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See, Mom? Madonna Didn’t Make Me a Shameless Hussy!
by Laura Bennett
Updated: Aug. 3, 2016
Originally Published: Aug. 16, 2005
As the youngest of four and my mother’s only daughter, I was born into a world overflowing with femininity. My mom grew up in a family of nine sisters, so when I arrived, she had lofty expectations for me—dresses, hair bows, and dolls galore. However, being raised with three brothers meant I quickly veered away from the “girly” path. While my mom dreamed of a daughter who adored pink and played dress-up, she instead got a little girl who preferred roughhousing and asked for a plastic Rambo knife for Christmas (which, by the way, doubled as a compass!). While she hoped I would idolize Debbie Gibson or Belinda Carlisle, my heart belonged to Madonna.
But not just any Madonna—the audacious ’90s version with her iconic cone bra and boundary-pushing antics. I understood my mom’s concerns that Madonna could lead me down a reckless path, yet here I am in my late 30s, and I’ve never hitchhiked in a scandalous outfit or donned a cone bra. I’ll admit to a few intense vogue-ing sessions, but those were easily managed with some Bengay! In fact, Madonna was a surprisingly positive influence on my life. Here are five reasons why she was a remarkable role model for my awkward teenage years.
1. She Exemplifies Hard Work
Madonna didn’t have the luxury of a celebrity family background. She started her journey with just $35 and a part-time gig at Dunkin’ Donuts. During her early years, she faced homelessness, subsisting on popcorn. Despite being robbed and even assaulted, she didn’t give up on her dreams of stardom. Instead of retreating to Michigan, she adapted her vision and focused on music, distributing her cassette tapes to DJs without the aid of social media. Now, over three decades later, she’s still hustling, preparing for her new Rebel Heart world tour next month (which I can’t wait to attend in October!).
2. She Speaks Her Truth
In an era where publicists craft every word for celebrities, Madonna stands out for her raw honesty. Her 1990 Nightline interview, where she defends her controversial video “Justify My Love,” is a prime example. She challenges societal norms surrounding nudity and sex, all while showing her genuine self, including the occasional stumble. Watching her stand firm in her beliefs inspired me as a teenager.
3. She Exudes Confidence
Madonna’s unapologetic self-assurance left a lasting impact on me. I remember an interview on American Bandstand where, when asked about her future plans, she confidently declared, “To rule the world.” This wasn’t a joke; it was a declaration. Her pride in her identity, body, and sexuality radiated confidence. If you need proof, just watch her “Vogue” performance at the MTV Movie Awards—she embodies fabulousness.
4. She Embraces Being Called a “Bitch”
Madonna famously said, “I’m tough, I’m ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.” With that one statement, she transformed a derogatory term into a badge of honor, teaching me to respond to insults with a simple, “Thank you.”
5. She Doesn’t Worry About Others’ Opinions
Long before the likes of Taylor Swift sang about shaking off negativity, Madonna was already a pro at it. When nude photos from her past resurfaced during her peak popularity, she brushed off the media’s harsh judgments with a cool, “So?” Even now, despite her numerous accolades, she continues to face scrutiny from the media. However, her success acts as a powerful rebuttal to the haters, proving that she won’t be defined by others.
Happy Birthday, Madonna! Thank you for being the ultimate trailblazer.
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In summary, Madonna’s impact on my life goes far beyond mere fascination; she taught me about hard work, confidence, and the importance of speaking my truth.
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