Why does Madonna continue to evolve her public image? He ex-husband Guy Ritchie could not understand why she always did this. Male music superstars of her age do not. But she wants to offer people new perspectives on life, like Spielberg or Picasso.
Going onstage in the provocative clothing of younger women earned her criticism from feminist culture historian Camille Paglia but she remains respected for her feminist stance.
She remains the first women to reach the superstar status which only men reached before her, and modern female superstars all copy her calculated provocative image and business acumen.
With a simple small-town background she reached fame via the New York dance scene and then her on- and offstage persona morphed through various feminine stereotypes - lustful virgin, holy mother, older woman in love with younger man etc.
Never boring, always changing and open to a new future, she rejuvenated her career by appearing with younger female superstars at their height, sometimes kissing onstage. But her fame differentiates itself from other celebrities because her provocation moves pop culture in new directions. Shows like 'Sex in the City' followed her lead for new perceptions of feminine sexuality.
She remains a powerful feminist force, and now uses her fame to support other marginalized groups, achieving greater awareness of social inequality. Recently she has become more politicized, commenting directly on US political weaknesses and speaking angrily against Trump and american social apathy.
