Lady Gaga, or Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, is the queen of controversy, wacky outfits, and catchy songs.  But she has an underlying message in everything she does: Be yourself, and flaunt it.

Many students at Shalhevet oppose Lady Gaga, saying she’s a man, or just a rip-off of Madonna.  But few actually take the time to acquaint themselves with Lady Gaga’s philosophy.  Stefani pushes boundaries and goes to the extreme for a reason: to help bring people out and to be more confident about themselves. She helps them by singing lyrics that can inspire such people with difficulties coming to terms with who they are, and creates anthems for those who need to be inspired.

On her YouTube page, Lady Gaga posts uplifting comments to all those who need help, and tells her “little monsters” – as she calls her fans — that they are beautiful. Many of her lyrics that are unknown to most people point out flaws about herself; the underlying message at the end is not to care, to be happy with who and what you are. For those who don’t take too kindly to drama queens, perhaps Lady Gaga’s flamboyant dramatic fiascos can be excused for the message she is trying to send people and the way she is helping.

The acoustic versions of her songs– different because no electric beats or instruments are used – are a must-hear for anyone who doubts her creativity and originality. Ignoring all the ga-ga-goo-la-las, people dubbed Stefani a weirdo and wrote her off.  But now she’s becoming a sensational artist, and her new album, Born This Way, is getting great reviews. 

“I’m beautiful in my way, because God makes no mistakes,” she sings, wearing and thinking about who-knows-what. But no matter: “I’m on the right track baby, I was born this way.” Everyone feels like a misfit sometimes, and some people feel like a misfit all the time.  Perhaps everyone, then, can learn a lesson from her: love who you are.