Where to start? If you haven't seen Miley Cyrus' new video, get an eye-full here. Keep in mind Miley is 17 years old and if you have a little girl yourself, she most likely has at least one Miley Cyrus laden t-shirt, or thermos, or black lace bustier...well, I'm getting ahead of myself.
Okay, so let's just skip that part where it's kind of a ridiculous video. Most of us lived through the '80s and have loved many-a campy, overly conceptualized music video. Let's even skip over the nagging feeling that every female recording "artist" seems to, at some point, end up rolling on the ground with her fingers in her mouth. It's almost a cliche at this point.
Fine. I won't even mention all that.
What went through my mind the minute I saw this was, "What are her parents thinking?" How can a father of a teenage girl green light this nonsense? Isn't this his precious daughter? We will just have to wait for that episode of Celebrity Rehab to air in five years to find out from Miley herself, I guess.
Watching this I just felt incredibly sad for her. For all girls who don't have parents who would fight like hell to never let their teenager daughter's honor and modesty get trampled by 50 backup dancers and a pair of black thigh-high boots.
Yeah, I said it--modesty.
My daughter, who's almost nine-years-old, and I watched the video together. She was perplexed. She kept saying, "That's not Miley." Then at the end she was quiet and finally it came out. The prefect response: "I can't believe I named a WebKinz after her."
Maybe we can get her name legally changed.
***
I can get like this sometimes.
Other rants:
COMPLETELY AGREE!!!! Love this post!!!! Couldn't have said it better myself!!! But of course...just like Christina and Britney...these teen stars go very bad very fast.
Posted by: Danica | May 05, 2010 at 10:42 PM
Almost as bad as the video are the lyrics! I wouldn't want my kid walking around singing something like that. Heck, I would even sing something like that. Yeesh.
Posted by: Angela | May 06, 2010 at 01:12 AM
Her parents cannot think because the dollar signs are blocking their eyes.
Posted by: Mental P Mama | May 06, 2010 at 05:05 AM
Yep, Suz, I agree with you 100%.
My oldest will be 17 this summer..I could not for a second imagine her all done up like that and spouting those lyrics.
I do hope you can get the webkinz name changed!!
Posted by: Busy Bee Suz | May 06, 2010 at 05:06 AM
Fly away, little bird, fly away.
Posted by: Allison | May 06, 2010 at 05:29 AM
I totally agree. I hope her dad remembers that it is not just the darling little girls watching this video, but also the dirty old men.
Posted by: Julie | May 06, 2010 at 06:17 AM
Sorry... this dad would be compelled to kick somebody's A$%! That, and give a nice long time out to a few people. Nice prose, Suzanne.
Posted by: T-Roy | May 06, 2010 at 06:31 AM
Great post, I agree with you. It's over the top & even though she's getting older they neglect to remember that 'children' still look up to her.
Posted by: Lin | May 06, 2010 at 06:55 AM
I love your daughter's comment...you brought her up right!
Posted by: Stacy | May 06, 2010 at 07:43 AM
It's all about the ching!
How sad.
Posted by: noe noe girl | May 06, 2010 at 07:43 AM
I have to agree COMPLETELY with you & everyone's post. I can only say-"WOW!" I guess the lyrics speak enough, she can't be saved...at least not by her parents.
Posted by: cindi | May 06, 2010 at 08:34 AM
Modesty is the right choice. Miley is in big trouble and her parents? I don't think they were THINKING at all!
Posted by: jen broas | May 06, 2010 at 08:48 AM
I watched this video yesterday and had some of the same thoughts. What on earth are her folks thinking? It seems that most of these girls that become big stars sooner or later decide to show the public how 'grown up' they are and need to express how 'artistic' their music has become. My kids were never into Miley. (Yeah me!)
I Hope that Icarly's parents are more on the ball than Billy-Ray.
Posted by: Andrea Charroin | May 06, 2010 at 09:52 AM
Suz, I can't help but think this too...my precious daughter turned 17 yesterday, and as I watched it, I couldn't help but think of these two girls, same ages, who have totally different lives. I find it so sad that girls (and women!) feel the need to behave like p*rn stars in order to sell music, and that her parents apparently encourage (or at least allow) this. Ugh. I'm glad my girls haven't been that into Miley, because that would be hard to explain. Then again, I was almost more offended by her little act swinging around the brass pole for that performance a few months ago. You're right. What are the parent's thinking?
Posted by: Kimberly | May 06, 2010 at 10:33 AM
Amen, sister. That video is insane! I saw an MTV frame by frame of Miley talking about the video and saying "it's not all about selling sex." Could have fooled me. I love that Emily gets it, and now you have the evidence to remind her!
Posted by: Carrie Braunalicious | May 06, 2010 at 10:51 AM
Well, Miley's parents already allowed Annie Liebowitz to photograph their daughter - then 15 - wrapped up in sheets, with smeared red lipstick. Maybe it's about taste as well as modesty?!
Posted by: Sarah | May 06, 2010 at 12:23 PM
no no no! Just terrible!
Posted by: Samantha | May 06, 2010 at 01:22 PM
After watching this video, I'm actually at a loss for words! That's okay, you said it all sister!
Posted by: Rachel of Fabumom | May 06, 2010 at 03:07 PM
First off, rad video concept. Love the bird cage theme. Secondly, yes, she's a bit too young to be dry humping other girls. I'm not sure of the exact legal age for that, but I think she's too young. Also, she looks like she's trying too hard. Sad? Yes. Making lots of money? Extra yes.
Posted by: Hippo Brigade | May 06, 2010 at 05:09 PM
The video is blocked. It won't let me in, but I can imagine what it looks like and the 'theme' of the video.
I was thinking how it is possible to not get all trampy and still be a star. Look at Kelly Clarkson. Fantastic singer, makes good money I'm sure, and is NOT slutting it up. Like you, I think the thing that gets me is Miley Cyrus's age.
Loved that webkinz comment from your daughter. How perfect is that.
Posted by: heidi | May 06, 2010 at 06:39 PM
I had to go through this with my 16-year-old daughter who worshipped Britney Spears back in the day. We had many a long conversation about sharing your gifts (as in musical talent) and oversharing your gifts (as in exposing yourself to the world in exchange for money). It's a hard one for parents since most tweens just adore older teenage girls. Personally, we do not allow the Disney Channel to be played in our home. I"m going to keep my 4-year-old away from that shameless marketing machine/exploiter of children for as long as I can. I didn't know better with my first. I had no idea.
Posted by: MomZombie | May 07, 2010 at 08:03 AM
What are her parents thinking? They appear NOT to be thinking at all, to me. Golly I'm glad I have boys.
Posted by: Meg | May 12, 2010 at 10:00 AM
i agree too suz. much too much too soon! i think your daughter's reaction along with the 14-year-olds i've been talking to about it can be a consolation. "she's trying too hard" was what i heard mostly. i think girls with sense see through what this move looks like; pathetic and not something they want to emulate...
Posted by: lisa mertins | May 16, 2010 at 11:42 AM
Can't watch the video, but it takes very little imagination to -- that's IT! That's my hook with my girls. "Look, girls, see how dull she is? Anyone can shake her hips like that. She has absolutely NO imagination." And they'll agree with me and move on. For now. When they're 13? Ay-yi-yi, I can only hope.
Posted by: foolery | May 17, 2010 at 10:04 PM