As the youngest of four and my mom’s only girl, I was destined to be showered with all things feminine. My mom grew up one of nine sisters, so when I was born, there was an avalanche of frilly dresses, hair accessories, and dolls. They had high hopes for my girly side. But growing up with three brothers meant I didn’t quite fit into that mold. While my mom dreamed of a daughter who adored pink and played dress-up, I was a rough-and-tumble kid who asked for a plastic Rambo knife (complete with a compass!) for Christmas. My mom wanted me to be dainty; I could burp the alphabet. She hoped I’d love Debbie Gibson, but my heart belonged to Madonna.
And not just any Madonna—the ’90s version with the cone bras, voguing, and the wild antics from her “Sex” book days. I totally got why my mom worried that Madonna might inspire me to be a reckless party girl. But here I am in my late 30s, and I’ve never once hitchhiked with my backside exposed or worn a cone bra. (Okay, I may have overdone it on the voguing a few times, but that’s a story for another day.) In reality, Madonna was a positive influence on me—then and now.
Here are five reasons why Madonna stood out as an amazing role model for that awkward teenager I once was:
- She’s a Hard Worker
Madonna didn’t waltz into the music scene thanks to a famous family. Starting with just $35 to her name and a part-time gig at Dunkin’ Donuts, she faced challenges like homelessness and even worse. With dreams of ballet dashed (she was deemed too short), she could’ve easily given up and returned to Michigan. But Madonna persevered, adapting her vision and focusing on music instead. Before social media, she hustled, handing out cassette tapes to any DJ who’d listen. Fast forward over 30 years, and she’s still grinding, gearing up for the Rebel Heart tour! - She Speaks Her Mind
In an age where celebrity voices are often scripted, Madonna breaks the mold. Her 1990 Nightline interview, where she defends her controversial video “Justify My Love,” is a gem. She challenges media norms, stumbles over words, and occasionally seems ready to challenge the interviewer’s smugness. It’s raw, unscripted, and inspiring—Madonna passionately voicing her opinions. - She’s All About Confidence
Madonna’s unapologetic self-assurance made a huge impact on me. I remember her American Bandstand interview when Dick Clark asked about her future plans. Her reply? “To rule the world.” She exuded pride in her identity, body, mind, and sexuality. If you want to see that confidence in action, check out her “Vogue” performance at the MTV Movie Awards. For seventh-grade me, her boldness was something to aspire to. - She’s a “Bitch”
Madonna once said, “I’m tough, I’m ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.” With that one line, she flipped a negative label into a badge of honor. It taught me that being called a bitch could be met with a simple, “Thank you.” - She Doesn’t Care What Others Think
Long before Taylor Swift encouraged shaking off negativity, Madonna was a pro at it. When the media discovered old nude photos of her, they labeled her with every derogatory term in the book. Instead of issuing a formal apology, her response was simply, “So?” Even today, despite her countless accolades and record-breaking tours, she continues to face criticism that her male counterparts might avoid. Yet, Madonna brushes it off, using her immense success as a middle finger to the naysayers.
Happy birthday, Madonna! Thanks for being the fierce role model we all needed.
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Summary
In this playful homage to Madonna, the author reflects on how the pop icon’s tenacity, authenticity, and confidence shaped her own self-image as a teenager. Despite her mother’s concerns about Madonna’s influence, the author shares how the singer’s hard work and unapologetic attitude became a source of inspiration rather than negative behavior.