The word "iconic" is often thrown around in forums like this but in reality, very few moments within pop culture are truly iconic. Madonna's book "sex" what it meant and what it stood for are one of those few truly, iconic moments in pop culture history. It's importance can not be understated.
When "sex" was released, the social climate was not like it is today, In 1992 it was taboo to speak about, career damaging and those that displayed outwardly their sexual fantasies were the freaks. "Sex" was more than just a book. It was a statement, a statement that Madonna had the power to objectify herself the same way men did, a statement that said there was nothing wrong with having sexual fantasies including homosexuality and bisexuality, a statement that said women could do whatever they want, feel however they wanted and be in charge of their own sexual fantasies. A message of equality for all was present in Madonna's work 22 years ago when it was not cool, not a bandwagon and could ruin her professional life.
"Sex" is now considered a bold, post-feminist, work of art but when it was originally released as expected it created controversy and it provoked discussion, truth be told: that was Madonna's aim.
"Sex" went on sale October October 21 1992 and the demand was so high, the book sold out almost instantly. You can watch the hysteria as reported by the news here:
(note: If the video do not work, i provided the links below)
Madonna, always responsible made her book "sex" sealed and available to fans 18+ only but that's not all, The queen of pop Included safe sex literarure in the book, as well as the accompanying album "erotica" coming wrapped in what appeared to be a condom wrapper.
Madonna's art, always comes with a message.
Erotica wrapped like a condom:
As "sex" was limited edition it is no longer available today. An unopened first edition copy is worth anywhere from $200 - $1000 USD. - In 1992 it was $49.95. Like all real art, "sex" increases in value with time.
22 years later "Sex" tops the list of most searched for out of print books in the US.
"Sex" is further evidence of Madonna's mark on pop culture. "Sex" was instrumental in shaping pop culture and filtered down versions/inspirations of "sex" can be seen all around us today but it's inspirations are not just limited to today, this amazing book was not JUST appreciated with time. Perhaps one of the most remarkable and impactful elements of Madonna and her early years was Madonna's attitude. Madonna's attitude became Andy Warhols inspiration.
Andy Warhol and Keith Haring's work:
Madonna, the muse to one of the most prominent figures in pop culture history.
This is one of the only true iconic moments in pop and this moment, this impact will never be able to be replicated. Madonna is, in every sense of the word: A real icon
I have never seen any pictures from it, but I want it really bad. It truly is iconic.
I think I've seen one where she's topless and hailing a cab, but other than that, neither, yet I feel know so much about it/have heard about it and the controversy it caused so much.
Most people from this generation do not know or care about this book. It's quite literally a thing of the past.
OP, do you ever get tired of these pointless threads? It's like you're constantly trying to prove something when it comes to Madonna's legacy even though you swear up and down Madonna has nothing left to prove. We are all pop fans, we know about these things and your little reminders only seem to pop up whenever Madonna gets bad press, like not landing on Forbes' list this year. It's just so transparent, especially since you'd be perched inside any other thread like this denying someone's status if it were about someone else.
Most people from this generation do not know or care about this book. It's quite literally a thing of the past.
OP, do you ever get tired of these pointless threads? It's like you're constantly trying to prove something when it comes to Madonna's legacy even though you swear up and down Madonna has nothing left to prove. We are all pop fans, we know about these things and your little reminders only seem to pop up whenever Madonna gets bad press, like not landing on Forbes' list this year. It's just so transparent, especially since you'd be perched inside any other thread like this denying someone's status if it were about someone else.
