The Great Debate: Miley Cyrus

Inspired by Tater2Tot's heated hub about Miley Cyrus, I decided to publish my own thoughts on the matter, and I'd love to hear what everyone else has to say!

So yes, there was that infamous photo shoot with Annie Leibovitz, showing the world highly stylized and slightly sexualized pictures of fifteen year old Cyrus. And there were the pictures she herself circulated by showing her bra on camera.

The issue? Whether or not its right for the squeaky clean role model to be showing so much skin and encouraging a sexual nature to her photos.

My opinion? Frankly, I'm over it. By definition a teenager is on the cusp of sexuality, and Miley is discovering hers, so far in a completely safe way. She even says she's "too much to handle" for a boyfriend right now, and because of her close relationship with her family and her demanding work schedule, I'm not all that worried about her. And I think that she really does show America a positive role model through her Hannah Montana tv show and through the image that she relentlessly presents. Her music is sweet and wholesome, and while she is admittedly sassy, frankly I think that's a good thing.

Earlier this year, Miley made her name official, changing it from the birth name of Destiny Hope Cyrus to Miley Ray Cyrus, both in a nod to her dad and because it was a nickname since childhood.

The issue? Some fans claim it was to capitalize on her success and also her father's success; essentially a publicity stunt to garner more attention.

My opinion? Uh, I'm sorry, but did you catch that--this is MILEY CYRUS. The girl does not need any more attention! And everyone was calling her Miley anyway--I think it actually makes her a little more authentic that it's now her real name--she's essentially telling fans that they get the real her, not a fake veneer like her Hannah Montana character.

She's a super-hyped star with more money and popularity than most of us ever hope to see, and all of this is based off her musical ability. But does she actually have the chops and the material to deserve it?

The issue? She's part of the Disney Machine to be sure, and she's also a second generation singer, both of which give her an automatic bid to stardom. But she's also got some serious pipes, especially for a girl so young, and people seem to be pretty violent about thinking she's amazing or that she sucks.

My opinion? The first time I heard "See You Again" I couldn't tell that it was Disney or that it was sung by a 15 (14 at the time) year old. To me, that says that she has some pretty serious merit on her side. There are some songs that are definitely pitched to a specifically Disney audience (primarily her first CD, but that's to be expected), but Cyrus definitely has the voice to back it up. I think she will be able to expand her range and really define herself and her voice as a singer, post Disney.

But I do have to say---what is with the teddy bears in 7Things????

Miley Cyrus has been in some racy photos, she's very, very young on the music scene, and she has literally millions of girls looking up to her. She's in a prime position to influence the youth of America.

The issue? With books like The Lolita Effect emphasizing how girls of a younger and younger ages are becoming sexual objects far before they're emotionally ready to cope with it, is Miley Cyrus part of the problem?

My Opinion? An unequivocal no. No, I think the real problem here is Abercrombie and Fitch targeting lingerie lines to twelve year olds and magazines telling preteens how to look hot for your man. I do not think the problem is one family oriented young girl who's had a lot of success but still shows up on television hanging out with her friends, trying to do "the right thing" and learning about honesty and friendship (referring to Hannah Montana). I think Miley Cyrus is an excellent role model for girls.

All in all, I'm a Hannah Fannah. I like Miley Cyrus and I think she's a positive role model. What do you think??

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