Expressing herself

The year was 1982, Reagan was the President of the United States, E.T. was playing in movie theaters, break dance was taking to the streets and the 24 years old Madonna Louise Ciccone released her first single “Everybody”. It would go on to top the dance charts and dominate the nightclub floors, effectively launching what would be one of the most successful musical careers of all time. In an interview for Harpers Bazaar in 2013 she would say about her life and career, “if I can't be daring in my work or the way I live my life, then I don't really see the point of being on this planet.” Zeitgeist means the spirit of the age, or of the time, and no one, other than Madonna, could better represent the pop culture zeitgeist. She should be considered the leader of America's pop culture zeitgeist because she is a paragon of female empowerment, makes niche culture become mainstream and is able to seamlessly navigate several trends.

Those who oppose Madonna as a leader of the American pop culture zeitgeist could argue that she is no longer relevant in the pop culture scene, has lost her instinct for performance, is straining for effect and tries too hard to be hip. But by looking at some facts we can refute that. Her performance at the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show in 2012 became the most watched halftime performance in history attracting 114 million viewers, a number higher than that of those that watched the game itself, showing that her appeal as an artist and her performance skills remain as strong as ever. Her recent album MDNA debuted at number one in the Billboard 200 and one of its singles “Give Me All Your Luvin’” gave her a record-extending 38th entry into the top-ten hit list of the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating that she is s...

... middle of paper ...

...sexuality, and cultural identity, Madonna showed us that she has a lot to say and influenced several generations of pop artists. Her power as an entertainer has also transcended the barriers of music and her influence can be seen in fashion, films, literature, and on our social and cultural values. She rebelled against the hegemonic ideology of the early 1980s and has played a significant role in developing the identity of the modern woman as an independent and sexual being. With her ability to make niche culture become mainstream she secured her place as a pop culture trendsetter. And, being able to seamlessly navigate several trends, she managed to have a lasting career that has already spanned three decades. For achieving all these feats, and remaining true to herself as an artist, Madonna should be considered the leader of America's pop culture zeitgeist.