Performer versus role model
DJ A.
sports editor
Miley Cyrus as a musician disgusts me. Her voice is reminiscent of an annoying gnat. However, when it comes to being a role model, Cyrus receives my support. Role models are significant to kids, influencing their dress, attitude, and actions. While children revere these idols, the rest of society, particularly parents, may be hypercritical and secretly hope for a mistake that leads to the stars’ public condemnation.
The current icon, Cyrus, is a prime example of this scenario. The fifteen-year-old pop star is worshiped for her multi-personality act, splitting her stage time in half with the fictional character Hannah Montana. She’s even more respected because of her give-back attitude, donating over $1 million to the City of Hope foundation.
However, like most popular role models today, Cyrus made a mistake. She became the subject of rumors of a pregnancy and a “topless” photo shoot for Vanity Fair.
As a result Cyrus’s public image has plummeted. Practically overnight, society found any way possible to tear down this young star. When Cyrus lacked a seatbelt while driving, she was criticized. When she shared a hug with her father that revealed “scandalous” hand placements, there was controversy. No matter what Miley does, we are always ready to criticize.
Why is this hypercriticism excessive?
First, kids need someone famous and exciting to look up to. Although they eventually realize that parents are great mentors, at age ten the court of law sounded pretty dull to me. These icons provide children with dreams of fame that preserve their imagination.
Think about this parents: If you take away Miley, you take away your kid’s future soul and imagination. The second reason is simple. Who else is there?
Miley is in fact not pregnant, while Zoey 101 star Jamie Lynn Spears is in her third month. Cyrus’ music videos are innocent and playful compared to the racy videos of other pop icons. And to be honest, her front is completely covered in this “topless” photo.
As for her mistakes, just leave her alone. As Cyrus says herself: “Nobody’s perfect, you live and you learn it, cause everybody makes mistakes. Nobody’s perfect.”