About the book
A stirring defense of Sinéad O'Connor's music and activism, and an indictment of the culture that cancelled her.
In 1990, Sinéad O'Connor's video for \"Nothing Compares 2 U\" turned her into a superstar. Two years later, an appearance on Saturday Night Live turned her into a scandal. For many people--including, for years, the author--what they knew of O'Connor stopped there. Allyson McCabe believes it's time to reassess our old judgments about Sinéad O'Connor and to expose the machinery that built her up and knocked her down.
Addressing triumph and struggle, sound and story, Why Sinéad O'Connor Matters argues that its subject has been repeatedly manipulated and misunderstood by a culture that is often hostile to women who speak their minds (in O'Connor's case, by shaving her head, championing rappers, and tearing up a picture of the pope on live television). McCabe details O'Connor's childhood abuse, her initial success, and the backlash against her radical politics without shying away from the difficult issues her career raises. She compares O'Connor to Madonna, another superstar who challenged the Catholic Church, and Prince, who wrote her biggest hit and allegedly assaulted her. A journalist herself, McCabe exposes how the media distorts not only how we see O'Connor but how we see ourselves, and she weighs the risks of telling a story that hits close to home.
In an era when popular understanding of mental health has improved and the public eagerly celebrates feminist struggles of the past, it can be easy to forget how O'Connor suffered for being herself. This is the book her admirers and defenders have been waiting for.
Editions of Why Sinéad o'Connor Matters
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781477325704
Read an Excerpt
A stirring defense of Sinéad O'Connor's music and activism, and an indictment of the culture that cancelled her.
In 1990, Sinéad O'Connor's video for \"Nothing Compares 2 U\" turned her into a superstar. Two years later, an appearance on Saturday Night Live turned her into a scandal. For many people--including, for years, the author--what they knew of O'Connor stopped there. Allyson McCabe believes it's time to reassess our old judgments about Sinéad O'Connor and to expose the machinery that built her up and knocked her down.
Addressing triumph and struggle, sound and story, Why Sinéad O'Connor Matters argues that its subject has been repeatedly manipulated and misunderstood by a culture that is often hostile to women who speak their minds (in O'Connor's case, by shaving her head, championing rappers, and tearing up a picture of the pope on live television). McCabe details O'Connor's childhood abuse, her initial success, and the backlash against her radical politics without shying away from the difficult issues her career raises. She compares O'Connor to Madonna, another superstar who challenged the Catholic Church, and Prince, who wrote her biggest hit and allegedly assaulted her. A journalist herself, McCabe exposes how the media distorts not only how we see O'Connor but how we see ourselves, and she weighs the risks of telling a story that hits close to home.
In an era when popular understanding of mental health has improved and the public eagerly celebrates feminist struggles of the past, it can be easy to forget how O'Connor suffered for being herself. This is the book her admirers and defenders have been waiting for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Why Sinéad o'Connor Matters about?
A stirring defense of Sinéad O'Connor's music and activism, and an indictment of the culture that cancelled her.
In 1990, Sinéad O'Connor's video for \"Nothing Compares 2 U\" turned her into a superstar. Two years later, an appearance on Saturday Night Live turned her into a scandal. For many people--including, for years, the author--what they knew of O'Connor stopped there. Allyson McCabe believes it's time to reassess our old judgments about Sinéad O'Connor and to expose the machinery that built her up and knocked her down.
Addressing triumph and struggle, sound and story, Why Sinéad O'Connor Matters argues that its subject has been repeatedly manipulated and misunderstood by a culture that is often hostile to women who speak their minds (in O'Connor's case, by shaving her head, championing rappers, and tearing up a picture of the pope on live television). McCabe details O'Connor's childhood abuse, her initial success, and the backlash against her radical politics without shying away from the difficult issues her career raises. She compares O'Connor to Madonna, another superstar who challenged the Catholic Church, and Prince, who wrote her biggest hit and allegedly assaulted her. A journalist herself, McCabe exposes how the media distorts not only how we see O'Connor but how we see ourselves, and she weighs the risks of telling a story that hits close to home.
In an era when popular understanding of mental health has improved and the public eagerly celebrates feminist struggles of the past, it can be easy to forget how O'Connor suffered for being herself. This is the book her admirers and defenders have been waiting for.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Why Sinéad o'Connor Matters?
The Arts > Music > Musicians, singers, bands and groups
Where can I read a sample of Why Sinéad o'Connor Matters?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781477325704
Is Why Sinéad o'Connor Matters part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Music Matters
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Why Sinéad o'Connor Matters?
Allyson McCabe
Who is the Publisher of the book Why Sinéad o'Connor Matters?
University of Texas Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Why Sinéad o'Connor Matters is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781477325704)
Where can I buy Why Sinéad o'Connor Matters online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Why Sinéad o'Connor Matters from below
Is there a video of the book?
Watch a video about Why Sinéad o'Connor Matters here
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