Understanding Distance in Performance

"What are the political implication of defining 'distance' as an essential component of the aesthetic experience?"

Although, described in class as a "mind game" and the topic of much in class debate, the concept of 'distance' in performance is a somewhat abstract concept which (for me) requires additional examination. Therefore, the focus of this essay will attempt to connect the concept of 'distance' with performance and art.
Long describes the fundamental concept of distance as a "definite separation from reality needed for the creation and appreciation of art." This concept of 'distance' maintains a consistent 'involvement' and 'detachment' created by the performer. To gain a better sense of what 'distance' might look like in modern day society, I will recall the example of Erykah Badu and her most recent, controversial music video.
Badu claimed to have created her performance art to make a statement in attempt to say "she's shedding her skin to be who she is, but society has a way of trying to destroy anyone who would seek to be who they are outside the cultural bounds assembled for them." By stripping her clothes, in a public and infamous area of Dallas and shooting her video gorilla style, Badu made the attempt of create performative distance by involving all those in proximity to herself while also detaching herself from the role of acceptable citizen and transitioning into inappropriate artist within a few quick strides.
In examining 'distance,' Long also said, "Art was clearly different from reality, and the psychical processes appropriate to one might not be so for the other." Badu's performance art met Long's 'distance' criteria by enacting her performance in a setting clearly not appropriate based on society's notion of what and where this form of performance art is accepted, thus creating a performance "clearly different from reality."
Many critics have condemned Badu for exposing herself in a public area, with children present, and have accused her of attempting to increase her own music sales through an act of indecent exposure. I personally believe her action was in fact performance art. Although, I believe her follow through lacked the communication needed to allow her audience to understand her motive and be exposed to her intent and message in performing this act, I still deem it performance art.
If Badu had chosen to create the same performance in an art gallery in the Bishop's District of Dallas, the element of 'distance' in the performance would have been lost. Certainly, an audience would attend, however, most likely the audience would have been comprised of other artists and performers who already understand the value and appreciate the message being sent through the performance. Her intent was to reach those who do not believe or understand her message, thus she had to create her performance in a space which forced these people to acknowledge her act and message.