" Both of my girls are grown now, but I remember those years when my husband and I did our best to shield them from content we thought would set a bad example. But back then that usually came in the form of R-rated movies or racy song lyrics – not from our leaders. "
- Cynthia Germanotta

The quote reflects a parent's concern about exposing their children to inappropriate content during their formative years. The speaker describes how she and her husband tried to protect their daughters from mature themes typically found in movies rated R or explicit lyrics in songs, thinking these would negatively impact the girls' development.

Beyond its surface meaning, this statement touches on broader issues related to societal influences on youth. It highlights the shift in parental worries about what kind of content might be harmful to children and suggests that today's parents may face different challenges. The quote implies that contemporary concerns extend beyond entertainment media to include negative examples set by public figures, highlighting a new dimension of influence that previous generations did not have to consider as rigorously.

Cynthia Germanotta is the mother of pop stars Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta) and is also known for her work in advocacy and education. She co-founded Born This Way Foundation alongside her daughter, which focuses on empowering youth through support, mentorship, and online resources. The foundation aims to create a kinder world by encouraging young people to take action in their communities and promoting mental wellness among teens and young adults.