Miley Cyrus became instant headline news after her MTV VMA performance on Sunday August 13, 2013. The performance left many shocked and even puzzled, and others disgusted. The effect of the shockwave is still being felt through TV screens, social media and conversations.
People can’t help but wondering what has happened to that sweet innocent little girl Hannah Montana. I saw Miley on a TV interview a few years ago – so talented, successful and poised at the mere age of 17. A lot has happened since then: her parents’ marital struggles, her broken engagement and her scandalous pot-smoking and nude photos. Miley’s appearance went through an equally alarming transformation. That booty-shaking and twerk-heavy woman on stage last Sunday didn’t resemble Hannah Montana the least bit.
Why are so many artists who gained tremendous fame at very young ages going through so much trouble transitioning to adulthood? Lindsay Lohan, Justin Bieber, Amanda Bynes, just to name a few. The pressure of growing up under the spotlight has to be overwhelming. Fans pressure these kids to mature up and do it fast. If they don’t consistently deliver those hit songs and over-the-top performances, fans will desert them in no time.
Sexuality and sensuality has become such a commodity especially for young female artists that almost all market it one way or another. Kim Kardashian became famous after the leaking of her sex tape. Many have followed suit since. How come nobody is condemning Robin Thicke, the willing participant of Miley’s provocative gig? The pair must have rehearsed over and over again to get it ‘right’. MTV had no problem airing this indecent and inappropriate performance, knowing millions of teens would be watching. All those agents and publicists who make money out of Miley must be laughing all the way to the bank for the incredible reactions her outrageous performance has brought. It’s safe to bet that Miley has sold more records in the past few days and will sell more in the future.
As long as we willingly award celebrities with attention and wealth as they continue to push the envelope, artists like Gaga and Miley won’t go away. Instead more will strive to top their acts.
We can’t change a sexually indulgent culture in one day. But as parents, we all have to make a conscious decision about what types of music and TV shows we don’t want our children to be exposed to. Teens are more likely to be influenced by their friends and peers. But it’d be a worthy conversation to have with your teens about Miley’s VMA performance and its implications.
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