The Madonna Connection. Representational politics, subcultural identities, and cultural theory

Abstract

Icon of popular culture, image-maker and modern woman: Madonna has permeated our consciousness through mass media hype and an almost continuous process of news stories and photo opportunities. Madonna's success can be considered in commercial terms and from the perspective of cultural theory: the impact of the Madonna phenomenon is analysed through interpretations generated by readings of her texts. “Next to Bugs Bunny, Madonna is probably the most effective corporate symbol currently in the possession of Time- Warner” (p.306).