Miley Cyrus Ambition, Courage and Strong Character

Unpopular Opinion

If a celebrity were to be named “Worst Role Model of 2013-14” by parents, who would it be? Most parents would probably name one woman: Miley Cyrus. This young woman broke out of her childhood image and started the buzz when she took center stage with her foam finger at the VMAs with Robin Thicke; which created an outrage among many people. Ever since, nobody can stop talking about her. Was this her plan all along? Celebrities don’t ask to be role models. For the people who say “Yeah, but they put themselves in the public eye.” So what, if they can sing, dance, and act but that doesn’t say anything about the type of person they are. Why do we dictate who is a role model for us and our daughters? With everyone telling her she’s a bad role model for girls, I’m here to say otherwise.

Cyrus grew up in front of the world, starting in 2006 with Hannah Montana. She didn’t really have a typical childhood. For five years, she played an innocent girl playing a double life. She went from people thinking she was a baby to “the girl who twerked with a foam finger” in less than twenty-four hours. I can’t go more than a week without hearing Cyrus and whatever “scandalous” thing she’s doing. Cyrus isn’t the first pop culture provocateur, but she’s definitely left the biggest mark. Before her there were Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”, Britney Spears’ “Slave 4 U”, and Lady Gaga’s anything. These women have discovered that sex sells, people need to get over it. She also isn’t the only person to have that haircut, but for some reason, people made a huge deal about it.

Cyrus can’t be tamed on her tour “Bangerz” which have some parents disgruntled; some want to shut it down which is ridiculous. Unless you’ve been on a different planet for a year and a half, I think you would know that Cyrus will push the limits. First off, some concerts had religious groups petitioning the concert at the entrance saying the concert was unwholesome. If some alarms aren’t set off in your mind as a parent, and you proceed to take your child into the arena, then something is wrong. Secondly, it starts with a 70ft picture of the her face and a 30 ft mouth that opens to a tongue slide; that is the entrance. If you’re a parent, and you’re not put off by these facts, then I don’t know what to tell you. Colorful stages, skimpy highrise leotards, and giant hotdogs are on full display. Idolator.com called it a “weird and wonderful acid trip of a concert (that) documents the adventures of a girl that took a walk on the wild side and ... decided to stay.” The tour is big, spectacular and everything you would expect from Cyrus. Kingsley, a Youtube sensation said, "It’s Miley fucking Cyrus presents the Bangerz Tour. Not Disney presents Hannah Montana on ice. Do not take your child then pretend that you still thought Miley was this wholesome little girl living the double life in a lace wig. Miley isn’t your child’s role model, you are."A responsibility as a parent, is to research a little bit about the concert your young children are going to. Even if you aren’t fully in the loop, there are articles upon articles on the internet when you Google “Miley Cyrus Bangerz.” Parents should be a role model so that their children know that this isn’t everyday behavior.

If you’re going to be judged by the whole world, you need to be pretty tough and let things roll off your shoulder. She doesn’t shy away from what she wants to do just because some people don’t get it. Cyrus has a reputation of getting in trouble with the media and then owning up, which is something everyone can learn from. She has apologized for revealing photos and bong pictures and made fun of herself on Saturday Night Live and the bantering with her father. Is it her fault or the media’s for making everything mainstream? She was quoted in Harper’s Bazaar last year, “My job isn’t to tell your kids how to act or how not to act because I’m still figuring that out for myself… Your kids are going to make mistakes whether I do or not. That’s just life.” Words of wisdom coming from a young adult.

She’s always been vocal about important issues to her which is pretty courageous and inspirational considering society is so judgemental these days. Even if her opinion isn’t popular, she sticks to her guns. Cyrus is an advocate for gay rights and marriage equality; so much that she got a tattoo of an equal sign on her finger symbolizing her support of the cause. She also says that she’s a huge feminist, which I believe. I’m sure she’s sick of double standards for men and women. Why is it that she was criticized for her VMA performance, but the married man twerking on her wasn’t? He was half the act. "I'm for anybody and everything," she said. "I don't care what you want to do in your life, or who you want to be with, who you want to love or what you look like." She expresses who she is. So many girls are self conscious with their bodies and while some say she’s “showing off”, I think she’s just showing others that’s it’s perfectly fine to be okay with the skin you’re in.

Whatever she does, she’s happy and healthy, which can’t be said for other celebrities. Cyrus is ambitious, fearless, and headstrong which is admirable and young girls should take note. It’s refreshing to see a young popstar with clear talent in command of their own career. All of the bizarre acts just keep people talking and that’s what keeps her on top. It’s been a great year for Miley Cyrus and her pelvic region; I’m excited to see where she takes us next.