Miley Cyrus Banned from the Celebrity Role Model Blog
By: DebIn Miley Cyrus on April 28th, 2008
I was debating on whether or not to weigh in on this Miley Cyrus business. Normally, I try to keep the bad girls away from The Celebrity Role Model blog and not give them the attention they’re looking for. Because so many young girls look up to Miley Cyrus, I wanted to offer my opinion - for what it’s worth.
I don’t know what Annie Liebovitz or Vanity Fair was thinking when they suggested taking "arty" photos of Miley Cyrus. I don’t care how many magazines they sell, they have a responsibility to be responsible. Putting half naked photos of a teenager in a highly-circulating national glossy is inappropriate on so many levels I can’t begin to count. This is why many of our teens feel it’s ok to be promiscuous or pose nude for their boyfriends. Shame on Vanity Fair and shame on Annie Liebovitz. I will no longer support either.
Now, Miley Cyrus…what were you thinking? I don’t care if you thought it was art. I don’t care if you felt you were misled. I knew enough not to take my shirt off at 15, why don’t you? Don’t tell me you didn’t know any better because you make a big deal of saying what a great role model you are for kids. Role models don’t behave in this manner and 15 year olds don’t behave in this manner. Given the nature of some of the other photos circulating on the Internet, I do believe you knew better Miley Cyrus. It’s only a matter of time before you’re photographed stepping out of your limo without any undergarments or we post your DUI mugshot.
And Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley’s handlers - what were you all thinking? When is it ever appropriate behavior to allow a 15 year old to take off her top for the camera - whether it’s for art or not? I’ll give you a hint…never. I don’t know what possessed you to allow Miley to do this but really, as the parents and people who are looking out for Miley’s best interests I have to ask, are you raising another Lindsay Lohan? Is this how a "wholesome" kid behaves? Way to look out for Miley, guys.
In light of recent events, Miley Cyrus is no longer welcome at The Celebrity Role Model Blog. In a few years, if she behaves in a manner appropriate for a role model, we’ll consider her application for reinstatement.
Image: AllPosters.com
April 28th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Hi Deb - In a way I agree with you but I took a different view of this because I didn’t blame Miley for this. I think since the adults were supposed to be in charge they are the ones responsible for putting their foot down and just saying “This isn’t right. Don’t exploit my daughter this way.” I read the article this morning, saw the picture and then read what the Associated Press reported was Miley’s and Disney’s thoughts on the shoot and article after the fact. It disturbed me to a point that I blogged this today as well (and I stay away from Media, Celebrity thing).
Do I think Miley is old enough to make this type of decision? Abso-freakin-lutely! However I also think that at 15 the pressure on her to do what her managers, parents, and “handlers” want is extensive. Maybe in the beginning, the photo didn’t look bad to her, maybe she was flattered and felt grown up. However I think combine that with Bruce Handy’s comments about her being a “meal ticket” and she probably realized that not only was she embarrassed but degraded. I don’t necessarily think Miley failed here… but the adults surrounding her definitely did. I made the comment on my blog that in a way what Liebovitz and others allowed was somewhat along the lines of child porn… but that’s me.
I wouldn’t ban her Deb, I think she made a bad decision in the presence and guidance of the adults who should’ve known better and helped her make a wiser one.
April 28th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I just wanted to let you know, I found your post through a tweet from you earlier - I had to stop over and comment.
April 28th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
i have to say…
good call.
April 28th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Thanks Nikki, I appreciate your thoughts. Have you seen all the pictures of Miley Cyrus floating around the Internet lately? There’s one where she’s flashing her bra and others where she’s frolicking with a boyfriend. That combined with this makes me believe that Miley does know a little more than she lets on. You’re right in that her parents and handlers should have been offering better guidance, but if Miley was uncomfortable she could have said something and she didn’t.
By making it known I’m banning Miley I’m sort of letting young impressionable girls know this type of behavior is inappropriate. It doesn’t matter who made the decision to do this photo shoot, I can’t support the decision, and send the message that posing topless (even covered with a sheet) is OK.
I hope you’ll come by again Nikki. I do respect and appreciate your opinion. Never underestimate the power of a Tweet.
April 29th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Deb,
My name is Jenni Mitchell and I am 19 years old. I am from a small town in Tennessee, but have big dreams.
When in high school, I started and taught at my own dance studio where I was in the sight of 30 little girls ages 3-12 almost every day. Anywhere I went, I saw some little cutie that I knew, (and they had absolutely already spotted me.) I was also a high school cheerleader, actress, choreographer, and assistant director in almost all of our community theater performances, and member of an elite choir.
I have worked EXTREMELY hard to have a wonderfully clean reputation and to be someone that young girls can look up to.
I am also an aspiring actress/vocalist. I just made a trip to New York and made my first single. I find it RIDICULOUS that Miley would even consider the photos that I’ve seen floating around lately. She had the world at her fingertips and millions of little ears waiting to hear that good girls with morals finish first and that they can succeed at anything they want to do in life. I have done all but physically walk to New York to try to get things started for me, and I just can’t believe that she had such an amazing opportunity to break the horrible anorexic/sexually irresponsible/ “hurry up and grow up” cycle and start a positive movement for young girls, but dropped the ball.
I totally believe in “everyone makes mistakes,” but she isn’t just an “everyone” she is THE Hannah Montana, THE face plastered all over 6 year olds’ shirts. And maybe one photo, but I’ve seen about 5 racy photos? I believe that the actions taking place, the bad publicity, angry parents, is perfectly understandable.
I just know many people would kill to be in her shoes and have her platform to use to better the world and views of young girls. If she can’t handle the responsibility, I’ll be happy to step in and take her place!