lavigne took part in the Unite Against Aids concert presented by ALDO in support of Unicef on 28 November 2007 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.[94]
Lavigne worked with Reverb, a non-profit environmental organisation, for her 2005 east coast tour.[95] She covered "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" for War Child's Peace Songs compilation, and she recorded a cover of the John Lennon song "Imagine" as her contribution to the compilation album Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur. Released on 12 June 2007, the album was produced to benefit Amnesty International's campaign to alleviate the crisis in Darfur.[96]
On 5 December 2009, Lavigne returned to the stage in Mexico City during the biggest charity event in Latin America, "Teleton". She performed acoustic versions of her hits "Complicated" and "Girlfriend" with Evan Taubenfeld and band member, Jim McGorman.[97][98] In 2010, Lavigne was one of several artists who contributed their voices to a cover of K'naan's "Wavin' Flag" as a benefit single to help raise money for several charity organisations related to the 2010 Haiti earthquake.[99]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avril_Lavigne

 

[Joy]

Well that's not exactly what I would think of when thinking of the term "hero" but I suppose who am I to argue with a "Folklore minor?"

Well, I'm not a part of the gay community, so I can't really say just how influential Lady Gaga has become in that folk group, but I'd say if she is or becomes a major champion for gay rights, I could see how people in that particular group could see her as a hero.

Though I'd say people like the judge who overturned Prop 8 would be more likely to be considered a true folk hero.

So that would entail what, a study of the history of the people of the Ozarks? Actually sounds interesting to me, but then my family comes from what some people might consider the Ozarks (they live about 40 miles east of the Lake of the Ozarks) but I can't say I know what the technical definition of the Ozarks is.

I really can't say much about the minor 'cause I'm just starting my first class for it this semester (I'll know more after tomorrow, lol), but yeah, I'd say it's a study of the history as well as the culture of the Ozarks and its people.

Yeah, they're definitely in the Ozarks. The Ozark range extends all the way up to Sedalia, down into the far northwestern part of Oklahoma, a good portion of north Arkansas, and all the way to St. Louis.

Here's a good map:

http://www.cruisetheozarks.com/info_graphics/Ozarks Map.jpg

 

[Nerys Myk]

Yes, because people who give up doing what they love (classical piano and concert hall singing) and sell out their life to an image specialist defiantly fall in the 'hero' category.

We throw around words far too often. Heroes... are heroes. People who sacrifice for the good of humanity, like Florence Nightingale or Charlemagne.

Modern celebrities will never be considered heroes.

A hero is just someone who is admired. War hero. Guitar hero, sports hero. It been a longtime since "hero" was limited to "People who sacrifice for the good of humanity" Though I'm
m not exactly clear what Charlemange sacrificed while expanding his rule over Western Europe.

 

[Level 2 Diagnostic]

And consider how many of those acts had more than 1 number 1, how many grammys, awards, etc. that has disappeared.

Find me someone who has been as successful as Gaga in the past year or so, that ISN'T around. That's why I think she'll be around in 10 years. She has been consistently successful not had ONE hit song, like Savage Garden.

Oh, I don't think it would be that hard to find lots of acts that fit that criteria if you research it enough.

Just off the top of my head, how about Christopher Cross? 1982: had five Top 20 hits, buttload of Grammys. 1992: completely MIA.

How about Bobby Brown? 1989: had seven Top 10 hits, six of them from one album. 1999: smoking crack with Whitney.

 

[Zachary Smith]

And consider how many of those acts had more than 1 number 1, how many grammys, awards, etc. that has disappeared.

Find me someone who has been as successful as Gaga in the past year or so, that ISN'T around. That's why I think she'll be around in 10 years. She has been consistently successful not had ONE hit song, like Savage Garden.

Oh, I don't think it would be that hard to find lots of acts that fit that criteria if you research it enough.

Just off the top of my head, how about Christopher Cross? 1982: had five Top 20 hits, buttload of Grammys. 1992: completely MIA.

How about Bobby Brown? 1989: had seven Top 10 hits, six of them from one album. 1999: smoking crack with Whitney.

I STILL regard Lenny Skutnik as a hero, though you don't hear much about or from him these days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXSQ9YGQvOI

 

[scottydog]

Regardless of how one feels about her talent, style, etc, how in the hell does one even ask the question "Is she a hero?"

As the OP, I asked the question because I have a book coming out on the topic of heroes. What I've found in my research is that heroism is most definitely in the eye of the beholder.

Some people equate fame with heroism. Personally, I don't, but many people do. Who's to say they're wrong? We all have different standards for heroism.

I believe Lady Gaga can become a hero, at least in my eyes, if she goes beyond her success as a musician and does the world some significant good. She's still young -- she's only 23 -- and so she has plenty of time to evolve as a person and do more for society than dance in strange outfits.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

One thing I will say is that I don't think it's "heroic" to be wealthy and then spend a portion of that wealth helping others. True heroism goes way beyond that--sacrificing not just what you can afford, but even what you can't. Like people genuinely risking their lives to help others.

 

[Rett Mikhal]

Yes, because people who give up doing what they love (classical piano and concert hall singing) and sell out their life to an image specialist defiantly fall in the 'hero' category.

We throw around words far too often. Heroes... are heroes. People who sacrifice for the good of humanity, like Florence Nightingale or Charlemagne.

Modern celebrities will never be considered heroes.

A hero is just someone who is admired. War hero. Guitar hero, sports hero. It been a longtime since "hero" was limited to "People who sacrifice for the good of humanity" Though I'm
m not exactly clear what Charlemagne sacrificed while expanding his rule over Western Europe.

His life, if I'm not mistaken. In exchange for starting Europe down the path of modernization (unification of tribes into nations, and such). I used him as an example because he was pretty famous for traveling everywhere on horseback and not really doing the regal thing, sitting in palaces or being escorted in a horse drawn carriage. Of course it ultimately undid him when disease took him early.

Back on the topic of Lady Babynoise.

Giving money to charity is great, but it doesn't make you a hero; it makes you a philanthropist. Even Rockerfeller is not considered a 'hero' by traditional means, just a philanthropist, and he gave all his money away. So, no amount of giving should make you a hero if he isn't, because that would be unfair. You could argue times have changed but I really think it's more along the lines of "Lady Gaga is young, beautiful, and I think she gives money to people, she must be a hero!" Seems more about the image than the heart behind it, and that's quite sad.

So, I'm not getting this throwing money at people poorer than yourself makes you a hero thing. What about other things people concentrate on? She somewhat supports the gay community.

Well I would argue she supports the gay community like Twilight supports 15 year old girls. It's more acknowledging them because they are your fans and pay you. To treat them like crap would be a sure fire way out of Hollywood, unless you're already well established. Yes, many celebrities do treat their fans like dirt but that doesn't instantly make liking your fans some sort of heroic sacrifice.

This seems massively blown out of proportion. I have actually, in real life, heard people call her a "Civil Rights symbol." Really? Again, if the gay community didn't buy her music or at least watch her youtube videos I really don't think she would care that much about them. At the very least she could care, but not care enough to thank anyone or speak out about it with the camera rolling.

See real Civil Rights symbols had basically nothing to individually gain and everything to lose. They did what they did for the good of their fellow men and the countries they lived in, for the name of fairness and equality. They didn't get paid to do this, and they didn't WANT attention (especially because it was a dangerous time). Methinks if this was a Civil Rights movement more akin to the 1950s, with the threat of Lady Gaga getting lynched for speaking her beliefs, she would not speak those beliefs.

In short I honestly believe her support of the gay community is just another part of her fabricated image. Everything about her screams "safe experiment", regardless, and what could be more safe than a person on a computer screen saying they support something that may or may not be unpopular? No one is going to throw eggs at that, it will only help.

So, is a hero someone who only helps when they stand no chance of defeat and also only when it could possibly benefit them? No. Not that all heroes fail or die, but they're not supposed to care if they do because it's not about them.

 

[Alidar Jarok]

One thing I will say is that I don't think it's "heroic" to be wealthy and then spend a portion of that wealth helping others. True heroism goes way beyond that--sacrificing not just what you can afford, but even what you can't. Like people genuinely risking their lives to help others.

So rich people can't be heroes? I think that's an awfully strict definition of a hero (same with those that have said famous people can't be heroes). I'd argue that, as long as you aren't doing the "heroic" acts to either make more money or become more famous, you can be considered a hero. Your using your position, obtained through other means, to contribute positively.

Whether or not you're actually a hero depends on what you do, however.

 

[barnaclelapse]

All images are manufactured. Any time you make a deliberate choice about how to present yourself in public, you are manufacturing an image. So what?

I find all the vitriol over Lady Gaga and whether or not she'll be an enduring act quite amusing. It's not like she's been going around proclaiming herself the second coming of Madonna and the Beatles. She's a woman who's expressing herself through her art (music, videos, fashion); we'll see how long she endures, but it's not like she's been trying to pass herself off as anything but herself.

That debate tires me, too. I don't like her, and I've moved on. It's not hard.

 

[gh4chiefs]

So that would entail what, a study of the history of the people of the Ozarks? Actually sounds interesting to me, but then my family comes from what some people might consider the Ozarks (they live about 40 miles east of the Lake of the Ozarks) but I can't say I know what the technical definition of the Ozarks is.

I really can't say much about the minor 'cause I'm just starting my first class for it this semester (I'll know more after tomorrow, lol), but yeah, I'd say it's a study of the history as well as the culture of the Ozarks and its people.

Yeah, they're definitely in the Ozarks. The Ozark range extends all the way up to Sedalia, down into the far northwestern part of Oklahoma, a good portion of north Arkansas, and all the way to St. Louis.

Here's a good map:

http://www.cruisetheozarks.com/info_graphics/Ozarks Map.jpg

Thanks for that info.

Regardless of how one feels about her talent, style, etc, how in the hell does one even ask the question "Is she a hero?"

As the OP, I asked the question because I have a book coming out on the topic of heroes. What I've found in my research is that heroism is most definitely in the eye of the beholder.

Some people equate fame with heroism. Personally, I don't, but many people do. Who's to say they're wrong? We all have different standards for heroism.

I believe Lady Gaga can become a hero, at least in my eyes, if she goes beyond her success as a musician and does the world some significant good. She's still young -- she's only 23 -- and so she has plenty of time to evolve as a person and do more for society than dance in strange outfits.

In reading my quote, I could see how that might have been construed as an attack on you and I hope you didn't see it that way, if so I apologize. I was more stunned at the use of term "hero" than anything. I guess I find myself agreeing with Rett Mikhal on the idea of what a hero is. I don't see any celebrity, spokesman or symbol or whatever, being a hero.

But then we can agree to disagree. And again, let me be perfectly clear, I have no axe to grind with Lady Gaga or her fans at all. Just don't see her as hero in the classic sense of the word.

 

[exodus]

Before Gaga, there was Grace...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA7vlDd5YDs&feature=related


Grace deserves credit before Gaga does.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

One thing I will say is that I don't think it's "heroic" to be wealthy and then spend a portion of that wealth helping others. True heroism goes way beyond that--sacrificing not just what you can afford, but even what you can't. Like people genuinely risking their lives to help others.

So rich people can't be heroes? I think that's an awfully strict definition of a hero (same with those that have said famous people can't be heroes). I'd argue that, as long as you aren't doing the "heroic" acts to either make more money or become more famous, you can be considered a hero. Your using your position, obtained through other means, to contribute positively.

Whether or not you're actually a hero depends on what you do, however.

I think genuine heroism involves a certain amount of risk. It's easy to do good at no risk to yourself. Why is that heroic? I'm not saying it's bad, just that it doesn't necessarily deserve the "heroic" label. Philanthropy is an enormous good in this world, but I would hesitate to call such benefactors "heroes."

"Hero" should be rather narrowly defined, otherwise it doesn't really mean anything--you could find a way to call anyone a "hero."

 

[scottydog]

Regardless of how one feels about her talent, style, etc, how in the hell does one even ask the question "Is she a hero?"

As the OP, I asked the question because I have a book coming out on the topic of heroes. What I've found in my research is that heroism is most definitely in the eye of the beholder.

Some people equate fame with heroism. Personally, I don't, but many people do. Who's to say they're wrong? We all have different standards for heroism.

I believe Lady Gaga can become a hero, at least in my eyes, if she goes beyond her success as a musician and does the world some significant good. She's still young -- she's only 23 -- and so she has plenty of time to evolve as a person and do more for society than dance in strange outfits.

In reading my quote, I could see how that might have been construed as an attack on you and I hope you didn't see it that way, if so I apologize. I was more stunned at the use of term "hero" than anything. I guess I find myself agreeing with Rett Mikhal on the idea of what a hero is. I don't see any celebrity, spokesman or symbol or whatever, being a hero.

But then we can agree to disagree. And again, let me be perfectly clear, I have no axe to grind with Lady Gaga or her fans at all. Just don't see her as hero in the classic sense of the word.

No apology necessary. I think this gets back to what others have said earlier in this thread, namely, that maybe the meaning of the word hero is being diluted by its overuse. It might be a good idea for reserve the label for the few among us who are truly noble & courageous.

There are plenty of other labels for the many who are famous and talented but not heroic. These labels include role model, celebrity, star, etc.

 

[Rett Mikhal]

I think genuine heroism involves a certain amount of risk. It's easy to do good at no risk to yourself. Why is that heroic? I'm not saying it's bad, just that it doesn't necessarily deserve the "heroic" label. Philanthropy is an enormous good in this world, but I would hesitate to call such benefactors "heroes."

"Hero" should be rather narrowly defined, otherwise it doesn't really mean anything--you could find a way to call anyone a "hero."

Exactly the point I was making. If you were a rocket scientist with ten Ph.Ds who designed the Saturn V rocket, then I launched a model rocket in my back yard and called myself a rocket scientist, how would you feel?

 

[Professor Zoom]

And consider how many of those acts had more than 1 number 1, how many grammys, awards, etc. that has disappeared.

Find me someone who has been as successful as Gaga in the past year or so, that ISN'T around. That's why I think she'll be around in 10 years. She has been consistently successful not had ONE hit song, like Savage Garden.

Oh, I don't think it would be that hard to find lots of acts that fit that criteria if you research it enough.

Just off the top of my head, how about Christopher Cross? 1982: had five Top 20 hits, buttload of Grammys. 1992: completely MIA.

How about Bobby Brown? 1989: had seven Top 10 hits, six of them from one album. 1999: smoking crack with Whitney.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Is Gaga a Britney Spears or a Christopher Cross?

I'm still betting she's a Britney.

 

[exodus]

And consider how many of those acts had more than 1 number 1, how many grammys, awards, etc. that has disappeared.

Find me someone who has been as successful as Gaga in the past year or so, that ISN'T around. That's why I think she'll be around in 10 years. She has been consistently successful not had ONE hit song, like Savage Garden.

Oh, I don't think it would be that hard to find lots of acts that fit that criteria if you research it enough.

Just off the top of my head, how about Christopher Cross? 1982: had five Top 20 hits, buttload of Grammys. 1992: completely MIA.

How about Bobby Brown? 1989: had seven Top 10 hits, six of them from one album. 1999: smoking crack with Whitney.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Is Gaga a Britney Spears or a Christopher Cross?

I'm still betting she's a Britney.

I think part of why Chris Cross went MIA was due to music changing. Music like his and say Simply Red went from being Top 40 to Adult Contemporary. AC artist don't get the exposure Top 40 artist do and the Top 40 music scene was becoming more electronic. Even Suzanna Vega had to alter her music from the folksy sound of "Luka" to the more electronic sound of "99.9f". Gaga will last as long as the style of music to showcase herself stays popular, I think.

 

[Amaris]

I think genuine heroism involves a certain amount of risk. It's easy to do good at no risk to yourself. Why is that heroic? I'm not saying it's bad, just that it doesn't necessarily deserve the "heroic" label. Philanthropy is an enormous good in this world, but I would hesitate to call such benefactors "heroes."

"Hero" should be rather narrowly defined, otherwise it doesn't really mean anything--you could find a way to call anyone a "hero."

Exactly the point I was making. If you were a rocket scientist with ten Ph.Ds who designed the Saturn V rocket, then I launched a model rocket in my back yard and called myself a rocket scientist, how would you feel?

The term "rocket scientist" has a more firm definition. "Hero" does not. That said, when one has money to adopt a child and does so, yet doesn't sacrifice one's wealth in the process, is that person still a hero to that child for being adopted? You better believe it. Great sacrifice is not required for someone to be a hero. Again, that is what makes "hero" a diaphanous term, because it can be applied in so many ways.

 

[Level 2 Diagnostic]

I think part of why Chris Cross went MIA was due to music changing. Music like his and say Simply Red went from being Top 40 to Adult Contemporary. AC artist don't get the exposure Top 40 artist do and the Top 40 music scene was becoming more electronic.

That's kind of what I meant when I said ten years is an eternity in pop music. You really have no idea what new trend might come along to render her style of music irrelevant.

Here's another example: New Kids on the Block. Those guys were HUGE in 1989 but they were done about three years later. And a big factor, other than their teenage fans getting older and realizing their music was shite, was the explosion of the whole grunge/alternative rock scene.