The first cultural icon I would like to discuss is Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn Monroe was born on June 1, 1926. She was actually born to the name Norma Jeane Mortenson, but later changed her name for her career as a diva. Marilyn Monroe is also known as "The Blonde Bombshell". Before Monroe became famous she actually worked in a factory. Eventually this gorgeous blond signed with Blue Book Modeling Agency and became one of Blue Book's most successful models. Monroe appeared on the cover of numerous magazines and was extremely famous for her appearances in Playboy. Marilyn Monroe's most famous movie is Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and her most famous song is Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend. Marilyn Monroe was married to three different men (at different times). Her first husband was James Dougherty, then she married Jo DiMaggio, and finally she was married to Arthur Miller. Unfortunately, Monroe died at the young age of thirty six years old. Her death was due to acute barbiturate poisoning which could have been a suicide. The name Marilyn Monroe is still extremely well known. I think almost everyone knows who this bombshell is. She was a cultural icon in her day, and her name will live on forever.
The second name that comes to mind when I think "Diva" is Madonna. Madonna was born on August 16, 1958 and she was the third of six children. Madonna was the "sissy" in her family and often used her feminine charm to get what she wanted. Madonna's family was extremely religious. Her mother unfortunately died of breast cancer when Madonna was only five years old, but this actually helped her start her career. Madonna said "I think the biggest reason I was able to express myself and not be intimidated was by not having a mother. For example, mothers teach you manners, and I absolutely did not learn any of those rules and regulations." Eventually Madonna's father got remarried, but the young girl did not like her new stepmother. Madonna said she saw herself as a "Cinderella". Because she didn't enjoy life with her new family, Madonna rebelled by wearing revealing clothing and going to underground gay night clubs. Even though the young girl had a rebellious side, she was still a straight A student, a cheerleader, and a dancer. Eventually Madonna dropped out of college to pursue a career in dancing and even spent some time working in France as a show girl. Madonna formed many bands and eventually went solo. Two of Madonna's most famous songs would have to be Vogue and Like a Virgin. Madonna's videos became very controversial because of the way she pushed boundaries. I think Madonna is one of the most famous divas who have ever lived and I really don't think she will ever be forgotten.
The most recent definition of "Diva" is definitely fulfilled by one simple word: Gaga. Lady Gaga's birth name is Stefani Joanne Germanotta but this simple name just didn't suit such a big personality, so she is now known as "Lady Gaga". Gaga went to a very strict catholic school that actually pushed her to want to be different. She was definitely a social misfit when she was young because of the fact that she just doesn't conform. Gaga started out by writing songs for other pop divas such as Britney Spears, but eventually started writing for herself. Lady Gaga doesn't cater to the mainstream, yet the mainstream loves her. Lady Gaga has an extremely unique sense of fashion and she actually merges music and fashion. Gaga is always thinking of new and improved music, dance moves, outfits, and video concepts, in fact she says she even dreams these things while she is asleep. Gaga absolutely loves the spotlight, yet she doesn't take herself seriously. Unfortunately there is a lot of negativity around Lady Gaga. This amazing artist definitely pushes the boundaries and creates extremely controversial videos and music. Her most controversial video to date is her new video Judas. Though there are some people who associate negativity with the name Gaga, this artists fans are some of the most loyal group of people on the Earth. Gaga is extremely in touch with her fans or "Little Monsters" as she calls them. Because of these fans, Gaga has the top twitter account of anybody in the world with over ten million followers. Lady Gaga says "It's not about the world telling you who you are, it's about you telling the world". I think Lady Gaga is the most famous "diva" there has ever been and I don't think anybody will ever forget her.
I can definitely see similarities and differences between these three cultural icons. One big similarity I see is the fact that Madonna and Lady Gaga were both raised in a very religious environment which made them want to be different. Another huge similarity between Madonna and Lady Gaga is the fact that both of their music and videos were, and still are very controversial. I really don't see any similarities between these two and Marilyn Monroe except for the obvious "blonde bombsell
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