“I’m criticized, but all your bullets ricochet

You shoot me down, but I get up.”

-Titanium, David Guetta ft. Sia

I haven’t been able to stop listening to this song since I stumbled upon it a week or so ago. Maybe it is because I’ve struggled with criticism the last month or two. I’ve always taken other’s opinions with a grain of salt, but it finally started to bother me. Those close to me have always been understanding and supportive. It is those few people who have a chip on their shoulder, or come to me with something to say with very little education on the subject that have eaten me from the inside out. I would say it is more of one or two people as opposed to a crowd, but those few drove me mad.

I knew when I accepted the orientation gig (a performance dressed in Gaga attire singing a remade Gaga song) that it would attract negative feedback from these individuals and maybe a few others, but I pursued it anyway because I knew the success it could bring and I knew that I could rewrite a BOMB song that really had a meaning and message to leave with the students.

I took my first picture at the first orientation and had tons of hits on my FB because of it. Mostly all positive, but those few I expected to be rude, did. I think the first question that popped in my head was “Why are you so fascinated with my life? I am flattered, but come on.” My mother told me: if you didn’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it. Apparently, they never got that speech.

I always, and will continue to respect other’s opinions, but don’t go posting negative things on my wall, text me about it, whatever. It is unnecessary and it is obvious that you are going out of your way to do it. I know it shouldn’t bother me and I should just brush it off, but I care too much.

While it seems mostly bad, I received nothing but great reviews by administrative leaders, directors, University Police Department, and most importantly, the students. At the end of the day, I did what was asked and it came out how it should. I’m hoping I left a positive impact with hundreds of students, that over powers the few “dislikes”. 

I remind myself and others, that I never asked for any of this. I never ASKED to perform at Orientation singing a GAGA song. Someone asked me to. I was never asked to be called “Lizzy Gaga”, someone called me that one day and it spread like wild fire. It is not my fault when others see Gaga on TV and I’m the first person they think of. Those things are beyond my control.  I make GREAT Gaga replicated outfits. SO WHAT? It is an art in doing so. You can keep buying your costumes at Halloween stores and wear the same thing that millions of others wear. I’ll keep making mine that I know only ONE other person wears (And that ONE person’s outfit was made by a designer and I’m sure cost TONS; The feeling of perfectly replicating art with your own hands, scissors, glue and glitter? Priceless). Don’t talk to me about “originality”. At the end of the day, I am a passionate little Monster, who loves her music, embraces her spirit, respects her views and admires her courage.

So from now on, your criticism is ricocheted and I will always get back up. I’m in my prime; its my time to sparkle.

For those who don’t understand. Joe Calderone is her male alter-ego. He is in her new video “You & I” and has made appearances as him a few times across the world. Here I thought the controversy was going to be for showing too much skin or wearing babies, but she is just in a t-shirt, slacks, smoking a cigarette. I think the funniest part is people used to make fun of her for “supposedly” being a man, yet when she comes out dressed as Calderone it is not okay because she is a woman. So which way is it … Lady Gaga is a hidden male who chooses to be a woman? or. Lady Gaga is a hidden woman who chooses to be a man? Either way, pokes will be made, judgement will be passed and tabloids will search for bulges or lack-there-of, and frankly my dears, she STILL won’t give a damn.