Lady Gaga’s Indonesia Concert Cancelled

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. prompt (v.) [prompt] – to cause someone to do something

Example:  The bad weather prompted her to stay at home.

2. militant (adj.) [mil-i-tuhnt] – having or showing a willingness to use strong or dangerous methods, especially force, to achieve something

Example: The militant protestors were arrested by the police after they set cars on fire.

3. condemn (v.) [kuhn-dem] – to strongly and definitely disapprove of someone or something

Example: Society condemns child abuse.

4. corrupt (v.) [kuh-ruhpt] – to cause someone to become immoral or evil

Example: Violent movies corrupt children by teaching them bad ideas and behavior.

5. controversy (n.) [kon-truh-vur-see]  – a disagreement involving a large number of people

Example: The celebrity has been the subject of controversy because of her revealing clothing and shocking behavior.

Article
Read the text below.

Security concerns prompted Lady Gaga to cancel her concert in Jakarta, Indonesia scheduled last June 3. Last May 27, the pop singer announced the cancellation of the Indonesian leg of her “Born This Way” tour. This is after conservative and militant groups condemned her sexy costumes and dance moves. The decision to cancel was based on recommendations from the Jakarta Police and Lady Gaga’s security group. The chairman of the Islamic Defenders Front (IDF), a militant Muslim group, had indirectly threatened violence by saying his organization could not promise safety if the concert went on as scheduled. Aside from the IDF, other Islamists and conservative Muslims oppose the concert because the singer’s revealing outfits and sexy dance moves are forbidden by Islamic law. Fearing that her concert would corrupt Indonesian youths, the chairman of the Indonesian Council of Ulema had tried to convince Muslims not to attend her Jakarta concert before it was cancelled. Despite the disapproval of the Islamic groups, there were more than 25,000 sold tickets in the first two hours of concert ticket sales. By the time the concert was cancelled, tickets were already sold out. Similar controversies have already surrounded the performer’s recent tour such as the banning of minors from attending the concert in South Korea.   Christian groups in the Philippines also protested against Lady Gaga's shows there last May 21 and 22.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Do you think that celebrities like Lady Gaga corrupt today’s youth?

·         Do you think the conservative Muslims protested appropriately against Lady Gaga’s concert? What about the militant Muslims?

Discussion B

·         Should entertainment be censored? Who should be allowed to censor entertainment?

Should religion and culture be considered when staging concerts, movies and television shows?

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