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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, June 11, 2010 · 22 The truth about Lady Gaga -- it's about identity By Haley Rose GRADE 11, ABBEY PARK H.S. hether you like her or not, Lady Gaga has undoubtedly captivated the minds (and eyes) of the whole world since she exploded onto the pop music scene in 2008. Her outlandish fashion sense and undeniable talent have made a name for her in the entertainment industry as of late. However, there are several misconceptions about Gaga that are in dire need W of clarification. Here, exposed, are a few of those fallacies that many of you will have heard at one time or another. Gaga's androgynous demeanour has led some to question her femininity, and even further, her gender. Despite the circulating rumours, she has confirmed that she is, in fact, 100 per cent woman. When asked directly in an interview about whether or not she possessed both male and female genitalia, Gaga replied with a resounding "No." She then went on to express that she doesn't mind the rumour, as she "likes pushing (the) boundaries" between masculinity and femininity with her art. It has been said that Lady Gaga is a fake. This is the misconception that is most irritating to Gaga. She does write and produce all of her material, either solo or with other writers and producers. She also has repeatedly expressed that creating music for a living is the most important thing in her life, stating in Cosmopolitan magazine, "Your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn't love you anymore." As well, Gaga holds her legions of dedicated fans in high regard; when informed of reports encouraging her to take a break from performing, she replied with a determined, "I'll sleep when I'm dead, okay? I'd rather not die on vacation -- I'd rather die onstage with all my fans." Another criticism is that she just wears crazy outfits for attention. In a way, this is true; Gaga uses her clothing to catch the attention of the public. However, this is for the sake of garnering interest in her music and communicating that Gaga's apparel is a huge part of her overall artistry. She sees her clothing style as performance art, citing her fashions as just as important to her music and performance as the melody and lyrics them- selves. When questioned about why she wears such eccentric attire on a daily basis, Gaga responded by stating "I dress this way all the time because it inspires my life. My whole life is art and my whole life is performance." So, maybe Gaga does wear wild outfits that she probably isn't able to go to the bathroom in. And maybe her dancing style is a mix between Michael Jackson's Thriller and Lindsay Lohan having a manic episode. But evidently, Lady Gaga is and will continue to be a true artist, living and breathing her individuality. "It's not about money, it's not about prestige, it's not about class -- it's about having an identity. Harness your identity." -- Lady Gaga. Speak up! You can comment on any story in today's Oakville Beaver at oakvillebeaver.com. Oakville Yacht Squadron Sailing School · Great Summer Fun for Youth Ages 7 · Day Camp runs July & August · Adult Programs Available · Spaces still available! · CYA accredited instructors For more info contact: 905-338-9 oysheadinstructor@hotmail.com www.oysqn.com/sailingsschool.ht or come visit us! (97 Forsythe Stree the west side of 16 Mile Creek) LEARN TO SAIL! Restaurant & Patio 2009 SukoThai SukoTha (North of Dundas by Longo's) GOLD Best Thai Restaurant Dine-in · Take-out · Delivery 3115 Winston Churchill Blvd. AWARD 905-369-0486 www.sukothai.ca