Two-Minute Nostalgia Sublime

Lady Gaga: "Born This Way"

Lady Gaga released the above new single last month. It's being marketed as something of a gay anthem, with its catchy lyrics like "No matter gay, straight, or bi, lesbian, transgendered life, I'm on the right track baby, I was born to survive." The overall theme seems to be "love yourself for who you are" which is, undoubtedly, a nice sentiment.

On the other hand, there's been some question about the appropriateness of the lyrics. For example, her use of the word chola (among others), with one critic stating:

Are Latinos supposed to be grateful that a white superstar, born of privilege, included a racist shout out to our community? Not all Latino ladies are 'cholas' in the barrio, some of them are teachers, writers, engineers and nurses and doctors.

Here are the complete lyrics:

It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
'Cause you were born this way, baby

My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars
She pulled my hand and put my lipstick on
In the glass of her boudoir
"There's nothin' wrong with lovin' who you are"
She said, "'cause He made you perfect, babe"
"So hold your head up girl and you'll go far,
Listen to me when I say"

(Chorus 1)
I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

(Chorus 2)
Ooo there ain't no other way
Baby I was born this way
Baby I was born this way
Ooo there ain't no other way
Baby, I was born this way
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

Don't be a drag - just be a queen
Don't be a drag - just be a queen
Don't be a drag - just be a queen
Don't be!

Give yourself prudence
And love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth
In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my youth
A different lover is not a sin
Believe capital H-I-M (hey hey hey)
I love my life I love this record and
Mi amore vole fè, yay (love needs faith)

(Repeat Chorus 1 and 2)

Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Whether you're broke or evergreen
You're black, white, beige, chola descent
You're Lebanese, you're Orient
Whether life's disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied, or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'Cause baby you were born this way

No matter gay, straight, or bi,
Lesbian, transgendered life
I'm on the right track baby
I was born to survive
No matter black, white or beige
Chola or Orient made
I'm on the right track baby
I was born to be brave

(Repeat Chorus 1 and 2)

The video features pink triangles and unicorns and I don't know what the fuck else, which I guess is gay? I am no fan of pink triangles, and steadfastly refuse to wear one. But hey, reclamation and all that, I guess, so wevs. All kinds of other stuff goes on in the video that I don't feel qualified to comment on.

Anyway, what say you? New inclusive anthem of queer empowerment? Or insensitive cultural appropriation? Neither? Both? Discuss.