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KYMLEE
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Member Since: 9/2006
Member Since: 9/2006
36 Comments
PrintMiley Cyrus Vanity Fair Photos: A PR Nightmare
News Type: Opinion — Fri May 2, 2008 10:40 PM EDT
The now infamous photo...
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Disney likes their child stars wholesome, a stipulation that contrast sharply with the day's era of bad boy and girl celebutants. Miley Cyrus' preemptive apology for the image presented by her recent Vanity Fair photo shoot with Annie Leibovitz is a perfect example of the challenges facing young stars these days.
The truth is that this controversy with Miley Cyrus has not taught us things anything we don't already know. There is no denying that while the photos may be very tasteful, the main issue is really about the conflicting ideals between making young girls sex idols while simultaneously trying to force them to maintain a wholesome image. Disney, Cyrus and her family want the young starlet to remain a good role model for young viewers but she is constantly being pushed into more and more adult atmospheres and situations.
If Cyrus were older, the photos taken by Leibovitz may not be an issue, but the fact is that the pictures were quite grown-up for a 15-year-old. Granted, at some point the world will have to accept that Miley Cyrus is growing up and as she does so, she should be allowed to be presented as a young woman as opposed to a little girl. Truthfully, I doubt these images would be such a big deal if it were not for Cyrus' age because they are not obscene; simply not age appropriate.
In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for Vanity Fair noted that Cyrus was accompanied by parents and/or guardians during the entire shoot during which they were able to see all of the photos. They even quoted Cyrus saying that she felt the pictures were "artisy" and didn't see anything wrong with them at all.
Of course this does not mean that as she makes the transition from a girl into womanhood that Cyrus' image must become less respectable. However, in this time of over-sexualized teen and tween idols, the line delineating what is age appropriate is increasingly blurred. According to one Hollywood gossip blog, Miley Cyrus has been shirking her wholesome image in other ways as well with pictures of herself suggestively showing off her bra and Gawker actually accused Vanity Fair and Annie Leibovitz of grooming Cyrus like pedophiles. I think that's taking it a bit far.
Be that as it may, it is entirely possible that Cyrus was simply caught up in the glitz and glam of everyone telling her she was beautiful and that the photos were great. As pointed out by Elisabeth Hasselbeck on "The View," hindsight is 20/20 and maybe Miley Cyrus and her family indeed thought the pictures were ok while on set, but changed their mind after thinking it over further. How many of us can honestly say we have not had moments like that?
At this point the best thing for Miley Cyrus and her PR team to do is continue doing damage control. Since the media has latched on to the story spinning it this way and that, it is up to Cyrus to defend her image, and making a public apology is always a good start.
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 | Miley Cyrus performs at Disney but doesn't address photo | Associated Press | Thu May 1 | 0 |
 | Miley Cyrus To Skip First Public Appearance Since Vanity Fair Photo | The Huffington Post | Fri May 2 | 1 |
| Disney shows double standard in Miley pic, racy Chinese billboard | NY Daily News | Thu May 1 | 1 |
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{"commentId":1760663,"authorDomain":"kymlee"}
I honestly don't think there is anything wrong with the picture, she's covered enough. As noted here Miley Cyrus presented a far more vampy image in other public appearances where her face was caked with make-up and she had on stiletto heels. I mean...she's not even nude in the picture.
C'mon prudes, get over yourselves.
{"commentId":1760663,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"kymlee"}
- 4 votes
#1 - Fri May 2, 2008 10:45 PM EDT{"commentId":1761766,"authorDomain":"gwenny"}
OMG, she's so thin. There is nothing sexy about that picture. She looks like a little girl waiting for her mom to get her clothes after her bath. GODS sometimes I'm ashamed of America.
{"commentId":1761766,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"gwenny"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":1761857,"authorDomain":"kymlee"}
{"commentId":1761864,"authorDomain":"gwenny"}
Well, her posture sucks as well. But I'm with you, there's nothing sexy here unless you are a pedophile. That is not a woman, that is a child.
{"commentId":1761864,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"gwenny"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1782369,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}
Great piece, Kymlee. Clipped to Newsviner's Picks.
{"commentId":1782369,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1783494,"authorDomain":"kymlee"}
{"commentId":1760971,"authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}
Yeah, this "scandal" is just really ridicculious. Seriously, "a skinny-ass fifteen year-old's BARE BACK! OMG WTF BBQ!!1!!111"
{"commentId":1760971,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}
- 2 votes
#2 - Sat May 3, 2008 2:31 AM EDT{"commentId":1760978,"authorDomain":"roybatty"}
She has had more "exposure" this week than the last year. Maybe all by design?
{"commentId":1760978,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"roybatty"}
- 3 votes
#3 - Sat May 3, 2008 2:43 AM EDT{"commentId":1760989,"authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}
Hell, before this I barely even knew of her or Hanna Montana. It's amazing, because now I have finally found something that makes the old saying "ignorence is bliss" true to me.
But you know who I really think planned it? Disney. They know their stars only become REALLY fameous when they start going for the "sex-kitten" approach, and they're having Vanity Fair start it so that they can say how bad it is while rubbing their hands in glee behind closed doors at all the new exposure to their @!$%#ty show.
Of course, I could have put tin-foil inside my fedora again, but hell, that's what I'd do if I were in Disney's shoes.
{"commentId":1760989,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1761855,"authorDomain":"kymlee"}
{"commentId":1762203,"authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}
She has had more "exposure" this week than the last year. Maybe all by design?
Considering that she has been the #1 selling concert act over the past year with a number of attendant stories behind that, I doubt it.
My personal opinion of it is that it was a case of "it seemed like a good idea at the time". I think she (and her parents/handlers) got caught up in the excitement of a chance to appear on Vanity Fair that they didn't think it through. My guess is that they thought they would be able to do this without effecting their core audience since that audience doesn't look at Vanity Fair. I don't think they counted on the media picking up on it and plastering all over the place. They should have, but in the heat of things I think it was overlooked. Now that it has blown up, I do think they are genuinely chagrined about it and wondering "what were we thinking" (although I have to wonder where was Disney in all this - they are notorious for controlling their stars images and I would think a bit sensitive considering the recent High School Musical faux pas).
As for the picture itself, I'm kinda borderline about it. First I'll state I don't really like it based on aesthetics. While not exactly being over the line it is probably a bit to suggestive for a 15 year old Being 15 is an issue. As a society we have set a line where it is okay to consider a young woman sexually and when it is not. Agree or disagree with that line it is what we have agreed upon. The other is that it is Miley Cyrus. Someone of lesser fame might not generate quite the controversy with explanations of capturing a girl becoming a young woman. It is Miley Cyrus though and she is riding a wave based on an image she created that goes counter to this. Does that mean she shouldn't grow up? Of course not - she is going to. However this would have been better received I think if she had allowed Hannah Montana to play out then "disappeared" for a year or then came out with this pic when she was 19 or 20 using it as an announcement to moving her career to more adult roles.
Overall though I think this will blow over with little effect on her career if she is sincere about her apology and truly returns to the Hannah Montana image for another year or two. She'll be able to transition to whatever she wants and go as far as her talent will take her. If though she follows the Britanny Spears route with a number self destructive missteps she'll end up another dismissed sexualize caricature that is pitied more than anything else.
{"commentId":1762203,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":1761970,"authorDomain":"XpectMorenow"}
{"commentId":1764003,"authorDomain":"dale102"}
{"commentId":1771516,"authorDomain":"taotehsien"}
While I do not believe the photos are completely age appropriate for a girl her age. The photo is a striking comment on young girls today. If we are going to seriously consider the idea of over glamorizing, and the overt sexuality of television, and media portrayal of young teens today, then shouldn't we also consider the clothing that is put out? the fashion magazines, and catalogue that push for the sexy image in girls, not women, girls! A few years ago retailers were putting out clothing that was more in line for cheap hookers as opposed to young children. It isn't until parents, and the culture as a whole start telling these designers that is not appropriate and we are not going to buy it, that they are going to understand.
{"commentId":1771516,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"taotehsien"}
- 2 votes
#6 - Tue May 6, 2008 12:50 PM EDT{"commentId":1771827,"authorDomain":"kymlee"}
{"commentId":1772985,"authorDomain":"roybatty"}
I agree ... this photo treatment is no where near appropriate for her age.
{"commentId":1772985,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"roybatty"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1771556,"authorDomain":"kkendall"}
I haven't noticed anyone commenting on the pic of Miley lying down next to her father with a sultry expression on her face.It truly seemed creepy to me.I'm sure it wasn't meant to be suggestive of a diva w/ an older man,but...not a good idea:(
{"commentId":1771556,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"kkendall"}
#7 - Tue May 6, 2008 1:01 PM EDT{"commentId":1771693,"authorDomain":"judgementvonblackshire"}
I wish the media would bear in mind Miley is a TEENAGER! Teenagers are notorius for not making great decisions and thinking about things in regard to the short term...I know, I was one. If someone has a problem with these photos why are they not holding the adults responsible, ie: photographer, VF Reps, Parents, Agents... As adults its our responsibility to guide children to making the right decisions and teaching them to make decisions that they will be comfortable with long term. Like it or not Miss Cyrus is still a child, be it a talented well composed child...she is still a child.
{"commentId":1771693,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"judgementvonblackshire"}
- 2 votes
#8 - Tue May 6, 2008 1:35 PM EDT{"commentId":1773021,"authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}
Honestly, I think when the media talks about her and the decision to do this I think they are speaking about Miley Cyrus the brand and not the person. In this discussion I've referred to her several times where who I'm really directing the comments at is everyone involved.
{"commentId":1773021,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1771840,"authorDomain":"1hagan"}
Get on with it. Miley is beautiful. The photo is beautiful. It is just a photo and I wouldn't get squeamish about my own daughter (if I had one) having the same photo taken. This is completely blown out of proportion. Let's leave it as it was meant to be. A beautiful young lady (15 or not) in a photograph. Not naked!!!!!!!!
{"commentId":1771840,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"1hagan"}
- 1 vote
#9 - Tue May 6, 2008 2:09 PM EDT{"commentId":1772245,"authorDomain":"niksmom1"}
This is such a crazy, pointless argument! How can people freak out about the VF photos (which, actually, are quite tasteful & lovely) when this child appears regularly in jeans cut so low that you can see her pubic bones and tops so tight she looks like a sage sausage? She struts around on the concert stage - lipsynching, no less - while gyrating and growling words to some otherworldly tune or the other. If this is the "wholesome" image that Disney, et al, want to convey...umm...they're failing miserably.
{"commentId":1772245,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"niksmom1"}
#10 - Tue May 6, 2008 3:31 PM EDT{"commentId":1772546,"authorDomain":"tarvin"}
The author of this article should have used spell check. There were some grammar errors as well as typos. The correct spell of Disney – the incorrect spelling Desney . .
{"commentId":1772546,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"tarvin"}
- 1 vote
#11 - Tue May 6, 2008 4:39 PM EDT{"commentId":1772704,"authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}
Tip: It's a lot more kosher to tell people about typos by going to their page, clicking on "contact author" and telling them privately rather than publically.
{"commentId":1772704,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1772946,"authorDomain":"kymlee"}
{"commentId":1772950,"authorDomain":"charles-locke2"}
what the heck were her parents thinking? Personally I think that jealousy may have played a factor consciously or unconsciously in her parents decision to allow her to do this. And don't tell me it was her agents.The girl is still a minor and her parents are still responsible for her
{"commentId":1772950,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"charles-locke2"}
- 1 vote
#12 - Tue May 6, 2008 6:19 PM EDT{"commentId":1773014,"authorDomain":"kymlee"}
{"commentId":1774752,"authorDomain":"wearhouse1"}
While the pictures were a bit suggestive for a 15 year old at least she is not a pregnant Disney star like Jamie Lyn Spears. Why is the media acting like it is ok to be unwed and pregnant which to me is worse than posing for some pictures that may be suggestive. Miley Cyrys continues to be a good role model and the media should leave her alone . It is hard enough to grow up in that business without every move being scrutinized.
{"commentId":1774752,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"wearhouse1"}
- 2 votes
#13 - Wed May 7, 2008 9:30 AM EDT{"commentId":1776113,"authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}
The difference between Nickelodeon (Jamie Lyn Spears) and Disney (Miley Cyrus) perhaps. For better or for worse Miley is a much more major star known for being Hannah Montanna than Jamie is for being Zoey. In the end Miley generates discussion and sales/ratings and Jamie doesn't.
{"commentId":1776113,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1776326,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}
Kymlee, nice written article.
I think that part of the controversy has more to do with the age of Miley's fans than her own age. Her fans start at 5 and 6. I think other 15 years olds can deal with the photo, it's the image being portrayed to her younger fans that is upsetting parents, imo.
{"commentId":1776326,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"vacelts"}
- 4 votes
#14 - Wed May 7, 2008 3:12 PM EDT{"commentId":1777101,"authorDomain":"kymlee"}
{"commentId":1778503,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}
can I call you V?
Sure.
If her fans continue to be between the ages of 6-15 is it really fair for them to expect her to maintain the same image?
No. And I think you'll start to see a change in her fan base as a result.
{"commentId":1778503,"threadId":"258960","contentId":"1466458","authorDomain":"vacelts"}
- 4 votes
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