Lots of food for thought for Western Culture parents today as they ponder how to approach a discussion on Disney teen star Miley Cyrus’s photo shoot for Vanity Fair. Some quotes and observations:

I just want to be one of (Miley’s) friends. (Billy Ray Cyrus, dad)

Here’s what we tell our daughter: We are not your friends. We don’t want to be your friends. We’re the parents; you’re the kid. If you want friends, socialize with your peers. Whenever you need a parent, we’ll be there for you. We’re better than friends; we’re your mom and dad.

I hear from the publicity engines that Miley Cyrus is a fine young lady. And I have no reason to question that she inspires confidence and trust in her parents. Would that all of our kids did so. But there are adults in this world who are more than capable of manipulating the nicest of young people and seducing them away from virtues, values, goals, and other positive aspects to get what they want.

That’s what she wanted me to do, and you can’t say no to Annie. (Miley Cyrus, on the photos, before the publicity)

No doubt. The reason why the best of kids need parents is so that someone will say no when it’s time to say no. If that p***es off a renowned photographer or any other shill from the Corporate Masters, so be it. That’s why kids have parents: to take the heat when somebody has to be the party-pooper.

This is a win-win for everyone: Cyrus gets to appear somewhat “edgy,” yet apologetic, Vanity Fair sells a few more issues to people way outside their demographic, and the tabloids have a quick-and-dirty story for page one … (Heather Muse, Village Voice)

Ah! The voice of pragmatism. I think Ms Muse nails it.

(A) situation was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines. (Disney Channel publicity)

Pot, kettle, black, anyone?

Now, what do I tell my daughter?

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