On Miley Cyrus

Recently, it seems that everyone is speaking out, sending letters, and tweeting about Miley Cyrus' imminent moral degeneration, fearing of future of Brittney Spear's head-shaving escapades and Lindsey Lohan wardrobe malfunctions. Here's my opinion. I think the shock over Miley Cyrus and her scantily-clad performance of "We Can't Stop" was to be expected, as previously the world knew of her as the innocent Hannah Montana. However, the continuing panic and anxiety over her new image seems unfair. I respect Miley Cyrus as an artist as there's undeniable talent in her recent music, but the commercial music landscape is highly competitive, and to compete with artists like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus had to invent her own comparable image--something as sensationally rebellious as the salami dresses and cupcake bras that came before her. Extreme nudity, a heinous haircut, and awful tattoos is how she competes in the pop music industry, and this craziness isn't really unreasonable; it's simply the business of pop. Unlike many other pop celebrities (Kanye West and Justin Bieber are coming to mind) who have actually been jerks and said things warranting an apologies, Miley hasn't said or done anything harming other people. As Cyrus said, she at the point in her life where she can "make mistakes," and fortunately, for now, I think the only things she'll have to regret are the tattoos and future lower back problems from so many hours of twerking.

- EJS



Also, check out her "Wrecking Ball" music video. Warning: Its shocking displays may not be suitable for all audiences.