The biggest irony of this topic is that Miley Cyrus' single 'Can't Be Tamed' is being used to criticize her transition into mainstream adult music. Can't be tamed is a symbolic statement by Miley that she is who she is, and a rebellion against the criticism and scrutiny that has been cast upon her.
She is represented in the video not as Hannah or Miley, but as Avus Cyrus a rare species of bird, caged for everyone to see. That is who she has been as Hannah Montana. Her life has been for the public. Ever she has been renown as Hannah Montana, she has become a bird on display. Just an ordinary child but she has been placed center stage to be observed and to be admired by children. She is caged as a personality. Unlike other teenagers, she cannot make mistakes. She cannot be herself and live life like any other teen. As Hannah thats forbidden for she is not to be an ordinary teen but an extraordinary species to serve the interests of others.
But Miley is no longer a child. She cannot be tamed and caged like a bird. She is her own person and deserves to be free. She will be free. And she makes a bold proclamation that she 'Can't be tamed'. She is just a seventeen year old and cannot be held responsible for hundreds of teens. It is not her fault that modern kids are raised by televisions dependent on television role models. It is not her fault that parents cannot always step up to the plate and teach their kids the right lessons. She cannot be expected to guide others during her own learning and exploring curve.
Lyrically
I wanna fly,
I wanna drive,
I wanna go
I wanna be apart of something I don't know
And if you try to hold me back I might explode
Baby, by now you should know
She is a bird ready to fly out the next. She is ready to transition to a grown up world. As she says she wants to be part of something she does not know. She wants to leave the known Disney world to the larger music industry which is unknown and unpredictable. And the fact is that this high expectancy, the pressure to serve as role models, keep up as fans, the inability to make mistakes and be forgiven for them is what causes teen stars to explode - go over the edge. Thats when the resort to drugs, alcohol, sex etc to keep up with the pressure and feel secure.
I'm like a puzzle
but all of my pieces are jagged
If you can understand this,
we can make some magic,
I'm on like that
She is not just Hannah Montana, or Miley Cyrus - there are many parts and shades to her. And they all don't necessarily fit together easily. People are like that. They have different aspirations, different aspects to their personality - you can't just expect them to play one role. If we accept the enigma that humans are then we can all get along great without being judgmental or pressuring.
Well I'm not a trick you play,
I'm wired a different way
I'm not a mistake,
I'm not a fake,
It's set in my DNA
Moving on. I honestly did not find anything wrong in the video. There is seriously much worse out there. This is like puppy dog tame compared to some hip hop and rap stuff. Definitely puppy dog compared to Soulja Boy. There maybe some provocative parts, but Miley is pretty much well covered, there is an aesthetic sense and great symbolism in it. Its not dirty, offensive or slutty in anyway. Before going forward to the next subject, I have to say teenage girls are the only ones I know who use cherry chapstick.
Speaking of role models. The interesting thing about them is how they change with time. In the eighties there was a large part of society that considered Madonna taboo. She was to sexual, to provocative, to outgoing for her time. Listening to Madonna, bopping to Material Girl, Like a Virgin, Papa Don't Preach etc was in rebellion. Parents and Teachers did not want their kids following Madonna.
Now Madonna is an icon and a few weeks ago on Glee in the Madonna special episode Will Schuester and Sue Sylvester both use Madonna as an inspiration for their kids. In fact Will Schuester is using Madonna to make the girls more confident and in control of themselves and their body. He uses Madonna to teach them that they do not need to succumb to peer pressure, judgments or neediness of teenage boys. Because 20 years down the line we have realized that Madonna was not preaching sexuality or abstinence - but was simply empowering women to be more thoughtful, and in control of their own lives and making their life decisions wisely on their own terms.
Parents can never control their kids role models. They cannot control Britney, Miley or anyone else. But they can control what kids learn from their role models and that they learn more important messages from their mistakes.
Another role model inspired kid is another internet sensation. 6th grader Greyson Chance for his rendition of 'Paparazzi' by Lady Gaga
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxDlC7YV5is[/YOUTUBE]
He is simply outstanding and a child prodigy. The school announcer says he taught 'Lady Gaga' a lesson. Thats because most teachers and parents do not like Lady Gaga. The funny thing is he is a huge fan of Lady Gaga. He is inspired by her music and hopes to make music of similar style and genre when he grows up. Many people are so taken aback by Lady Gaga's flashy looks and outrageous videos that few people are aware that she is actually a classically trained pianist too and is very good. Most of her concerts have several piano versions of her song where she sings and plays. Lyrically and harmonically some of her songs are really stand out, especially when you listen to the acoustic or piano versions. With the full synthesized sounds, they are absolutely catchy tunes you can listen over and over again. A lot of Lady Gaga's symbolism is very akin to what Madonna did twenty years ago.
The problem with society in general is we go by physical appearances. If it is too flashy, over the top or a bit to uncomfortable for the taste - we are unwilling to scratch below the surface and see what layers lie beneath and take things in a positive way.
I think I'm rambling now.
Health and Fitness
Fan Fictions
Anupamaa
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