Lady Gaga Asks, ‘Do You Wanna See Me Naked?’ On Behalf Of Muslim Women

The leak of Lady Gaga’s new single, supposedly titled either “Burqa”, “Aura” or a combination of the two, has inspired much controversy; and rightfully so. Rumored to be part of her forthcoming album ArtPop, the song has left many shocked, even coming from Gaga: queen of the unconventional and audacious. The unsurprisingly sexual song features the following lyrics:

I’m not a wandering slave, I am a woman of choice
My veil is protection for the gorgeousness of my face
You want to fancy me cause the’s always one man to love
But in the bedroom, the size of him is more than enough
Do you wanna see me naked, lover?
Do you wanna peak underneath the cover?
Do you wanna see the girl who lives behind the aura, behind the aura?
Do you wanna touch me, let’s make love
Do you wanna peak underneath the cover?
Do you wanna see the girl who lives behind the aura
Behind the aura, behind the aura, behind the aura
Enigma popstar is fun
She wear burqa for fashion
It’s not a statement as much as just a move of passion

Naturally, these lyrics have resulted in a colossal amount of controversy, as they directly contradict traditional Hijab culture (which dictates the dress code Muslims observe). Hijab places the ideal of modesty above all else; wearing a form of the veil is its embodiment. Unfortunately, some Muslim women are forced to cover themselves without a say in the matter. However, it’s important to recognize that there are many Muslim women who make the choice to don a form of the veil. Placing the assumption that all women wearing a burqa are being oppressed is unfair and incorrect. For many Muslim women, covering up entirely or partially is an expression of humility and restraint, motivated by religious faith.

Gaga’s brash interpretation of the burqa devalues it and places unwanted associations on those who adhere to Hijab. Her distasteful representation of the burqa contradicts its traditional significance and degrades an honorable element of Muslim culture.

Conversely, some have voiced support of the song’s message, proposing that it empowers Muslim women by transforming their status as voiceless victims to confident, sexual beings. The issue with this argument is that Muslim women are not homogeneous. The song superimposes sexuality on women wearing the burqa, regardless of if they want or accept this association or not. Gaga is obviously not singing in solidarity with Muslim women, as she doesn’t have the experience to warrant it. And if she is singing “on their behalf”, she is making a gross generalization that all Muslim women are secretly super-sexual temptresses hiding behind burqas.

Mariam Elba writes in a recent review of the song,

If Gaga really wanted to empower Muslim women, perhaps she should have reconsidered doing so via a hyper sexualized song. There are more effective routes to empowerment besides rampant sexuality. The lustful image Gaga imposes on burqa-wearing women only exacerbates the alienation that already plights many Muslims; especially those living in Western society. In addition to misconceptions that all Muslim women are quiet, sheltered and submissive, with Gaga’s help they are also represented as sexualized objects.

Unfortunately, “Burqa”, even if composed as a feeble attempt to tackle “oppression” of the modern day Muslim woman, does the exact opposite. While Gaga doesn’t paint the clichéd passive picture of Muslim women, sexualizing them offers yet another stereotype which alienates and dehumanizes them.

When I first heard the song, I was offended myself; and I’m not Muslim. I could care less about Gaga, but I found her negligence of such a complex and contemporary subject startling. Although I can’t wholly relate to a religion I don’t practice, I have spent some time studying Islam and its place in Western society. I am constantly disappointed to see misconceptions of Islamic culture prevail.

This is why, on second thought, I wondered if maybe Gaga’s latest mantra could actually offer some positive results; despite my aversions. While I don’t agree that substituting much-assumed Muslim subservience with sexuality is appropriate, it could change the conversation surrounding the burqa in a progressive way. Gaga transforms the burqa’s meaning; and by doing so, allows different interpretations of its purpose.

Another strong point to consider is the obvious exceptionalism that a burqa-clad Gaga is afforded in comparison with Muslim women, who face daily discrimination. In France for example, wearing a full veil in public spaces was made illegal in 2010, despite the fact that the law was estimated to affect around 2,000 women, from a total Muslim population estimated at between four and six million. Gaga’s song may inspire some to reconsider the “threat” of the burqa and reevaluate its modern day meaning. As Cerrah says, I highly doubt we will be seeing the superstar fined by French officials while perusing Parisian street anytime soon.

The results of the song remain to be seen. What is certain is that it won’t be received without reverberation.

Have a listen to the track here.

This article was originally published on the Urban Times.