Madonna has responded to criticism in a new manifesto, denouncing "narrow minded cultures" and "the hypocrisy of the church" while explaining her use of fake guns on stage as an attempt to appear strong.
The prominence of fake guns in Madonna's MDNA tour had previously drawn criticism from groups like Mothers Against Guns. This scrutiny was intensified when the singer ignored threats she would be arrested if she performed with the guns in Scotland. That gig took place in the immediate wake of the shooting at an Aurora, Colo. screening of "Dark Knight Rises." Many implored Madge to cut the gun-toting from her act, but she did not alter her set.
Madonna has spoken in support of both imprisoned punk band and activist collective Pussy Riot and gay rights recently. It appears as though her support for these causes has prompted a $10 million lawsuit from a Russian anti-gay group.
The lengthy tract is available in full below, via Billboard.
"My show
Is a journey
The journey of a soul from darkness to light
It is part cinematic musical theatre.
Part spectacle and sometimes intimate Performance art.
But above all its a journey
From darkness to light
From anger to love
from chaos to order.
It's true there is a lot of violence in the beginning of the show and sometimes the use of fake guns - but they are used as metaphors.
I do not condone violence or the use of guns.
Rather they are symbols of wanting to appear strong and wanting to find a way to stop feelings that I find hurtful or damaging. In my case its wanting to stop the lies and hypocrisy of the church, the intolerance of many narrow minded cultures and societies I have experienced throughout my life and in some cases the pain I have felt from having my heart broken.
Ultimately as we follow through the journey of my story, the audience can see quite clearly what I see - That the enemy is within and the only way to survive Disappointment Disapproval Judgment Heartbreak Jealousy Envy And Hatred Is with Love - not with revenge - not with guns and not with violence.
In spite of all the chaos and darkness and intolerance we seem to be encountering more and more in the world, We cannot allow our anger or bitterness to swallow us up.
We come to understand that
There is an innate and pure love inside us all and we have to find a way to tap into it.
And we can't do it by being victims or placing the blame or pointing the finger at others.
But by recognizing that the enemy is within And when we come to terms with it And accept it And struggle to change ourselves, Then we can change the world without hurting anyone and we can inspire others to do the same.
When you watch a film there are usually good guys and bad guys to help illustrate this point, Sometimes I play both.
I enjoy acting out this journey.
For none of us are perfect and we all have our own journey of growth to go on.
I know people can relate to it.
It's very important to me as an artist that my show not be taken out of context.
It must be watched with an open heart from beginning to end. I am sure if it is viewed this way, the viewer will walk away feeling inspired, Invigorated and will want to make the world a better place.
And this of course was always my intention.
-Madonna"
Photos of Madonna's use of fake weapons are available below.
