Madonna: My Lady of Controversy

A Taliswoman Short

Original image by the author (image: Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” album cover)

Madonna irritates me.

That’s not really something I’d say about any of my other Taliswomen, but I say it with affection.

I was ten years old when she burst onto the world’s stage. Back then, what went on in big cities was mostly a mystery to those of us in the provinces. For us, she looked like nothing we’d ever seen.

She’s been a constant in my life since; not often in the forefront of my mind, but just there, taking up cultural space.

Often in the last decade, I’ve rolled my eyes. “What are you doing, Madonna?” I cringe.

But her entire career has been about causing controversy. Being a pebble in the shoe of culture, or at least people.

When all is said & done, job well done, Madonna.