Madonna Ciccone Quotes

I think the point of art is to be controversial in a lot of ways. It's to cause conversations, and it's to get people excited about and talking about the things that the films are about.

Intolerance is a beautiful thing...There are people that are politically correct that want to say the cardinal sin of the hour is intolerance and I think that is a bunch of junk.

I understand that people are afraid. Because I think censorship is about fear. It's just fear being projected onto art.

Art is about people. I think the discussion about whether architecture is art or not is lamebrain.

That's what art is, shocking people. Sometimes shocking yourself.

I mean, believe me, I'm not for censorship.

Controversy is part of the nature of art and creativity.

I've learned that I have to be happy with creating discussion and debate and that I shouldn't be trying to write a book that appeals to the consensus.

It is easy to believe in freedom of speech for those with whom we agree.

Saying what we think gives a wider range of conversation than saying what we know.

If you can't annoy somebody, there's little point in writing.

No matter what I put out, somebody will be offended. I made a video on 10 reasons to smile, and it has dislikes. That should be an indication that there will be some who get offended no matter what you do. The best you can do as an entertainer or as someone who performs is to follow what you believe in.

You know, everybody believes in free speech until you start questioning them about it.

I'm a free speech bigot. I don't like censorship; I just don't think it's a good thing.

In America we don’t apologize for opinions, that’s why we have a 1st Amendment. If we can’t discuss even controversial opinions in the pages of our newspapers, where are we going to do it?

We don't call art filth or filth art.

I like any reaction I can get with my music. Just anything to get people to think.

Above all, we are coming to understand that the arts incarnate the creativity of a free people.

I enjoy a challenge or provocation, something to think about, to talk about after it's done.

I still hope that more people can create art, even though artistic genres may never be the most popular or money-making genres. But the thing is, I think art is more long-lasting. It stays in people, and it changes them.

When you think intensely and beautifully, something happens. That something is called poetry. If you think that way and speak at the same time, poetry gets in your mouth. If people hear you, it gets in their ears. If you think that way and write at the same time, then poetry gets written. But poetry exists in any case. The question is only: are you going to take part, and if so, how?

Art is supposed to spark conversation and make people think.

I think comedy is the most difficult thing in the world, I really do.

Homo-sexuals should not be censored, but neither should those who oppose their point of view. That's called free speech.

My definition of art has always been the same. It is about freedom of expression. I don’t think anybody can separate art from politics. The intention to separate [the two] is itself a very political intention.