Freeing the Little Monster

For my 18^th birthday, my parents had bought me a ticket to the monster ball. The only word I could use to describe how I felt when I received this gift was pure disbelief. Did this really just happen? Am I asleep?  I really could not believe that I in just a few months from then, I was going to be in the presence of thee Lady Gaga.

                For weeks before the big day, I had to prepare myself.  First was my outfit. I had to come up with something for the occasion. The Monster Ball isn’t just any other concert; it’s a whole theatrical experience. Everyone goes dressed up in their best “gaga” attire, and becomes a totally different person. But instead of remaking one over her extravagant outfits, I decided to make my own version of Gaga fashion. So I studded an acid washed jean jacket, glued sequin all over some doc martin boots, and made an Anna Nicole Smith tank top to finish my overall look: Fame Monster. My outfit was definitely an epitome of Gagas work through my eyes.

                But behind all the glitz and glamour was an even deeper self preparation. I was about to experience a life changing performance from one of the most inspiring women of my generation. It has been said that attending the Monster Ball will change you, and free you from yourself. So for weeks and weeks, I kept reminding myself that I will soon be liberated.

                So the big day finally came. I made sure I arrived extra early, as a super fan would, in order to scope over the outfits of everyone else, and pay respect to one another. I went to this concert by myself, but when I arrived, I knew that I wasn’t going to be alone. Being surrounded by such a close fan base is like being surrounded by all of your brothers and sisters. We were all here for three reasons: to love one another, to love ourselves, and to be freed. I was greeted with open arms by people I’ve never met, and this was just another working of Gaga.

                So the show began. I sang and danced, and yelled and cried. It was one of the most surreal experiences I have ever been through; the art, the fashion, the music, and the meaning. In the middle of the show, Lady Gaga plays her “Manifesto of Little Monsters”, a manifesto written about what she is, and how we all are, under one kingdom. She recites, “When you are lonely, I’ll be lonely too. And this is the fame.” Immediately, I knew I wasn’t alone anymore, and I was free.