Madonna is an expert at causing controversy while igniting conversations that are uncomfortable. The Independent describes Madonna’s latest Instagram picture controversy .
“The picture shows a Jewish man kissing a Muslim man, captioned with a heart emoji and the hashtag #rebelhearts. Debate raged between people who believed the photograph was incompatible with their faith, and those who argued it was a positive message of love.”
The Telegraph noted that one commenter under the post said that Islam doesn’t support homosexuality and if someone doesn’t like that, they don’t have to be a Muslim. However, others supported the picture as one that shows a positive message. Most commenters on the article seemed to support Madonna’s stance.
“It’s a beautiful image and one that speaks to the heart where accords and agreements about peace fail,” wrote Rayoliteuk.
“Not necessarily a pic MSM would condone. So Madonna gets a big thumbs up from me,” wrote Gibble.
However, at the site Gigwise , commenter Scott Smith is furious with Madonna.
“Wow, Madonna used to be ahead of the curve, but now she is just following the trend by supporting gay people, hoping to make herself relevant. It’s all cultural appropriation. Doesn’t she realize that Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and others have done the gay thing already? Stupid old lady!”
Mr. Smith, perhaps, is a gay millennial who doesn’t acknowledge that Madonna was a vocal gay rights activist in the 1980s and early 1990s at a time when being one could have killed your career. It was a time when gay people were treated like terrorists and a lot of that had to do with the AIDS virus. In 1990, Madonna caused controversy by speaking about censorship and homosexuality on Nightline .
“If we’re going to have censorship, let’s not be hypocrites about it. Why is it okay for 10-year-olds to see someone’s body being ripped to shreds and why do parents have a problem with 2 consenting adults displaying affection with each other regardless of their sex?”
In 2012, Madonna was condemned by Russian officials for supporting homosexuality, and despite the threats of violence, she performed a huge concert and gave a rousing speech about gay rights. She was later fined for her support and chose not to play Russia on her upcoming Rebel Heart World Tour.
Madonna’s Instagram has caused all sorts of controversy, with pictures that have been accused of racial insensitivity and, at times, even insensitivity towards the gay community. However, Madonna’s latest Instagram post, perhaps, has found the right balance between controversy and making a statement about love.
[Photo Credit: Instagram ]