Miley Cyrus' Racy Photographs

Miley Cyrus, star of Disney's Hannah Montana, posed for the famed photographer, Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair magazine recently and created a firestorm of press. In some of the photos, Miley appears nearly nude, covering her top with a sheet. Miley appears natural and free from makeup. Leibovitz said it was meant to be a beautiful, classic shot and has been misinterpreted. It is worth being noted that her family was on the set at all times and I doubt they would have let anything happen Miley wasn't comfortable with.

Parents of Miley Cyrus' fans aren't liking the provocative nature of the photo of the 15-year old star. Many have said it's overtly sexual and too mature for her young audience. The Christian Coalition is also using their megaphone to speak to the press about Miley's responsibility to maintain a wholesome image. A rep for them told Us Weekly, "[her] organization thinks Disney should reprimand Cyrus for the incident."

Some supporters for Miley are out there, but of course, not getting much press. Some people think it's just a photo, taken for a magazine with a history of taking photos in this same light. Others, like myself, believe if Cyrus and her family is ok with it, it shouldn't be an issue for everyone else. Children have no reason to be picking up Vanity Fair anyway.

Here's my take: People, including the Christian Coalition, should start raising their children with values and morals they see fit for them, instead of letting celebrities do it. I don't see how some photos of a star in a high-end fashion magazine should dictate your child's actions. If your children are that easily influenced, you should have raised them better. Giving your children the knowledge that celebrities are just people and shouldn't be emulated is an invaluable lesson. Celebrities are just people, and they make decisions, good and bad. If you're looking for role models for your children, try finding them within your community. Teachers and your pastor can be your children's role models. If they decide to pose nude for Vanity Fair, feel free to publicly admonish them. They have a much greater responsibility to your children than Miley Cyrus ever will.