After day two of the Miley Cyrus "incident” I am left with one screaming thought: everyone else’s blogs are going viral and it’s time to strike while the iron is hot!
I know many bloggers. We poor our hearts out; we agonize over how to share deep thoughts about events going on in our lives with the hope that someone else might learn some of our lessons or be inspired by our stories. We write because we need an outlet, a way to share the daily things in life that truly speak to us, that define us, and that connect us with our peers.
None of us has ever gone viral. I’ll share a secret, though. We do look at other successful blogs to see what entices their readers and what sets them apart from others.
This week, speaking only for myself, I’m rather perplexed at the posts making the Facebook and Twitter rounds. Those who are blogging about Miley are going viral. Seriously, who really knew that Miley Cyrus twerking on stage was the Golden Ticket needed by those of us in the blogosphere desiring to hit the jackpot?
I might be too late. The time to really hit it big would’ve been Sunday night. Nevertheless, I’m going to toss my hat in the ring because this, THIS, is what ‘Merica wants to read about.
So without further ado, I give you MY take on Miss Cyrus.
1. She is not a role model. If your child THINKS she is a role model, then you have failed miserably as a parent. She is an entertainer, an actress, a singer, and a very poor humper/dancer. Not to boast, but MY twelve year old simply laughed and stated “gross”.
2. She is on her own journey, one that she clearly wants to broadcast to the world. While it is (somewhat) fascinating to watch, it isn’t the first rock star journey we have witnessed and it won’t be the last. It is rather primitive, frankly, and I’d much rather dive back into “Life” by Keith Richards for true entertainment and cultural/historical lessons.
3. My generation gasped at Madonna in a wedding dress singing about losing her virginity. I didn’t think it was shocking at the time, but then again, I was in high school. My personal opinion is that Madonna paled in comparison to foam finger-humping, but maybe I’m old school and protective of my generation’s icons.
4. Yes, Mr. Thicke is a married father in his thirties. In today’s society, with our politicians tweeting their family jewels and young playboy models marrying geriatric patients, this is par for the course in Hollywood. Come on folks, that particular piece (no pun intended) of her act has been going on for decades.
5. I just read a deep and intellectual breakdown of why Miley’s treatment of the bears is deep seated racism towards black women. I won’t deny that this was her motive…I simply lack the mental capacity to fully understand the study. I also lack the required time to read up on the subject due to the necessary household chores piling up in the background while I shirk such duties in order to jump on the “Miley Cyrus OMG” blogging bandwagon.
6. Finally, with some discomfort, I cannot end without mentioning the “Miley Cyrus is immoral” statements. While most of what I’ve written is in fun, this issue does have me concerned. In referring back to #5 on this list, I will reiterate that I lack the intellectual ability (okay, that’ not true, I honestly lack the TIME) to explore these sexual issues on a deeper level. However, let me remind each and every individual who believes she is immoral that she is a performer. She was performing on a stage that, in fact, expects and begs behavior along these lines. Music is an art, performing is an art, and in the world of pop music just about anything goes. Yes, the boundaries are pushed with every generation but how an artist chooses to express herself/himself is not a direct indictment of their private morality. Frankly, until I can say with total and unabashed honesty that I am perfect, I will, blessedly, leave Miley’s judgement up to herself and/or whatever higher power she may believe in. Oh, and I will continue talking to my children daily about self respect towards themselves and others (I tossed that into the mix so readers won’t judge ME).
In summary, this too shall pass. We survived Janet Jackson’s nipple (okay, she SHOULD’VE gotten a pass because it was an unintentional wardrobe malfunction) and we survived Roseanne Barr’s horrifying attack on the National Anthem. The thing to remember, in this fickle and strange world of social media and celebrity shock & awe, is that Roseanne really didn’t survive her attack on the National Anthem. It crippled her career.
In the end, this is how these things truly work out. You are the consumer. If Miley really messed up, she’ll suffer. On the other hand, if America’s consumers respond to her in typical fashion, she’ll skyrocket to the top of the musical food chain and we bloggers will have ample fodder for the future.
Regardless, Miley will be bumped eventually by a more shocking GaGa/Madonna/Alice Cooper/Ozzie and go down in the annals of history as another child star who headed down a very rocky road while trying to find herself. (Side note: I’m extremely uncomfortable imagining what could be more shocking than stuffed animal dry humping or seeing the head of a bat being ripped off but it’s coming, people, it’s coming). I’ve always wondered why child stars and rock stars don’t read up on the history of their troubled past peers. Wouldn’t it seem so much easier to learn from other’s mistakes?
But THAT, my friends, is the true story. And a reminder that they are human, just like the rest of us.
Good luck to you Miley. May you find your way while the rest of us watch with bated breath…and while I head off to finish the laundry and pray that this blog goes viral with the rest of them.
No comments:
Post a Comment