to feel pissed off with Lady Gaga?

[Ladyanonymous]

AIBU to feel really quite pissed off that Lady Gaga has done this interview where she admits that she uses Cocaine "occasionally" (a few times a year).

Cocaine is illegal both here and in the states and is a Class A drug, and is not what I would consider one of the "safer" illegal substances (for those of you who are not familiar with my posts I am quite knowledgeable about drugs as I am a schools drugs adviser/counsellor).

It wouldn't bother me so much if it was an artist who didn't have a lot of younger fans (ie - my 11 yr old daughter! ) - but she does.

AIBU to feel that she can do what the hell she wants in the privacy of her own home but she has a responsibility as a public figure not to broadcast this to a lot of young impressionable people therefore normalising it and making it seem an ok thing to do?

I am in two minds - what do you lot think?

[VinegarTits]

what interview? where there children watching/listening/reading the interview?

[BonniePrinceBilly]

Pop star does drugs shocker!

Are you serious?

[Chil1234]

Since when did pop-stars become responsible role-models? Jagger & Richards make Gaga and Winehouse look like prim sunday school teachers! And they've been a 'dire warning' for the thick end of 50 years. If you don't like the example any of these people set then make sure your children are given the full story about drugs, cigs and booze so they can make their minds up whether to meekly follow her lead or do the smart thing.

[Ladyanonymous]

Vanity Fair - its been on the news on the Radio which my kids have overheard - its not that BobbiePrinceBilly its just publicising it when she has a lot of young fans.

[Aitch]

so she should lie? i suppose i appreciate her honesty, and the fact that she is talking about it without going overboard surely opens the subject up for discussion with your dd?

my mum was pretty clever with drugs and alcohol, never made it into something we had to make a big stand over in front of our pals, instead encouraging us to fake it if necessary. smart move, mother, four kids, no problems with drugs.

[Aitch]

ah, there you go. only R4 in our house, lady gaga doesn't rate a mention.

[Ladyanonymous]

I don't think Amy Winehouse really appealled to younger kids.

A lot of kids really like Lady Gaga - even though I'll admit her videos aren't exactly child friendly.

[Ladyanonymous]

My DD and have already discussed things like this because of my job - I often have loads of weird and wonderful things around the house in relation to my job.

A lot of kids don't though. No I don't think she should lie - It just made me feel uncomfortable thats all.

[NicknameInUse]

Yes, it's completely unreasonable to normalise drug use - don't know what's soo about that?
Though I'd of thought that Lady Gaga has never been the type of person I'd be happy for an 11yo daughter to idolise in the first place! (for me, the provocative sexual behaviour/appearance of her isn't something I'd want my 11yo to emulate)

[draftywindows]

I think the problem is yours rather than Lady Gagas . Surely your daughter should have a range of female role models.

[Aitch]

but if parents aren't discussing this stuff with their kids, that's their lookout, not lady gaga's.

[Aitch]

drug use is normal, though.

[VinegarTits]

weird and wonderful things? you have to tell us what your job is now?

if you have already had this kind of chat with your dd then i cant see what your issue is

[Ladyanonymous]

I cannot chose/censor which music my DD listens to can I?

I don't really want her having a role model who says its ok to use Cocaine no

[Chil1234]

I wonder if an 11 year-old would know what cocaine was? It's easy to think they know what the interview is about when they don't. Might think Gaga uses a perfume called 'cocaine' occasionally. Short of banning any listening or watching of music vids education is the only route through.

[Ladyanonymous]

Leaflets, safer injecting kits, drugs box, beer goggles, livers, lungs, units glasses, breathalyzers etc etc....

[VinegarTits]

and your job is?

[miso]

Are you pissed off with that she uses cocaine without (obvious) side effects? And is in fact quite successful & seems reasonably happy if a bit on the nervy side.

E.g. that it's fine for kids to (for instance) know that Amy Winehouse takes heroin because the effects are so dramatic & negative.

Genuine question - I find this aspect the one I have most difficulty with knowing how to approach, with a DD of similar age to yours.

[BonniePrinceBilly]

Why don't you try teaching your dd that lady blah blah and her ilk are terrible role models for any number of reasons?

[Aitch]

cocaine use is okay if you are a twentysomething pop star, though. or a twentysomething anything, tbh. keep her drugs age appropriate and you'll be alright.

[Ladyanonymous]

Would it be ok if she admitted to other illegal activities though - is this ok because its considered "cool"?

[VinegarTits]

the interviewer must have asked her the question, and she has answered it honestly, still not sure what your issue is?

[NicknameInUse]

I didn't mean 'don't let your child listen to/watch her'! I meant that imo, she's never been much of a role model for young girls.(I'm not the type to be judgy over someone''s parenting )
I completely agree with you that her talking about her recreational use of Class A drugs is wrong.

Yes, it might be an opportunity to brooch the subject for some parents - doesn't mean she was right to say it though.

Drug use is normal? For some people, I suppose. Not for me. And it's not up to other people to decide so when it comes to talking in front of other people's children.