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What do you think of the decision to cancel Lady Gaga's concert in Indonesia?

18 Comments

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Her concert was sold out. Thousands and thousands of young people wanted to see her, they wanted to embrace that culture and her messages of tolerance. It's not for religious old men to decide the country's morals and rules, and braying about how you'll protest violently and with lethal force if a young musician performs is not something to be respected as "cultural difference."

We should never be told to respect cultural differences that quash freedom of speech and expression, art, and vilify femininity. There's a lot of things to be admired and respected about Indonesia, but this is just pathetic - and certainly doesn't represent a huge portion of the country's youth.

4 ( +7 / -2 )

The reason Gaga gave for cancelling had more to do with concerns for safety of her and concert goers. Given that a large proportion of the violence in this world is perpetuated by fundamental Muslims I think she was justified. I feel bad for her fans in Indonesia, but the country's leaders are obviously not ready to embrace diversity and freedom of expression. So they can watch her concert on a pirated DVD instead. Maybe in a few more centuries...

3 ( +3 / -0 )

As a visitor in another country, you are not immune/above its laws, customs, and culture; the freedom you hold in the USA and other regions, is not applicable everywhere.

It is the height of naivete to assume otherwise...

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Seems the local promoter Indonesia screwed up and will lose some serious cash. "Japanese sensibilities" - Yes, Japanese prime time TV never has bawdy topics & the tarento and entertainers never wear revealing attire. Additionally, the newspapers never have pictures of women in bikinis or underwear, nor advertisements for special "ahem" services. What Japan are you living in? I feel much better letting my kids watch lions tear apart their prey on National Geographic than watch what passes for "family" tv here during prime time, which can be often unsuitable for young children. I don't feel like explaining about breast enlargements or what an "okama" is to a 5 yr old.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Lady Gaga is well covered in tattoos - this is offensive to Japanese Have you all seen her videos? Lady Gaga promotes homosexuality,promiscuity,death and brainwashing-all these images and more are in her music videos. Personally I rather like her songs but electrocuting people is not an image that children should easily be exposed to...........

Tattoos are not "offensive" in Japan - tattoos on rowdy looking Japanese men are associated with yakuza. But that doesn't mean tattoos are offensive, especially not when an American blonde girl has the symbol for peace tattooed on her wrist - and even in Japan, more young musicians (and young people in general) are sporting tattoos.

And what do you mean, Lady Gaga promotes those things? If she promotes tolerance of gay people, GOOD. Promiscuity? What, I suppose you mean because she's a woman who dares to show a little skin and act confidently? Because she's stated time and time again that she believes sex is an important, special thing and she doesn't want to have sex outside of a relationship. And please tell me exactly where she supports "death" and "brainwashing"... I'm very, very curious on how you came up with that one.

That being said, Lady Gaga's show is certainly PG13 - due to language and reference to mature issues, I wouldn't take an 8 year old to see it. But it's certainly not inappropriate for a teen. On the contrary, her messages of tolerance and her strong stance against bullying make her an ideal figure for any teens.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

It is a very sad news for all people living Indonesia. That's not the first, and probably not the last time that their authorities give up to the pressure of extremists.

; the freedom you hold in the USA and other regions, is not applicable everywhere.

OK for Gaga. She really is little affected, she can go anywhere. But you'd say that to Indonesian people that are not in folkloric Muslim culture ? There were thousands of adult Indonesian citizens that had chosen to get ticket. Their freedom is "not applicable" ?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

IMO, I couldn't care less. Neither she nor her "music" appeals to me.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@ Cos:

There were thousands of adult Indonesian citizens that had chosen to get ticket. Their freedom is "not applicable" ?

No.

OK for Gaga. She really is little affected, she can go anywhere.

Exactly, she's an American.

Freedom is easily taken for granted, until you see not everyone has it.

I can relate to the fans disappointment, but that is not GAGA's battle...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It's always sad to see government trample freedom of others to choose their own path. I supposed it is even sadder when its over vague fears about sex, morality and supposed harm caused no where but in the mind. One would think these geezers would have more important things to in the real world rather than with a concert performance that mostly just affects the mind.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

it can`t be helped.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

All about religion....not a fan of GaGa, but not a fan of religion either.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Forget Lady Gaga. The important issue here is that the concert was cancelled because of threats of violence by Islamic extremists. That is truly obscene. Unfortunately it casts both Indonesia and Islam is a poor light.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Justified.

Lady Gaga's image and cultural norms are not those of Indonesia.

At press conferences in Japan and whilst being interviewed on tv in Japan she is always well covered up so as not to offend Japanese sensibilities.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Isn't public nudity illegal?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

i think gaga should respect a countrys culture and religion.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I think the Indonesian people are very very lucky.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Sorry, but I stick with what I say.

Tattoos have a negative image in Japan. Any hot spring here will turf you out if found to have them. Those with tattoos will be denied that aspect of Japanese culture. Giving blood or taking a marriage partner will also be less possible. In fact, the younger Japanese with tattoos are increasingly turning to doctors to remove them-a sign of how conservative society is here.

@Alliasis

You would do well if you wish to really 'understand' why Lady Gaga was banned to warth her videos several times.

My critique of Lady Gaga is not personal rather it is based on the norms and cultural biases of the Indonesians.However, the messages in her videos are dark indeed........

-5 ( +0 / -4 )

@Ultradork

Lady Gaga is well covered in tattoos - this is offensive to Japanese

Have you all seen her videos?

Lady Gaga promotes homosexuality,promiscuity,death and brainwashing-all these images and more are in her music videos.

Personally I rather like her songs but electrocuting people is not an image that children should easily be exposed to...........

-8 ( +0 / -7 )

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