illuminati

Yes, I know. She's not everybody's cup of tea.
But I'm here for that tea, dahhlink. I know, they say it was horrible because it was ato-tuned (duh) and that it was 'weird'. Some blogger friends commented on it: John and Angelito among others. But I'm here for the conspiracy theories. Yes, because there's nothing like an absolutely bonkers conspiracy theory to make me watch music videos. And Madonna (who's been at this for a long time) is an expert in stirring the pot with her performances. And after all, that's what gets her free publicity and starts the rumor mill in earnest.

One of the best conspiracy theories I've read about her is this one by Vigilant Citizen, and it's BONKERS:

At the beginning of the performance, Madonna was standing at the top of the stairs representing the highest level of “illumination”. By going down the stairs, Madonna symbolically lowers herself to the level of the masses. While doing so, she showcases an inverted cross because that is what they want the masses to believe in.

What's not to love? Tell me. You should go to his site (I'm assuming is a man, natch) and read the whole tirade. It's fantastically unhinged. This blogger is one of many of those people whop peddle online conspiracy theories, something that has become more and more common in recent years and have become more and more mainstream. According to some,  Madonna is the head of some kind of Illuminati cabal, giving the world all those images that need to be deciphered by the initiated.  And she's heard those theories and even wrote a song about it. Madonna, always a step ahead. Of course, the dark side of conspiracy theories is nothing to laugh about. Conspiracy theories, after all, gave America its on Orange Clown, the well known Twitler in Chief, Hair Furor. Because Cheeto's whole presidency is based on conspiracy theories, something his base goes for with full gusto, and it should not surprise anybody:

For example, research has found that people who believe in conspiracy theories tend to have a greater need for cognitive closure1 (the desire to find an explanation when explanations are lacking) and to be unique.2 They're more likely to have a cognitive bias called hypersensitive agency detection3 or teleologic thinking4 (whereby events are overattributed to hidden forces, purposes, and motives). Some research has also found that conspiracy beliefs are associated with lower levels of education3 and analytic thinking.5

PSYCHOLOGYTODAY

Just like the Vigilant Citizen guy, Cheeto has been spreading conspiracy theories and has based his whole presidency on them: Obama's birther bullshit, calling climate change a Chinese hoax, saying that Scalia was killed in his sleep and even that the Clintons killed Epstein (??).  But his most egregious (and sellable one) is that HE is being persecuted and that nobody can be trusted, like he said to the Romanian president. And his followers lap it up like there's no tomorrow:

Israeli journalist Chemi Shalev writes, “Conspiracy theories are like a religion. Their adherents believe in higher powers that control human developments. They divide the world into forces of light and forces of darkness. They believe only they can perceive the real truth. Like most religions, conspiracy theories are immune to objective refutation: Contradictory facts are quickly digested and transformed into further proof that confirms the original theory.”

And that, my dear is the whole Trumpanzee worldview in a nutshell: they idolize an authoritarian who's confirming their bias and bigotry, they long for the days where they could just subscribe to their (only white) subgroups and thirst after dog whistles that confirm that bigoted ideal. The most important for me is the one that of Relative Deprivation, something that Cheeto has nailed into his follower's twisted psyche: they have been deprived of something they feel entitled to. They are furious at others they consider inferior and at the 'elites' (no matter that Cheeto is actually the personification of elitism).

So yeah, Madonna. She did touch on topics like climate change and the idea of dictators in that song with Quavo she sang during Eurovision but if one pays attention, there is a theme that continues through several of her songs: Dark Ballet, God Control, Batuka and Killers who are Partying: the artist is listening to what's going on int the world. We could dismiss Madonna as an eighties pop star who refuses to 'behave her age' or somebody who has not had 'a hit in years' or as an appropriator of cultures or just kind of go for the 'she's an artist with a vision'. Whichever your point of view, remember, the Illuminati are watching....


XOXO



Madonna's released some videos after that live show. Right now, I'm into this one, but of course I had to google Swae Lee because I can't keep up with the pop music machine. It gives me 80's Madonna vibes.




This one is a literal mini-play. For those who still long for Madge doing something relevant. I'm still they're gonna say 'boring'. Their loss.



This one is fantastic, IMHO. Ruthless narrative, clear message, catchy beat.



This is your wake up call. Gun violence disproportionately affects children, teenagers and the marginalized in our communities. Honor the victims and demand GUN CONTROL. NOW.  Volunteer, stand up, donate, reach out.  Wake up and insist on common-sense gun safety legislation. Innocent lives depend on it. Join me in supporting the following organizations:

https://everytownresearch.org/
https://marchforourlives.com/
https://www.gaysagainstguns.net/
https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/
https://www.hrc.org/
https://www.thetaskforce.org/
https://transequality.org/
http://www.ncadv.org/
https://www.onepulseforamerica.com/
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Production Company: Serial Pictures
Director: Jonas Åkerlund
Producer: Violaine Etienne
Line Producer: Peter Sprouse
Head of Production: Jennifer Gee
Director of Photography: Eric Broms
Production Designer: Emma Fairly
Costume Designer: B. Åkerlund

And then, this one. With a powerful message against misogyny and a little bit of hope shining at the end.