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Lady Gaga Revolutionized Mask-Wearing at the 2020 VMAs

Gaga showed that we can take masks — a symbol of our current troubles — and turn them into objects that bring us joy.

Savannah Wallace
3 min readSep 1, 2020
Photo by Justin Higuchi/CC BY

Lady Gaga is the master of using style to make political and social statements. And she proudly embraced that reputation last night, promoting a pro-mask message at the socially distanced 2020 MTV Video Music Awards in New York.

During her acceptance speech for the Tricon Award, she noted: “Stay safe, speak your mind, and I might sound like a broken record, but wear a mask. It’s a sign of respect.” She wore a glittery, silver Maison Met mask with a cape as she encouraged people to stay positive during a dark time.

“This has not been an easy year for a lot of people, but what I see in the world is a massive triumph of courage…Just because we’re separated right now the culture might feel less alive in some ways. I know a renaissance is coming and the wrath of pop culture will inspire you and the rage of art will empower you as it responds to…

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Savannah Wallace
Savannah Wallace

Written by Savannah Wallace

MA of International Studies holder, policy wonk, futurist, and matcha-lover.

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