For five years now Miley Cyrus’ music, television show and film work has fired its demographic arrow-head deep into the hearts and minds of its adolescent targets. She has a volatile brand of effervescent charm that enrages purists, yet ignites her live performances.
On stage, she effortlessly channels her trademark style and energy directly to those who crave it most; the pre-coffee, pre-teeners in search of a pick-me-up - the disenchanted and the uninspired.
The Power to Empower
Girls who don’t even know what self-esteem is sense that this girl is empowered. And in here lays the trap; the role model sword of Damocles’ that hangs above all those who seek to entertain the young. When will she slide on the morality meter, when will the next off camera comment or amateur party snap set her up for public condemnation?
There is an added dilemma whereas stars that possess this power to influence are not generally skilled in its application. The usually unobtainable perfection of entertainers, such as Miley Cyrus, can therefore have a reverse effect on those who seek to emulate their idols.
National Parenting expert, Dr. Michele Borba has this to say on the trend toward ‘pre-packaged idols’:
‘Let's offer our daughters female role models who feel comfortable in their own skin (and don't need to rely on Botox, breast implants, dieting, and designer labels to feel attractive). What about J.K. Rowling, Erin Brockovich, Michelle Wei, Anne Hathaway, Great Aunt Harriet or even the neighbor lady next door? Expose your daughter to authentic, confident women, and then tell her why you admire them. Our girls need strong, resourceful female examples to emulate. Enough of Paris, Lindsay and Britney!'
Teen Idols Acting Human
The industry Miley Cyrus dwells in is infamous for its graying of the promiscuity line. Performers can be sexy as long as they aren’t sexual. They can be loud but not outspoken. There is much at stake. Entire clothing lines are dedicated to a persona, millions in movie revenue depend on a star’s social acceptability – a scandal, especially one concerning the perceived delicate sensibilities of young minds, can be financially disastrous.
Vanessa Hudgens, star of the massively successful High School Musical franchise, is but the latest to suffer an ‘error of judgment’. Miss Hudgens, who is in fact quite some years in excess of the character she portrays, had ‘revealing’ photographs appear on the internet. The ensuing parental outrage proved just how closely these young stars are tied to the personas they portray.
Miley Cyrus herself would stir up a similar storm after posing for a Vanity Fair photo spread. World acclaimed photographer, Annie Leibovitz’s choice of theme was instantly deemed too adult and far from fitting for one held in such high esteem by her young admirers. An obligatory public apology was rapidly forthcoming as was a statement to the effect that she was somehow coerced into falling from grace. The situation was succinctly put in an industry statement published in Portfolio magazine:
‘For Miley Cyrus to be a ‘good girl’ is now a business decision for her. Parents have invested in her a godliness. If she violates that trust, she won’t get it back’
From Big Fish to Hannah Montana
Miley Cyrus is only sixteen but she has already assembled a lengthy portfolio. Film, television and recording work that stretches back to Tim Burton’s 2003 film ‘Big Fish’. Her latest mega-star creating offering on Disney Channels ‘Hannah Montana’ has seen three seasons and more to come.
In it, her art imitating life character meshes the world of celebrity with that of a ‘normal’ everyday teenager. Obviously, her ability to convincingly portray Hannah has a finite lifespan. Inevitably stars, to the dismay of their fans, grow up and out of the characters that made them.
Becoming An Adult In Front Of Millions
The transition is treacherous. The fan base, or more specifically their parents, needs to be placated; eased into the new adult model, taken for a test drive before they decide to buy. But Vanessa Hudgens has taken the opposite tack. She is lined up to star in ‘300’ director Zack Snyders’ new project ‘Sucker Punch’. In it, she will play an institutionalized machine gun toting hell raiser, in so taking a sledge hammer to her previous girl next-door roles.
Miley Cyrus herself has hinted at a desire to evolve her range. She is next slated to appear in an adaptation of Aprilynne Pike's novel, Wings. Although the part is firmly based in fantasy, it is considered a major step toward more substantial work. Unlikely praise has even come from music industry icon Rolling Stone magazine in reviewing her latest album, Breakout. They called it a ‘sophisticated pop record’ with respect directed at her talent and its prospects for longevity.
Ultimately time will be the judge and people’s perception the executioner as she continues to grow up within this most public of professions.
Related Articles:
Biography on Miley Cyrus - She is More Than the Star of Hannah Montana
Positive Role Models for Teens - Ten Ways to Set a Good Example for Kids
Miley Cyrus Photograph Controversy - The Controversy, Apologies, and What Parents Can Do
Sources:
Empower Girls To Be Strong from the Inside Out - Dr. Michele Borba
Miley Cyrus Is Still A 'Great Role Model,' Onetime Co-Star Says - MTV.com
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