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Born This Way by Lady Gaga

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Born This Way by Lady Gaga

Introduction

Lady Gaga, born as Stefani Angelina, is a famous American singer, actress,

songwriter and performer who has revolutionized the music industry through her

versatility and creativity. Lady Gaga is considered among the musicians with her career

augmented by her outstanding fashion sense and taste in music. Close to a decade ago, the

musician released her second album called born this way which was focused on cultivating

self-acceptance , regardless of individual differences , and unity regardless on differences in

beliefs. using this album, the musician developed a different facet for her fans. In this regard, the

musician was able to address the growing diversity of her crowd as the song addressed

inequalities in the society and provided hope by calling out people to stand in unison (Casserly,

2011). The song, which was composed in 2010 and released in 2011, is an electropop

composition that won several awards including the MTV Europe Music Award for best song.

Gender content in the song

The highlights in the music both lyrical, fashion and presentation are critically

selected to ensure that they are iconic as well as in resonance with the message of the song.

The song addresses numerous gender identity issues such as gender, sex and the end of the

normal wherein the musician is considered a symbol of feminism and gender diversity. the

song starts by claiming that it doesn’t matter who you love instigating that one should be

proud because they were born that way. in the second paragraph, the song indicates that

all individuals were born superstars and that there is no problem with loving who you are

(Williams, 2014). Once the song was released, it quickly resonated with the audience who were
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mainly gender queer and young women and rose to the top. Over time, the song has been

identified as an anthem for the gender queer.

In the current society, the ability to integrate individual differences is crucial to the

development of individual self-esteem and beliefs. the song addresses the concept of

individuality and self-belief by campaigning for people to love who they are regardless of

their environment. the musician calls for unashamed sexuality. In today’s world, the concept

of sexuality and gender identity have become crucial to the development of self-values and

confidence. As a result, the song empowers individuals to step out of the norm. the basic

nature of the song poses a significant challenge to the perception of the society towards

gender norms and definition of people based on their sexuality. Using the song, the

musician empowers women and the queer community to be brave in their honesty.

How the song reinforces or subverts traditional rules or assumptions about gender

To begin with, the song was released during a revolutionary period where the concept of

sexuality was challenged by the existing social values and norms. As a result, the song became a

turning point and source of strength for those seeking reassurance and confidence in their

sexuality and gender. The song is based on the concept of empowerment and freedom with the

purpose of making people understand that despite the differences in sexual or gender orientation,

no one chose to be who they are and were rather born that way.

In the traditional sense of gender and sexuality, the song challenges the assumptions that

people are only expected to be heterosexual and attracted to the opposite gender. In this regard,

the song cultivates people to be true to their sexual orientations by emphasizing on strength and

empowerment (Okwodu, 2021). At the same time, the song challenges individuals and the

society to embrace gender and sexual diversity. additionally, the song advices people to be proud
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of their lovers. The concept is relevant due to the stigmatization that was associated with being

gender queer. As a result, the song plays a critical role in the revolution of gender beliefs and

sexual orientation in the society.

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References

Casserly, M. (2011). Lady Gaga's Born This Way: Gay Anthems And Girl Power. Forbes.

Retrieved 9 June 2022, from

https://www.forbes.com/sites/meghancasserly/2011/02/11/lady-gagas-born-this-way-gay-

anthems-and-girl-power/?sh=55484d632fe5.

Okwodu, J. (2021). Born This Way’s Fashion and Message Remain Powerful a Decade Later.

Vogue. Retrieved 9 June 2022, from https://www.vogue.com/article/lady-gaga-born-this-

way-fashion-message-nicola-formichetti.

Williams, J. (2014). “Same DNA, but Born this Way”: Lady Gaga and the Possibilities of

Postessentialist Feminisms. Journal Of Popular Music Studies, 26(1), 28-46.

https://doi.org/10.1111/jpms.12058