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?
Catholic Sensibility 
My girls are grown now but if i were again the parent of someone your daughter’s age I would tell her that this was inappropriate. It wasn’t her fault, she’s only 15. Tell your daughter her parents made a big mistake and didn’t think this through. Assure her that you always put her welfare first. Then, move on. We can’t stop our children from being involved with the pop culture. We can only advise them and hope that they listen. Miley is the least one to worry about, IMO.
Interesting—I just picked up a friend’s son at the local Catholic grade school down the street because she couldn’t get away from work. As I was standing in the parking lot waiting, I noticed two “mom’s” standing there talking. I think they were having a contest to see who could wear the shortest sun dress with the lowest neckline—and the sexist heels. I’m sure all the cute little school girls think they are the coolest moms out there.
Well said. You have friends, which is good. But the last thing you need is to add Mom and Dad to the friend list.
hello
great but and the latinas stars whit me I’dont speack good the inglihs
but my dream is travel to use
xau que esten bien y me aburri de escrivir en ingles ojala que igual puedan entender muito bene .
can i copy this picture plzzzz…..
i really like miley cyrus
ilove you miley you’re the best
j’aime bien hannah montada et je la seite le bien veny bay
il est cool vriment cool
hi.!!! i so much like your songs specially the “true friend” that makes me remind of my best friend… hope that you will have more songs to come. may God bless you always..
I love you Miley Cyrus
I, my name is CSTG. I am portuguese and i have thirteen years old. I live in Matosinhos. You are a beautiful girl and i like you!!! You have boy friend? Good by!
P.S.- Y LOVE YOU!!!
hello hanna montana I like meters from you and your seri love of your songs and is the best singer who already heard
leave Miley alone! so what if she got some pictures for vanity fair, everyones all good stars are doing it. Maybe she got pushed into peer pressure!
Miley Cyrus ROCKS