Madonna at 50: Serious double standard?

Question

Madonna, apparently, turns 50 this weekend. I'm not a fan and don't listen to pop music. But the news source I was reading has message boards underneath, and most of the comments were unpleasant. Not about her music (not everyone's cup of tea), but with regards to her being "old" and "nasty" and should "hang it up, dear" and "quit embarrassing yourself."

Now, perhaps my memory is faulty, but I just don't remember comments of this nature when Mick Jagger or David Bowie turned 60 and were still dressing youthfully, and Jagger was fathering children with 20-somethings.

(I am NOT comparing Madonna's musical talent to that of those gentlemen; there is no comparison, I am speaking of perception of her age and her public image.)

What think you?

Answer 1

Yes, it's a double standard. She still looks good, too, unlike Mick Jagger.  Society just deems it "unbecoming" for a 50-year-old woman to be flagrantly selling s*x, like she does and always has.  And she's done it well.  I see no reason why she should stop.

Answer 2

Ryde On--Madonna and Brittany sell s*x because they HAVE to. Women in the music industry, even though they may be just as talented (not the case with Brit, obviously) HAVE to sell s*x in order to become a "big star." Which is almost everyone's goal. Men don't have to do this, they can sell "cool" instead. But in a culture that equates a woman's worth with her looks, many female artists, (especially if they're short on talent) have to sell s*x appeal. Women are judged on their looks. And if YOU are going to try to deny this, then you're a hypocrite, because I've seen you do it here time and again.

And that is a huge double standard.

Answer 3

Madonna was someone that used sexuality, MTV, and vulgarity as a prop to gain financial success.

As to sexist comments about her?  Oh, come on, who cares.  By the way, you can't read or hear anything about a modern stones tour without hearing about their age.

I have a friend of mine who is Russian.  She lives in Russia, and, is old enough to remember pre Perestroika days.  She commented to me, that really, one of the major changes Russia experienced was the lifting of blandness and colorlessness that permeated the old soviet regime.

That colors, and opinion, went wild with freedom following the crash of the socially minded, but oppressive blanket of social control.

Yes, people can be stupid, shallow, and insulting with their opinions.

But, I'd say, all the more reason to cherish our freedom to be stupid and learn from our triteness!

Answer 4

There is a HUGE difference between what women wear and what men wear to attempt to be "Youthful"... men typically do not wear extremely revealing clothes so much as more risque fashions.

I doubt Mick Jagger or David Bowie would fair better from critics were they in a video wearing something like a Speedo at age 60, then Madonna would for wearing a Leotard in one of her videos...

The comment about having children at that age is hardly applicable for obvious biological and health reasons...

You're also as some pointed out comparing an entertainer, to a musician. Not the same thing...

Answer 5

madonna's cuteee ( :

Answer 6

There are alot of double standards in society and I would say that you make a point on this one.  I don't really know why people make comments about her in regards to her age, I don't understand it.  'Who cares?' is my opinion.  I would have to say that she should have hung it up a long time ago because she has sucked for that long.  

Answer 7

She passed her use-by-date as a singer many moons ago, and has largely lived off her reputation for the past 15 years anyway.

Jagger et al all have been criticise for their antics, but they have maintained at least a modicum of musical and artistic talent.  There might be a double standard in so far as old male rockers can seem more relevant than female ones.  Commercial success in latter years bears this out.

I am not sure that there is much that could be done as regards this situation, as most of the fan-base of ageing male rock-stars is female, and they create the double standard.  Many of them were not even close to being born when these blokes were originally in the charts.  Why an emaciated 60 plus like Jagger is considered even remotely attractive is beyond me, but there are certainly latter-day groupie types willing to put out for them.  Madonna comes across as less personable, and has always been a bit strange in how she portrays herself.  

Consider also that Bowie and Jagger et al don't make forays into social commentary or try and adopt babies from Africa through nefarious and dodgy means: that puts people off.  She did the damage to her image, especially in the UK where she has resided for so long.  Like it or not, British people are a lot more tolerant of British eccentric stars than American ones living in Britain.

EDIT

Well, there are a lot of people here who seem to think that 50+ Madonna is still s**y.  Fair enough, even though I cannot agree.  Good points are made though about the 'Stones being criticised regarding their age every time they tour: but they still sell tickets for every concert despite being clapped out.

Wendy g: you make a fair point from an American perspective, but the s*x perspective for female singers is exaggerated in the US.  The UK goes too far as well, but is a bit more tolerant as a woman ages.  Look at Billie Piper: she had her issues in her late teens as did Britney, but got herself out of the bad times and moved on: true, she certainly has more talent....  I also question the Britney culture where a girl is thrust forward as a relatively talentless and banal singer: this is far more common in the US where a string of teen pop divas is required every few years, and are considered old and irrelevant at 20.  Their teen sexuality is used as a marketing tools, and they often buy into their own publicity, believing that they have musical prowess when all their nubile body is what brings in the fans, most of whom are young girls aspiring to the same thing.

Answer 8

I love Madonna, but when I see her in a corsette with legs spread eagle, l*****g a whip, I feel she's pushing it a bit. When you're at the age where you are almost a grandmother I don't think this look suits anyone. I don't think this is a double standard because you've never seen Mick Jagger posing like this but if he did (even 20 years ago) people would have made fun of him just as bad as they are with Madonna.

Answer 9

I agree. Hollywood emphasizes too severely on the physical image of female stars. Men, however, seem to get away with those slight imperfections.

The same comes for women dating younger men. Many are opposed to this idea, but do not have a problem with men dating younger women. I think it's a matter of time that situations such as these are to be accepted.

Answer 10

I have found that younger people made lots of age remarks. I think one reason is that numbers are a big deal to them. They can not see the bigger picture. Really once you are older you can enjoy life more because you are smarter. I say if you still look good show it. Male or female. Use taste of course!

Answer 11

Yep - the same double standard when Michael Douglas fathers children in his old age, but women receiving IVF past the age of 50 are treated like they are condemming their children to a motherless future.  As the baby boomers age, we're going to see more and more women refusing to quit singing, acting, working just because they hit middle age, so hopefully society will become more used to it.  And f*ck the criticism, she's still selling tickets, so who cares what a few bitter people think?  :-)

Answer 12

There is no question that men get to stay "cool" and even attractive well into their 60's while women get considered old in their early 40's. But while this seems very unfair to women, I have two points to make against the complaint of it:

1.) It's not like someone makes up these rules and everyone follows them. If women still think men are hot while those men are in their 60's, it's because women simply happen to find those men hot. And if men start to find women less attractive when women get into their 40's, then that's simply because men find those women less attractive. In other words, people have a right to their opinions and preferences, regardless of what seems fair. And if the popular opinion is that a 65 year old man is hot while a 45 year old woman is not, then that's just that and that's all there is to it.

2.) Biologically, men can reproduce throughout their whole life I think. So in biological terms, there is no reason for a woman to NOT find a man sexually attractive when he is old because he can still father children (which is the purpose of s*x and sexual attraction). Women, on the other hand, cannot have kids past a certain age and so it makes biological sense that their sexual appeal would decrease. Even though people don't really think about reproduction when they are horny or think someone is hot, reproduction is the real reason behind s*x in the first place. And so it makes sense that people would be less attracted to a woman that was incapable of reproducing. Of course, these biological concepts are ironically contrasting to the way many people DON'T want to have kids and use birth control when they have s*x. But regardless, s*x and sexual attraction exist because of reproduction. (Also, note that even when women are still capable of reproducing and have not yet reached menopause, it can still become increasingly dangerous for them to get pregnant and less likely to result in a healthy birth)

Answer 13

well i can honestly say i have never seen (in real life or on tv) a guy i would do at 50. the thought of it repulses me

have you seen helen mirren at 62 the uk are going mad for her.

Answer 14

Yes.  There is a bias that women who are older should just disappear.  But there is a lot of talk about when Jagger and Richards are going to quit.  So, it may not be sexist, but ageist.

Answer 15

no, you're right it is a double standard. But I have to wonder, if Madonna was maybe a politician, or Pulitzer prize winning author, would people be so harsh? Seems like men can get away with much more.  

Answer 16

I don't know if age should be an issue. What about Cher or Tina Turner?

So Madonna is 50, that doesn't make her old and nasty.

We live in a youth-oriented culture. I say that if middle-aged entertainers still have their chops they should still be able to work. I am not a fan of Madonna, but this has nothing to do with her age. I prefer rock, R&B, or jazz.

Yes, it would be a double-standard to be critical of a older female performer, but not critical of an older male performer; based on age.

Answer 17

Personally, I was amused when she was reported as telling her daughter that she "can't go out of the house wearing THAT".  You know someone's an adult when they start telling their kids the same thing their parents told them!  And for Madonna in particular, who's made a career, in part, of dressing to get attention....

Answer 18

Don't worry, my dear,  A - Rod  will " reinject " her with some of the youth she's lost and so desperately seeks to recover. I mean, isn't that at least one of the reasons older women seek out younger men...?

Answer 19

Debbie Harry in her sixties still has plenty of credibility, and she still plays live, so no this is not a double standard.

It comes down to the individual.

Stop tilting at windmills, everything is OK.

You people are addicted to feeling put upon, this is really scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Answer 20

It's definitely unfair for her to be told to dress her age and their manner of dress to be completely ignored. I don't particularly want to see her thighs everywhere, but I don't want to see Mick Jagger's flapping butt in high-definition, either.

Answer 21

I'm not sure, I've heard Mick Jagger is old jokes since the late 80's.  

Answer 22

Agreed.

It appears today's music industry is not just about music but image also. Bono (48), Bob Dylan (67), Paul McCartney (66), Peter Gabriel (58), Sting (56) and Billy Joel (59) are never considered to be old and nasty however, with the exception of Bono, they are all older than Madonna ..... and how can we forget Tom Jones who, at 68, is still going strong.

BTW, Steve Tyler looks an absolute mess and he is five years younger than Madonna.  

yep, serious double standards.  

Answer 23

u right.... its not fair....  madonnas still gud looking for her age...  i jus hope im still that gud looking when im that old...  an i always loved her song... material girl...  i live my life by it...

Answer 24

Madonna:  Hot at 50.

That's just my opinion, but my opinion nonetheless.  I'm 33, and to me, Madonna is hot.

Unrelated, she also deserves super-honorable mention for her contributions to pop music.  The Stones haven't done a killer album in decades, either, but it is common that acts that span decades tend to lose some steam in their later days.  No surprise there.  Heck, even Metallica is viewed with a touch of scorn in their tiring years.

One part of your comment I disagree with:  Jagger and Richards I always hear referred to as doddering fogies, barely able to stay upright on stage.  I've heard PLENTY of calls for them to hang it up, but fans will still shell out bucks for them.  h**l, Prince recently sold tickets for 4 grand.  Fans are fans, no matter what.  Haters are haters.  Whatever.

But, my opinion?  Madonna is hot at 50.  Disagree?  Fine.  Why she's been the target of so much scorn is (in my opinion) nothing but sour pumpkins.  Jessica Simpson my be hotter, but she's a no-talent.  There hasn't been a talent like Madonna in a long time.

Also, through much of her career, she's been synonymous with sexuality through picture books, Playboy spreads (unshaven pits and all) etc etc, so now folks are getting nasty.  Backlash effect, whatever.

Me?  I say she's hot.  I grew up with Madonna being hot, and my opinion has not changed.

Anyway, I don't see any major double standard.  Plenty of folks call for The Stones to hang it up, and have been since before Steel Wheels.  I'm a music history buff, so I haven't forgotten that Madonna propositioned Mick so she could get her foot in the door, long before she was Madonna.  Pop fans vs. Rock fans.  The pop fan, by definition, only has a memory of 3 years.  The Immaculate Collection is still a pop standard among those who remember it.

EDIT:  Oh my goodness, I just realized that your source was a site called "Celebrity Smack Blog!"  You didn't expect them to deal in glowing praise or balanced reviewing, did you?

Answer 25

I think you hit on the reason in your question. Madonna is pop offal; she only became so successful because of her image. That's her bread and butter. The men you mention had actual talent to speak of, so maybe that's why they are given a pass. Although, I frequently hear music fans lament that The Rolling Stones, for instance, are well over the hill.  

Answer 26

I do think your memory may be faulty. I remember comments like this about physical appearance when the Rolling Stones were 60 and 50, and about hanging it up musically at 40.  I haven't heard much about David Bowie since the 70s.  I don't have to click on your link to know that people made equally rude comments about Steven Tyler and so many other celebrities, male and female, who do not fit some folks' standards (apparently yours included) of youthful beauty.  Why speak harshly about people for just staying alive long enough to age?

People gossip. It's what people do. I don't think people over 50 are nasty; I am one.  But the one news (when did this become real news?) story I skimmed today that mentioned Madonna's birthday was along the lines of how turning 50 is viewed more positively than it used to be (cnn.com).

I disagree that anyone sells s*x because they have to, though I agree that the music industry has become good at doing just that with both male and female singers.  Back in my day, Jagger sold the Rolling Stones laregly based on s*x appeal while Joplin was hugely popular without playing into that at all.  It's different now, but the Rolling Stones would be a poor example to suggest only women sell s*x appeal.

Answer 27

Because insecure weak minded people are threatened and intimidated by an attractive, successful, older female.

Answer 28

Women carry a set number of eggs around 50 they run out of eggs, they can no longer get pregnant and are not seen as attractive anymore. Men constantly produce fresh sperm. The most vigorous men who were probably VERY attractive to the opposite gender at their prime maintain a fair share of their attractiveness into old age. That's why women still fancy sean connery and no one wants to hear about an aged Madonna, though the producers and artist who surround her produce appealing music imo.

To sum it up, yes there are different standards, because men and women are not equal because men and women are not the same because men and women are DIFFERENT therefore the DIFFERENT standards.

Answer 29

Madonna's musical career IS  her sexuality IMO.  If her sexuality is lost, then what do we have?  An untalented, middle-aged woman prancing around in barely there clothes.

The men you compared her to have a little something called talent.

Besides, I have heard plenty of comments about Mick Jagger and his painted on jeans, none of them positive.

Answer 30

I'm 41, and I was there when she first started.  The problem that I have always had with her is that she is too S****y.  She acts more like a stripper than anything.  She uses her body and sexuality instead of her abilities.  It was disgusting to see in her 20's and even more so to see her in her 50's.  Have you seen her book called s*x?  nasty, just nasty.  It's an embarrassment to all women.  Mick Jagger and David Bowie don't hump and grind and grab their crotch and have a bed out humping it.  They certainly don't dress like prostitutes...    

Answer 31

Yes, there's exists this double standard, which says women has less time than men,  because, you know, biologic clock and all that things. I personally think as society we pretend to be young for more time, when you can become an adult with dignity.