Althouse: "Considering the level of sexuality expressed in some of these musicians’ music, maybe we shouldn’t be so surprised if they gravitate towards celibacy..."

April 12, 2010

"Considering the level of sexuality expressed in some of these musicians’ music, maybe we shouldn’t be so surprised if they gravitate towards celibacy..."

"... it’s like the butcher who is a vegetarian just to avoid taking the stench of flesh home with him."

18 comments:

traditionalguy said...: If the flesh has a "stench"to you, then wash it and perfume it. Don't run from it. Or is this the new 12 step program that says, "Hello, my name is Lenny and I am an fleshoholic". Complete abstinance sounds like a Catholic Priest. Hmmm.; 4/12/10, 5:58 PM
Joe said...: Except the butchers I know love meat.

A small number of musicians figure they can make a buck by proclaiming that they are celibate and this becomes a trend?

I suspect that for many of these people, celibacy does not mean what they think it means.; 4/12/10, 6:00 PM
Joe said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 4/12/10, 6:00 PM
GMay said...: I'm reminded of Madonna's recent concerns.

It's funny how so many artists seem to have no problem claiming at least some credit in tearing down the Berlin wall or lifting the Iron Curtain or other history making positives, but make the slightest suggestion that their craft may have negative consequences and...well...it's only a song man!; 4/12/10, 6:08 PM
Synova said...: Accepting that "celibate" means not having sex (as opposed to "celibate" meaning following acceptable rules and "abstinent" meaning not having sex) I think that people are over-thinking it.

I don't think that it's too much sexuality in their music. That doesn't even make sense. Perfectly celibate and abstinent young ladies live on a constant diet of erotic literature after all.

But it does make sense to me that someone like Lady Gaga would 1) understand the publicity benefits of air time, 2) understand the publicity benefits of fans wanting to picture themselves with her instead of someone else, and 3) genuinely not have the time or patience for empty sex for the sake of empty sex.

There isn't a down side to this, particularly if she doesn't actually have a significant other, and not everyone does all the time. It's also not a bad idea to actually be available if she's looking.

Same with the other artists.; 4/12/10, 6:12 PM
Edmund said...: I wonder if the celebrity gazing, tabloid journalism is a factor. When your every personal moment could end up sold to the highest bidder, when friends are difficult to separate from hangers-on and exploiters, and when there is no way to develop intimacy away from the flash of strobes, I don't doubt that celibacy could be attractive.

Of course, with Lady Gaga it could be a pose. The Lady might be celibate, but is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta?

wv: butiver - someone that refutes facts with personal anecdotes.; 4/12/10, 6:16 PM
Unknown said...: The flip side of this is that we probably don't want people like that breeding anyway.; 4/12/10, 6:23 PM
traditionalguy said...: If I remember right this has always been the Focus on the Family's original birth control plan. It seems to have come from advice about keeping one's vessel clean/holy. How very interesting.; 4/12/10, 6:31 PM
Kirby Olson said...: Lady G's attitude toward sexuality is scary. I think she spooked herself, perhaps.; 4/12/10, 7:06 PM
Anonymous said...: No, . it’s like the butcher who just wants to avoid taking the stank of Lady GaGa home with him."; 4/12/10, 7:11 PM
Penny said...: Perhaps declaring celibacy is like saying, "Don't hit on me! I'll hit on you when I want some of what you got." And so ends the celibacy...; 4/12/10, 7:38 PM
Moose said...: Twunt?; 4/12/10, 8:25 PM
ricpic said...: Do they gravitate to celibacy...or are they pushed?

Some folks gravitate to celibacy,
Though that I do not believe;
Most lack the adequacy
To cast luringly, hook and then retrieve.; 4/12/10, 8:51 PM
Calypso Facto said...: I think the President made a call to ask Ms. Ga Ga to cool it because she was riling up the Muslims.; 4/12/10, 9:58 PM
William said...: Celibacy is an act of onamism by a celebrity. Much as the ancient Pharoahs considered only their sisters worthy of marriage, celebrities consider only themselves worthy of performing acts of intimacy on themselves...Celibacy should not be confused with those degenerate vegans whose love of veggies has passed all normal bounds and use celery stalks to pleasure themselves. I know it's California and all, but I think this practice should disqualify Edmund Brown from higher office.; 4/12/10, 11:05 PM
gbarto said...: If you can't have the lavender blonde, what's the point?; 4/13/10, 12:12 AM
Opus One Media said...: lady gaga is to music as
porn is to betty crocker; 4/13/10, 6:21 AM
TMink said...: What HDH said.

Trey; 4/13/10, 9:00 AM