Normally, when the media and convservatives freak out about children “growing up to fast” or the “sexulization of teens”, I tell them to calm down and take a cold shower.
The idea that teenagers are sexual beings still freaks people out, especially when the teenagers at hand are female. (Which means that they're usually “slutty” or “need help”.)
However, this whole Miley Cyrus lap dance scandal creeps me out.
For those of you not reading Perez Hilton or TMZ or paying attention to what Ashton Kutcher is Tweeting about, a video was leaked to TMZ of Miley Cyrus at the wrap party for last year’s film The Last Song. And boy, was Miley having a good time. Only 16 at the time, Miley is seen bumpin’ and grindin’ on the dance floor, and at one point gives someone a sort of disturbing, awkward lap dance.
If this were with a 16-year-old boy, I’d tell everyone to chill out. Even if it was with some ex model in their midtwenties I would probably tell you to chill out, because Miley tends to date guys that are much older than her, because she's not your average teen.
But the fact that this bump and grind fest was taking place with a 44-year-old producer makes my skin crawl. Now, others like Ashton Kutcher will be quick to point out that Adam Shankman, the dude in his 40s with the 16-year-old’s bum in his crotch, is openly gay.
Does this make a difference? Does it make it OK that he’s a gay 44-year-old man dancing inappropriately with a 16-year-old girl?
Perez Hilton says it doesn’t. And I can’t help but agree with him.
When Miley posed for Annie Lebowitz with her OMG back showing, I defended her. When she did a “pole dance” during one of her TV performances, I ignored it. When people constantly point out how she dresses and how old she acts verses her age, I roll my eyes.
But when I see a 16-year-old rubbing her rear end in some old guy’s crotch, in slow motion, no less (thanks for that TMZ) I get a really bad feeling in my stomach. The same bad feeling I get when I watch Law & Order: SVU or Criminal Minds.
There have been a lot of “Miley is the new Britney” comments flying around lately – and I think everyone should pause and think about what they’re saying. We were all saying the same things about Britney being “too sexy” back in like 1999, and when she did that infamous Rolling Stones cover. And look at where Britney ended up in 2006? Remember the baldness? Remember the hospital visits? REMEMBER THE MTV MUSIC AWARDS PERFORMANCE?!?!!
While I’m all for teenage girls expressing themselves and owning their sexuality, and giving the finger to those who say she should tone it down and tame themselves – I worry for Miley Cyrus.
I worry for her because her the people defending her are Fathers of the Year who blame Disney and Ashton Kutcher. I worry because in response to all of this, her boyfriend says she’s “got a good head on her shoulders”. And her dad, the mulleted Billy Ray Cyrus, says that the “lapdance” is “just something kids her age do”.
Yes, Billy. Kids HER AGE. Not 44-year-old men! (Gay or otherwise!)
I’m not sure what to do with Mily Cyrus, or what she should or shouldn’t be doing. I just worry where this need to so fiercely push the envelope and be provocative and sexual at 17-years-old is going to get her. I worry that she’s grown up much too fast, and while she may feel and think very much like an adult – she’s still 17.
There’s a problem with children and teens who grow up to fast. They mature quickly in some ways, and are left emotionally stunted in others. And without a team of people around her to remind her that she’s 17 and doesn’t need to go all Lindsey Lohan “Rumors” on us quite yet, I’m just worried that Miley is going to burn out, and burn out quick.
Image via Miley Cyrus's Official Website