I read a news story about Miley Cyrus this morning that struck me from a mom point of view and not as a writer. It’s odd when this happens because usually I can find a way to see both sides of things but not this time.
According to the AP, Miley is embarrassed over a Vanity Fair photo spread. She was recently interviewed for a piece in Vanity Fair (which you can read here) and there is also a slideshow where you can view the picture in question.
I read the article from Vanity Fair and I also saw the slideshow. Miley is embarrassed and apologizing to her fans because now that she’s seen the end result and read Bruce Handy’s piece on her, she feels embarrassed. I think she is well within her rights to feel this way, especially when Handy ventures out to say that she isn’t really a girl when she smiles for the paparazzi but instead a "well-drilled pro hitting her marks". No sorry Mr. Handy. She is still just a girl. The entire beginning of Handy’s article represents Miley Cyrus as a hot commodity, citing her financial future and worth and says little about how "normal" she is (until midway to the end)… though the article begs the question in it’s hook. I know that’s how journalism can work but remember, I’m a mom right now. Not a writer.
I don’t get involved in Media or the next tween sensation because my kids don’t really get involved in it but after reading Handy’s article and reading what the AP is saying Miley’s true reaction to the photo shoot and article is, I can fully understand why Miley Cyrus feels embarrassed.
The photo has her covering her front with what looks like a satin sheet while she is facing the camera sideways and her bare back is partially if not completely exposed. Yes, it is racy for a 15 year old girl and I fully agree with Disney’s remarks that "a situation was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines". I do realize that Disney themselves manipulates her as well but not in a way that compromises the morality and integrity of the girl. I say this with confidence especially when Handy himself quotes Miley as saying, "And you can’t say no to Annie (Liebovitz). She’s so cute. She gets this puppy-dog look and you’re like, O.K.”
Sounds like an adult (Liebovitz) took liberty with a young girl’s emotions to give in and ran with it.
The picture to me… as a mom, is a way I wouldn’t want my girl photographed. First of all, she’s my daughter and I don’t care what she’s paid to appear in or how big of a "meal ticket" – as Handy himself calls her is, she is a young girl. A young impressionable girl. Second, and this is could be a stretch (depending on your liberal or conservative views of kids and teens in the Entertainment industry)… but couldn’t those pictures be construed as a form child pornography? Maybe, maybe not. She is topless, though her front is covered. Third, our world is full of sickos and perverts… do we need to give them a reason?
I like Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray, I enjoy the music but speaking as a mom, and I see myself as pretty liberal most times… there has to be accountability too. Miley’s parents were on the set of the shoot, Billy Ray was in a couple of them with Miley. I have to ask…
Why didn’t they have a problem with the picture?
I realize I don’t live in the industry they do… I’m just a Midwest mom of four… but still you see your topless daughter covering herself with a sheet and it’s ok? When did parenting check out of the picture here and take a back seat to good judgement when it comes to your daughter’s honor? I fail to see how they can sit on the sidelines of this and really be ok? Especially since they have a younger daughter probably looking up to her big sis? It really baffles me.
Or were they swayed by Liebovitz’s "puppy-dog" look too? Yes, I am sure Miley at the time wanted to do the shoot but as parents don’t we have the right and obligation to protect our children from something that may harm them?
I’m asking you moms and dads… Did Vanity Fair overstep their bounds with this young lady? Should mom and dad have had the foresight to see this as a bad decision and protect Miley from it?
Vanity Fair’s website captioned Miley Cyrus as "Tween Angel" so why couldn’t they go ahead and let her be just that… an angel instead of the provocative adult image they are trying to sell?
Great post! I agree with your totally. I have felt bad for her too and some make be feel guilty for feeling bad. (I know that could’ve been worded better, you’re the writer, I’m not!) Anyway, I apprecite you thoughts and totally agree. I found your blog through a thank you post on Vin’s website (blogger for dummies). Hope you have a great week!
Nice post. Although I do feel the industry is taking advantage of her; I am not sure i feel so bad. The photos of her in the sheet are very proactive and she is no dummy; nor are her parents. I am sure the biggest thing on her mind is her image. She is not the first teen celebrity to go from appearing innocent and pure to looking like an adult video star if you know what I mean. Honestly, if you didn’t tell me that was Miley Cyrus in the pics, I would have assumed it was a 25 year old celebrity model. It takes a lot to get these photos made, produced and published. Many people were involved and it’s amazing that somewhere alone the line of the many people who had to create/review/approve/publish, etc. these photos, that no one said, “whoa, maybe this isn’t a good idea?” Right. And even though she is saying she is embarrassed, the photos are still out there. Either way, press is press.
Melinda, you are so right to say that somewhere along the line someone could have said something. Miley, Mom, Dad, but you have to assume that there was too much on the line (like too much $$$$) and a little bad press is never such a bad thing-like you say, press is press. Why was it only AFTER the bad reviews that all of a sudden she felt bad about it?? I don’t buy into it and I don’t feel sorry for her. I feel disappointed that she made those bad decisions and gave into the industry like she swore she would never do. My daughter still likes her and loves to watch her show, but like Barbara Walters said on the view, it’s going to be a learning experience for tweens and little girls alike.
Hi Nikki! I had forgotten you had this blog too. My new mommy blog is here: http://letmamasleep.blogspot.com
I’m going to add you to my blogroll.
Yikes! I have three daughters and we all love Miley because she’s the grounded wholesome exception to the provocative pop stars. It looks like their version of Tween Angel is like Victoria’s Secret version of an angel. I’m glad Miley is speaking up now. Of course, a lot of people will buy the magazine now just to see the published photo. VF will like that.
[...] Miley Cyrus was all kinds of tore up over this photo shoot with Vanity Fair. I blogged about it here because as a mom, I thought that the adults in charge of her held some of the blame and [...]