Magazines and talk shows have been flooded with mentions of Miley Cyrus and her controversial photo shoot. For those of you who don't know Cyrus, you may have heard of her character, on the Disney Channel.
The 15-year-old actress, songwriter and vocalist participated in a photo shoot for Vanity Fair Magazine where she posed wearing only pants and a cloth on her upper body, leaving her shoulders and back exposed.
What is the big deal? Many are saying she is too young to be participating in a photo shoot like that. To be honest, that's what I thought too when I heard about it on the radio. However, anyone who has an opinion on this issue needs to first look at the photos and then decide.
The controversial photos show nothing less than what is seen in a tube top, but many say it's what the photos suggest that's bothersome.
"She was pretty much topless for the photo shoot," said Sharon Zalokar, junior public relations major and mother of two Hannah Montana fans. "I have been supporting her since she came out, but I'm afraid she's going to turn into another Britney Spears instead of Hilary Duff," she continued.
In an interview with USA Today, Cyrus' photographer Annie Leibovitz explained that the photos are "a matter of interpretation." She said the two had "looked through pictures prior to the shoot and decided on the context of the photo."
According to The New York Times, Leibovitz and a spokesperson for Vanity Fair said her parents, including father Billy Ray Cyrus, were on the set all day. Cyrus is photographed wearing other outfits and also posing with her father.
Disney and parents of Hannah Montana viewers are outraged about the situation, calling it "manipulation."
The New York Times quoted Cyrus' prepared statement to her fans as saying, "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 disagree. I don't think it can be considered manipulation when it was discussed prior to the shoot and when her parents were present. If they had thought the shoot to be too risqué I would like to think they would have stopped it.
Spokeswoman, Beth Kseniak, for both Vanity Fair and Ms. Leibovitz said, "Miley's parents and/or minders were on the set all day. Since the photo was taken digitally, they saw it on the shoot and everyone thought it was a beautiful and natural portrait of Miley," reported the New York Times.
I'm not quite sure that we can judge the life of an entertainer until we're part of that environment. She has attracted a young fan base starting with preschoolers, but many in the business are discussing her path to becoming an adult entertainer.
Senior early childhood education major Emilee Appis feels there is more to discuss than a celebrity's life. I think the important thing for parents to be concerned with is the idea their children have. If they understand the difference in lifestyles and recognize that it's her career, they still will be able to see Cyrus as the talented star she is. t&c;
ALICIA DAVIS IS A SENIOR ORG. COMM. AND PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR AND STAFF WRITER FOR THE t&c.;
