Contradictory Message

Paulina Rubio’s act (“She’s Ready (She Says),” by Agustin Gurza, June 9) plays right into the hands of the satyriastic macho mind-set. Will she realize at some point that by using sexual suggestiveness to promote herself, she’s teetering dangerously close to standard male corporate exploitation of women?

Unlike Madonna, whose career has been filled with carefully crafted subversions, Rubio’s cliched music and image contradict her feminist ideals, and how does this empower women? Patti Smith can do it with poetry and intelligence. Sheryl Crow can do it without exposing more than bare feet. Lydia Lunch can be sexy just by walking on stage and speaking her mind, Julieta Venegas by having more creative depth. Even so, I have no doubt Rubio will be a hit. The public wants what the public gets.

JAMES NOLAN

Los Angeles