Dear Miley,
Congratulations on your new album, the success of your last movie (The Last Song), and your final season as Hannah Montana. My wife still loves your song Party in the U.S.A. You are basically taking over the world. I don’t mean this letter to be critical, but after watching part of your newest music video I have some thoughts. Now some would say why were you watching a Miley Cyrus video. I would say that I am a student of pop culture and you are close to the top of the pop culture pyramid. I would also say I was watching music videos (yes they still play them on TV) with my wife and your video just happened to come on. I digress…
Miley, you are free to make the type of music you like. As you know you are free to kiss other girls to shock fans at a concert. You are free to make videos that break away from your Disney image. You are free to do whatever you want, but just because you have the freedom to do something doesn’t mean that you should.
I know you don’t read criticism, and I know that you’ll never read my little blog. I just wish someone close to you would point out how similar you are starting to look like Britney Spears. Instead of going down the road of Britney, Lady Gaga, or Katey Perry try something shocking like remaining wholesome. It’s possible to be successful and not push the sexual envelope. Think Taylor Swift, or Alicia Keys. You have talent, but what set you apart was your wholesome image. Instead of pushing away the fans that you have try modeling for them what they can become. Give them a role model to look up to. They already have Britney. There’s only one Miley.
Sincerely,
robshep.com
Good stuff Rob. However, I almost wonder if its too late. She is controlled now like a puppet on a string. I'm not sure there is any Miley left any more, just managers and handlers and PR folks and decision makers. They could care less about Miley, they only care about their bank accounts. Miley is entirely disposable. If she puts up too much of a fuss, she will be cast aside for the next new thing.
I agree with Daniel rescuing or even warning Miley Cyrus is too late. If you ever spent the kind of time I did at Disney you would understand it is a strict and tightly run organization. She is obligated by contract to finish out her stint …and she is trying to break free of that wholesome role, just as Britney and Christina did. Partially the parents are to blame ..they feel like they have robbed the children of their youth and want them to freely express themselves outside of Disney's claws. Part of it is simply being told to remain relevant you must do X …she is not a role model anymore that is all. Madonna was cutting edge now the things that are done would make her blush. I dont quite understand the double standard when you look at Justin Timberlake you dont see him following in the footsteps of Marylin Manson to shock his fans …its just odd.
Taylor Swift and Alicia Keys are amazing and talented. P!nk even commented in a song how changing who you are to become what people expect will backfire. She created her own look and sound without becoming a clone of Britney. Its just sad to see that to be cutting edge you have to appear slutty.
its never too late…
and the Last Song…really not that good at all…more like an afterschool special..
Rob- I totally agree with you and I don't think its too late either. There are PLENTY of wholesome artists out there who we've all watched grow up and are making themselves into grown women who can handle themselves with…grace. Think Mandy Moore. Or Kelly Clarkson. They both have taken the reigns on their careers are are better off for it. They aren't compromising who they are either. And, I'm SOOOOOOOOO glad Miley fever is not what it used to be in this house. We'll stick with the Jonas Brothers and Taylor Swift, thanks!
Good post. I wish Miley WOULD read it. It's so sad how girls feel like they have to be a sex symbol, and don't mind degrading themselves to get there. It breaks my heart to hear the things some of the girls we work with saying about themselves…they don't realize how much worth they have in Christ, and are constantly bringing themselves down to this level because they think this is all they have.
Couldn't agree with you more. So sad!
If we, society, would quit obsessing over pop culture then this wouldn't be a problem. Cheers.
-scott
I would want to ask Miley, so what’s next? When you set the bar there, how much lower can it go? Don’t answer that, but seriously, how can you shock people now? Poor Miley, poor choices.