Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Someone needs a good talking to! And it ain't Miley.


First things first: Miley Cyrus is allowed to express herself in any way that she deems fit. Her performance at the VMA's wasn't much of a much to me, despite the obvious drug references (dancing bears, the lyrics), the appropriation of hip hop culture, the twerking, the tongue. Her being a grown up is as it should be, can we all get over the sexuality part of this event? Freaking prudes! It's a personal thing but her music doesn't do anything for me, though 'Party in the USA' is a fairly catchy pop hit and my kids like it. Therein lies the irony but that's a talk for another time.



The thing that gets me is that I suspect Miley decided she wanted to make a huge break from what she was and declare to the world
I am not Hannah Montana!
I get that, she's been doing that for a while. I imagine that for the youngsters my kids watch on Disney Channel, becoming 'real' after being disneyfied (or Hollywooded in the broader context) is much akin to Pinocchio becoming a real boy. the transition must be difficult, confusing, and at times heart-breaking. Some do okay (JT, the Harry Potter crew). Some do not.

So, Miley decided that given this venue she was going to make a definitive statement. She did! The problem I have: when a 20 year old decides to anything definitive, in public, including my son and daughter, they should have someone who is watching out for their best interests (friends, parents, life-coaches, whatever) along for the ride. Someone whom they trust who can say "I see what you're trying to do here, but lets rethink going on the VMA's completely tweaked" (I know there's no proof, but come on!). "And listen, I know you're not Hannah Montana, but kids still love you, so maybe there's a more subtle way to let the world know you're an adult." And then they could come up with reasonable strategies to do just that.

Instead, this was as many have said a calculated P.R. decision to advance Cyrus' career. Fine! But, in this case, what is clear to me is that the people who facilitated this decision of hers (and it was her decision) aka the people who make money off her career, don't give two shits about the fact that with one dirty dance, Miley Cyrus may well have gone from being a talented young singer with a lifetime ahead of her, to next Season's reality trope. For the folks who run the entertainment world that means maximum cash on the front end, and another life in the toilet after three seasons. Miley Cyrus is surrounded by the same people that are responsible for your local radio station. That boys and girls is what makes me a bit angry. I'm not saying Miley isn't responsible for her decisions. I'm saying everyone needs an editor.

Miley, 20-year olds are stupid. They should be! I was. But, thankfully, I didn't get the approval of enablers who were making sweet stacks off of my stupidity. I had friends who watched out for me, parents who believed me, and a million teachers who taught me. Find a few, but quick.