Miley Cyrus' "Vanity Fair" Photos Much Ado About Nothing?

It seems that just about anything Miley Cyrus does these days, from the seeming inconsequential to the choreographed media events, makes news. The popular star of Disney's "Hannah Montana" has become a megastar whose every move is chronicled, discussed, and critiqued. And since her most avid fans and followers are adolescents and pre-adolescents, some of the incidents, photos, and actions Cyrus' has been involved in have not only raised a few disapproving eyebrows but drawn harsh criticism as well

From the inception of the Disney Channel show "Hannah Montana", Miley Cyrus, her public relations contingent, and Disney have all promoted her wholesomeness to the world. And it has worked. She has a hit television show, her albums sell millions, and her concerts sell out in a matter of seconds. But lately, controversy has followed the young star. Rumors of her using a double in concert were raised. Risque photos have surfaced again and again (some in provocative poses in her underwear). And now the internet is afire with the story of Cyrus posing "topless" for Vanity Fair magazine.

It seems that the 15-year-old Cyrus did a photo shoot with Annie Liebovitz. Some of the photos show a little skin and are a bit provocative, including one photo of Cyrus looking over her shoulder, her bare back in center, with a cover of sorts pulled up to modestly cover her front. Tastefully done, for many a discerning eye. Except that there is a hitch. Miley Cyrus is 15 years old. Not 18. Fifteen.

As one celebrity gossip columnist, Myrrdin Gwynedd, a self-proclaimed "liberal expressionist" phrased it, the shoot was "ill-advised" and "a pedophile's dream."

Parents are outraged. Child advocacy groups are up in arms. Disney has gone on the defensive. Miley Cyrus has publicly apologized for the photos, stating that it was not her intent to provide anything other than "artistic" photos for Vanity Fair and that she was "embarrassed" by the photos and the story.

With all this in mind, what is a parent of tweens and pre-adolescents to do?

First of all, it would behoove everyone not to get overly excited about this. It will soon blow over, much as do all controversial subjects. Yes, the photos the public has seen so far (and undoubtedly will see forever) are not the end all some people would have others believe. Although questionable judgment was used in the taking and in the decision to go to print with these somewhat risque photographs, remember the target audience of Vanity Fair magazine is not 15-year-olds and younger. For the parents of the really young fans, more damage is done your child by decrying Miley Cyrus (a.k.a. Hannah Montana) and refusing to allow your child to view or listen to her ever again for reasons unbeknownst and confusing to your child (remember, your child will probably never see these pictures). Your opinion of Miley Cyrus and her parents and publicists aside, your child does not need to become involved with it. Children can blissfully go on watching "Hannah Montana" and going to Miley Cyrus' concerts while parents fight the image war on another level and in a different room.

Secondly, the more attention brought to bear on this, the more likely your older children, the so-called "tweens", will make it their mission to see what all the fuss is about. You can forbid your tweens to see the photos, but someone, somewhere (including the internet) is going to make the photos available to them. Adolescents are resourceful. Forbidding them access to the television show, Cyrus' albums, or her concerts will probably cause far more trouble between you and your tween than it is ever going to be worth. Also, when you forbid your children something, be ready to defend it with an argument far more well thought out than "because I say so." Your children will think you are simply a dictatorial brute.

The best way to combat the controversial nature of the photos would be to show them to your tweens and discuss the controversy. Tell them your concerns about the photos, why they are bothersome, what they may entail, how the photos look from various perspectives. This might help defuse the sexual implications the photos apparently are already having. More than likely your tweens will see this as a scheme by some crazy overprotective mothers not wanting their children to ever grow up (or something like that).

As for refusing to allow your children to watch "Hannah Montana" or listen to her music, one would have to ponder the logic in that. The show and Miley Cyrus' music are entertaining but actually have nothing to do with Vanity Fair and the photos. The show attempts on a juvenile level to convey helpful hints on how adolescents can best deal with their problems, be they socialization, familial, or personal. In a limited way, it is actually doing a little more than just entertaining. And, again, refusing your children access to one of their favorite shows over a few photos (that are risque by grown-up standards and mores that could be confusing to the tween or pre-adolescent) is going to stretch your parental credibility limit.

Last of all, trust your children's judgment. Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana may be a role model for some and an entertainment icon for many, but your tweens and pre-adolescents are not going to run amok because of them. Exaggerating the relative importance of a couple of photos could be quite counterproductive. Remember that it is adults who are imposing their ideas of what is socially acceptable and unacceptable here. Children are impressionable, but it is more than fair to say that these Vanity Fair photos will not inspire millions of young girls to begin taking bare-backed blanket covered "topless" photographs of themselves. The more open a parent is about these types of things, what the parent feels is unacceptable and acceptable for their child, placing the photos in the context of Miley Cyrus' age and how this is viewed by society will prove far more beneficial to your tween than outright denying them access to the megastar (which they will more than likely circumvent anyway).

Besides, Miley Cyrus has apologized for the photos. Disallowing your children access to her shows and albums and such simply flies in the face of lessons of contrition and forgiveness taught the child. And, as stated previously, this controversy will soon pass into another more immediate controversy and be relegated to history. What you make of it, how you deal with it, and the effects -- short-term and long-term -- it has on you and your family depends upon you.

Sources:

Myrddin Gwynedd, "Miley Cyrus poses 'topless' for Vanity Fair, Wino's dad: 'I want Amy sectioned," NZHerald.co.nz

"Miley Cyrus apologizes for Vanity Fair photos," ChicagoTribune.com