Performing The Art Of Music. When Is So Far Too Far....?

There has been chitchat about Ms. Nikki Minaj's performance at the Grammys. May I say that at the time, I was busy typing away on my Laptop so I didn't see her performance - I heard it. However wondering what the hullabaloo was all about I have since educated myself. I  appreciate the performing arts enormously but there are times when..... Anyway, consider the Catholic League President, Mr. Bill Donohue's statement. Barring the introductory words of his opening paragraph and the concluding political words in his last, this non-Catholic concurs.

“Nicki Minaj, fresh off looking like a fool with Madonna at the Super Bowl, showed up last night on the red carpet at the Grammys with a guy dressed like the pope. This was just a prelude of what was to come.

Minaj’s performance began on stage with a mock confessional skit. This was followed by a taped video depicting a mock exorcism. With stained glass in the background, she appeared on stage again with choir boys and monks dancing.

Perhaps the most vulgar part was the sexual statement that showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer. Finally, “Come All Ye Faithful” was sung while a man posing as a bishop walked on stage; Minaj was shown levitating.

None of this was by accident, and all of it was approved by The Recording Academy, which puts on the Grammys. Whether Minaj is possessed is surely an open question, but what is not in doubt is the irresponsibility of The Recording Academy. Never would they allow an artist to insult Judaism or Islam.

It’s bad enough that Catholics have to fight for their rights vis-à-vis a hostile administration in Washington without also having to fend off attacks in the entertainment industry. The net effect, however, will only embolden Catholics, as well as their friends in other faith communities.”