Say and think whatever you want about Madonna, but there's no doubt she will not tolerate the sexist and ageist society that too many women deal with day in and day out. On Wednesday, Madonna defended her 2016 Met Gala outfit on Instagram, after she received heavy criticism for wearing something so revealing for "a woman of her age." Her transparent dress, which also showed her butt, left a bad taste in some mouths, because, why would a 57-year-old woman and mother wear something so inappropriate? I mean, how dare she!
Well, Madonna is just as frustrated as I am by the negativity and judgment sent her way, as she revealed in a long, but worthy, Instagram post. She wrote,
We have fought and continue to fight for civil rights and gay rights around the world. When it comes to Women's rights we are still in the dark ages. My dress at the Met Ball was a political statement as well as a fashion statement. The fact that people actually believe a woman is not allowed to express her sexuality and be adventurous past a certain age is proof that we still live in an age-ist and sexist society. I have never thought in a limited way and I'm not going to start. We cannot effect change unless we are willing to take risks By being fearless and By taking the road leas[t] traveled by. Thats how we change history. If you have a problem with the way I dress it is simply a reflection of your prejudice. I'm not afraid to pave the way for all the girls behind me‼️ As Nina Simone once said, the definition of freedom is being fearless. I remain Unapologetic and a Rebel in this life and all the others. Join my fight for Gender. Equality!
Excuse me, while I take a moment to give her a standing ovation.
Is Madonna's outfit something I would ever wear? No. Are people allowed to voice their opinions about her dress? Of course. That said, criticism can be given without saying Madonna (or any woman, for that matter) should wear something that is so-called "age appropriate." As soon as someone brings up a woman's age in relation to what she is wearing, how she is acting, how she carries herself, or how she embraces her sexuality, that person has crossed the line and has just proven why sexism and ageism are two huge issues that women continue to fight.
Do you ever hear about a man being "too old" for something he wears or how he expresses himself? I don't think so. Take that time in 2014 when John Stamos shared a selfie of his abs at 51. I'm pretty sure no one complained about that or told the Fuller House star that now he is past 50 he should keep himself covered up.
But far too often, women are slammed for just that. Guess what? There is no expiration date for women to stop being sexy or showing off their bodies in a confident way. Not only is that both sexist and ageist, it's also archaic.
Madonna has always stood out from the crowd and worn her confidence proudly, so to hear people gasp over her Met Gala look is surprising. When hasn't she embraced her age and sex appeal? That's what has made her a star and a role model. It's time for everyone to get over it.
Never once has the singer ever apologized for loving herself or for being who she is and she isn't going to start now. It really is mind-boggling to think that she even has to stand up for herself or speak out at all, but that is unfortunately due to the society we live in today where women are still battling for gender equality.
Thankfully, there is someone like Madonna who is using her huge platform to continue the fight.
Image: Giphy
