Madonna, you've gone too far


I've always respected Madonna not so much for her talent but because I thought she was a saavy business woman and a damned good performer. And though I've gradually transformed into a liberal, I cannot fathom why she would choose to perform her dreary song "Live To Tell" in the manner pictured at right.

I don't mind a healthy satire of Christianity. I'm all for the secular sect keeping the religious right in check. But appearing in such a blatantly blasphemous pose is not only offensive, it is extremely hypocritical.

Madonna goes out of her way to defend her Kabbalah beliefs. She criticized a journalist for making fun of her decision to not perform on Fridays as a nod to the way of her religion.

But clad in a crown of thorns and hung on a cross, Madonna isn't above mocking other people's faith. You can call it artistic, freedom of expression, performance art, what have you. I see it as nothing more than a publicity stunt at the expense of what many people live their lives for.

And don't get me started on the song choice. "Live To Tell?" That's easily one of the most boring songs in Madonna's canon. I mean, come on, if you're going to go all Jesus, at least have the decency to use the gesture wisely (a la "Like a Prayer").

Perhaps I should see in person just how severe this offensive gesture is. I intend to. Saturday, June 3 at the Staples Center. But I won't buy a T-shirt.