Allow me to stray from my usual meanderings for a moment to the media storm du jour – Miley Cyrus’ so-called “racy” photo in the June 2008 issue Vanity Fair.
The photo that has everyone up-in-arms is shown to the right. First of all, let me say that I don’t really like it. There’s something weird with her make-up I think. Maybe it’s because I like blondes, or maybe it’s because Miley is only fifteen years old, but I’d rather look at Lindsay or perhaps Keira and Scarlett. Vanity Fair has definitely produced some excellent stuff over the years.
I don’t see what the big deal is with this photo, yet everyone is yammering on about how it sets a bad example. And of course, Miley and her handlers are playing the blame game. Here are some things to consider:
- Since when do tweens read Vanity Fair? I realize the photo is splashed all over the place now, but seriously, it’s not like she posed topless on the Disney Channel or anything. Parents, do your jobs.
- She now says she’s embarrassed? Disney says she was manipulated to sell magazines? Bullshit to both. I have to believe Whoopi – everyone knew what was going on. These sorts of things don’t just happen by mistake.
- Vanity Fair will likely sell a ton of magazines thanks to this shoot. They’re also not hiding anything – they’ve put a behind-the-scenes section online, and a video of the shoot.
Here is what Miley originally said when asked if she was “anxious” about the photo:
No, I mean I had a big blanket on. And I thought, This looks pretty, and really natural. I think it’s really artsy.
And here’s what she said in a prepared statement:
I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be ‘artistic’ and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed. I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans who I care so deeply about.
I feel sorry for Miley – her “handlers” are now telling her to say things she doesn’t mean. They should have supported her instead.
And here’s my biggest question of all – how come no one has a problem with the second photo, of Miley and her Dad? In my opinion, that’s a much more disturbing photo. If you didn’t know any better, would you look at that and think, “oh what a lovely father-daughter photo”? I sure wouldn’t.
I wanted to post this so that I can look back on it one day when I’m a father, to see if my opinion has changed at all. At the moment, I have no issue with the photo. I think it’s up to Miley’s parents to ensure she is comfortable with the shoot, and it’s up to the parents of her fans to make sure they set a good example, talk with their kids, and not leave their copy of the magazine lying around the house. Just my two cents.
By the way, I dedicate this post to Justice, the biggest Miley fan I know! 😉
Read: Vanity Fair
MasterMaq's Blog 
I agree. This is much ado about nothing. And, I also agree that the picture of her with her father is actually far creepier and more inappropriate than the “topless” one is.
Hell, I even agree with you about her make-up looking really weird.
You’re certainly in an agreeable mood, aren’t you? 😉
So it would seem. But, really, I do feel pretty much the exact same way as you about these photos.
I mean, hell, if some paparazzi had snapped a photo of her at the beach in her bikini no would be saying anything when it turned up in the next issue of Teen Vogue with a caption saying something like: “Miley Cyrus enjoys a day at the beach with some friends.”
I have a problem with feigned ignorance.
I have a problem with the media not being responsible for suggestive imagines of an actual 15 year old (vs. an actor/model > 18 portaying a younger person), and it being available in a medium that may be easily made available to minors.
The father-daughter is not so suggestive, especially knowing that they are related. Certainly with the assumption that the girl is not related and is under the age of consent, i.e. without context, it could be bothersome,but there is nothing sexually suggestive.
Miley why did you take bad pics that could get you kicked off of Hannah Montana.
Guys I am realy sorry if i made anyone feel this way I am just so sorry could you please forgive me and all the bad things I did thank you.
miley your dad knew about the vanity pictures. so why didn’t he do anything about it?
I like the photo of her and her dad it looks nice and miley looks freakin hot
When this whole thing blew up I told my wife it was a big PR ploy, and as it turned out, I was right.
I hadn’t realized before that she was Hannah Montana. This was a way for her to distance herself from Hannah Montana and, lo and behold, she was releasing a CD a short time later.
PR pure and simple. And the media totally played into it. It’s not about bad parenting, it’s about career management so she isn’t typecast.
WOW… trying to be so sexy at such a young age… so the age limit is 18 and your only 15… hmmmmmmmm….wow.. she needs to get her priorities straight…. does she want to be a slut and a bad exsample? Or a NORMAL 15 year old cool pop star and a good exsample? Figure it out Miley.
She is such a liar and the giggest