1. • "A star is an image not a real person that is constructed (as any
other aspect of fiction is) out of a range of materials (eg
advertising, magazines etc as well as films [music])." - Dyer

2. Lady Gaga as an example of
Dyer’s ‘Star theory’
• Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (born March
28, 1986,) best known by her stage name Lady Gaga,
is an American singer/ songwriter. Stage names are
commonly used by artists in the music industry,
either for legal reasons – or to enhance their
‘character.’ The adoption of a new name is the first
step in become a ‘constructed, artificial image.’
• Lady Gaga’s ‘identity’ isn’t exactly a mainstream one;
she isn’t the ideal representation of a woman.
However, the ‘weird’ or ‘eccentric’ persona that she
has created contributes towards her USP (unique
selling point.) Robert Dyer says that ‘it helps if their
image contains a USP.’
• Lady Gaga’s USP therefore is this appearance she has
created of a crazy and eccentric star. She often
fashions outlandish outfits and wacky make-up,
making her very iconic. Her image is easily
identifiable.

3. Ideology and Culture
• Dyer: ‘Stars represent shared cultural values and attitudes, and promote a
certain ideology. Audience interest in these values enhances their 'star
quality', and it is through conveying beliefs ideas and opinions outside music
that performers help create their star persona. A star may initiate a fashion
trend, with legions of fans copying their hairstyle and clothing. Stars initiate or
benefit from cultural discourse (e.g. via their Twitter feed), and create an on-
going critical commentary.’
• Lady Gaga is a perfect example of this as she is often spotted in extreme outfits.
Although her fashion sense if very eccentric, she often inspires more subtle
versions of her clothing/ hair in the mainstream.

4. • Dyer also said: ‘Now more than ever before,
social networks give pop stars the opportunity to
establish their own values outside their music.’
• Lady Gaga has always been a strong and open
supporter or LBGT rights. She presents these
very strongly in her music (including videos) –
with songs such as ‘born this way’ clearly aimed
at/ regarding LGBT issues.
• Gaga also features a ‘male alter-ego’ Jo
Calderone in her music video for ‘you and I.’
Although she claimed this was supposed to be
supporting the trans* community, it gained a lot
of criticism from them, as many agree with Dyer
– that it is all an ‘image’ to make profit when
some people really face gender identity issues.
• However, a reasonable amount of Gaga’s fans
are members of the LGBT community –
suggesting that her establishment of her values
worked well.
• As mentioned in task 1, the main purpose of a
music video is to make money – the same as the
reason for the fictional character created by stars
according to Dyer. Therefore combining the two
should be extremely effective – something Lady
Gaga does frequently.