As the youngest of four children and my mother’s only daughter, I was welcomed into a family dominated by femininity. My mother, one of nine sisters, had high hopes for me to embrace traditional feminine pursuits such as dressing up and playing with dolls. However, growing up with three brothers meant I often fell short of those expectations. While my mother dreamed of a daughter who adored pink and behaved like a lady, I was a child who preferred roughhousing with my brothers and requested a plastic Rambo knife for Christmas (which also featured a compass!).
Despite my mother’s aspirations, I was drawn to the boldness of Madonna rather than the pop icons she preferred. My admiration was for the Madonna of the ’90s—the one known for her daring fashion choices, such as the cone bra and her unapologetic attitude towards sexuality. I understood why my mother worried that Madonna might influence her daughter to be reckless. Yet, here I am in my late 30s, having never engaged in hitchhiking or worn a cone bra. While I did indulge in some enthusiastic vogue-ing, it was never a problem that couldn’t be solved with a little rest. In fact, Madonna turned out to be a positive role model for me during my formative years.
Here are five qualities of Madonna that resonated with the insecure teenager I once was:
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Dedication to Her Craft
Madonna’s rise to fame wasn’t handed to her on a silver platter; she began her journey with just $35 and a job at Dunkin’ Donuts. Battling homelessness and facing numerous challenges, including being robbed and losing her ballet aspirations, she persisted. Instead of retreating, she pivoted to music, promoting her work without the benefits of social media. Over thirty years later, she continues to work diligently, preparing for her upcoming Rebel Heart world tour, which I plan to attend in October! -
Authenticity in Expression
In an age where celebrities often speak through carefully crafted publicists, Madonna stands out for her genuine voice. Her 1990 Nightline interview, where she defended her controversial video “Justify My Love,” showcased her willingness to confront societal norms. She stumbled and mispronounced words, yet emerged as an authentic figure who passionately articulated her beliefs. -
Unwavering Confidence
Madonna’s self-assuredness left a lasting impression on me. During an interview on American Bandstand, when asked about her future, she boldly stated her ambition to “rule the world.” Her unapologetic pride in her identity—body, mind, and sexuality—oozed confidence. Her performance of “Vogue” at the MTV Movie Awards exemplified this attitude, showcasing a woman who truly believes in her own fabulousness. -
Reclaiming Labels
Madonna once remarked, “I’m tough, I’m ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.” With that statement, she transformed a derogatory term into a badge of honor. From then on, I learned that a response to being called a “bitch” could simply be a gracious “thank you.” -
Disregard for Public Opinion
Long before artists like Taylor Swift sang about dismissing negativity, Madonna mastered the skill of brushing off criticism. When nude photos from her past surfaced during her peak popularity, she faced public scrutiny but simply responded, “So?” Even now, despite her numerous accolades, she often finds herself the target of media ridicule. Yet, Madonna consistently rises above it, using her success as a testament to her resilience and independence.
In conclusion, Madonna’s influence has been anything but detrimental. Instead, she has been a powerful role model, demonstrating the importance of hard work, authenticity, confidence, reclaiming labels, and disregarding public opinion. As we celebrate her continued impact, I can confidently say that she helped shape my understanding of strength and individuality.
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