Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Madonna crucified



Madonna staged a mock-crucifixion in the Italian capital on Sunday, ignoring a storm of protest and accusations of blasphemy from the Roman Catholic Church.

What is Madonna trying to prove to a sold-out audience in a stadium just a mile from Vatican City, the bastion of the Roman Catholic Church?

It is not the first time Madonna, whose father is a Catholic Italian American, has caused religious anger for her controversial religious and sexual imagery.

In 1989 she released a video featuring the hit song "Like a Prayer", showing burning crosses, statues crying blood and Madonna seducing a black Jesus.

The self-styled "Queen of Pop" went on to pepper her two-and-a-half hour show in Italy with more controversial imagery, at one point showing photographs of the pope after those of former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.

The Vatican had accused her of blasphemy and provocation for even considering staging the sham crucifixion on its doorstep, anger Madonna further enflamed prior to the show by inviting Pope Benedict to come and watch.

Madonna is an icon in the music industry, but to show a mock-crucifixion in her concert reflects arrogance and a don't-care attitude, probably just seeking publicity. It is unnecessary and depicts poor taste of a highly talented individual who has chosen to ignore the deep-held beliefs of a global religious community.

No comments: