What you have just witnessed is the unruly music video to Miley Cyrus' latest single, 'We Can't Stop'. The video sees her grinding and writhing all over the place, and shows how drastically her image and music has changed since her days as a star of Disney Channel.
Many people would call her latest attempt at trying to re-invent her image as an artist as a step in the right direction, but I however, disagree. I think that in this video Cyrus tries exceedingly too hard to be someone that deep down she really is not. It was only a few years ago that she was portraying the role of 'Hannah Montana' on the hit Disney Channel show, so such a drastic change is astonishing and quite shocking for young fans of the star.
I am sure that there are many young girls all over the world who view Miley Cyrus as an inspiration, and no matter how hard she tries, people will always recognise her as a sweet, innocent child star. Her recent behaviour could be deemed as ineffectual, and she may now be seen as a bad role model for all of her young fans, who are easily influenced by the ways women are portrayed in the media.
Lyrically, the song is a typical run-of-the-mill party anthem, with Cyrus claiming that 'it's our party, we can do what we want'. However, some of the lyrics of the song have caused controversy with their ambiguous meanings - for example, Cyrus sings the lyric 'dancing with Miley', but it is actually unclear whether she says 'Miley', or 'Molly' - another name for the drug ecstasy. She also sings 'everyone in line in the bathroom, trying to get a line in the bathroom' - this immediately suggests connotations of taking the drug cocaine. These lyrics may have completely different meanings, but their implications may not have such a positive effect on young people who look up to her.
Overall, the song isn't entirely bad, but I think that Cyrus should have a long, hard think about the consequences that her new image change can have on young people who see her as an inspiration and a positive role model. If she carries on at this rate, the younger generation will not shape up to be a very pleasant one.
Charlie Stockwell
Thanks Charlie! An interesting piece, you certainly got me thinking.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you that the video offers the rather depressing spectacle of someone trying far ‘too hard’ to be something they’re not (or perhaps this is who she ‘really’ is and the cutesy, saccharine Disney doll was the real act, or perhaps she is just a deeply confused young girl – which, let’s face it, wouldn’t be terribly unusual) and the ‘grinding and writhing’ certainly does reek of desperation.
However, where I might disagree with you is the expectation that pop stars (or for that matter actors, footballers, rappers, etc.) should act as role models to their fans. Exciting music (and let me make it quite clear that I am NOT implying that this is what Cyrus is producing!) has always flirted with the more dangerous side of life and I think it is important that artists of any description should have total freedom to sing, write, paint or think about anything they choose.
Ultimately, I would question whether it is reasonable to expect Cyrus to remain forever the sweet, innocent Disney icon. What would you like her to sing about? Doing her homework?
Feel free to carry on the debate below!
I completely agree artists should have the ability to do what they want and to push boundaries, but in this case I think Cyrus can do that without having to reference drugs.
ReplyDeletePop stars should not be expected to act as role models, but considering the fact that Cyrus grew up on a children's television show, she is going to have devoted and loyal young fans - I think that no matter how hard she does try she will never be able to lose her status as a Disney icon.
I know that she is able to do what she wants, and can't be expected to remain a Disney icon forever, but with her background there are just some things that she shouldn't do - singing about partying and having a good time is fine, but glamorising drugs is not (no matter what your background is).
Charlie
Charlie Stockwell, you never fail to get your point across!
ReplyDeleteI guess it actually is saddening realizing how disturbing this song is potentially being on young girls of our generation, or any similar influencing song! The worry for young girls is a concern that should never be forgotten, as it is so prominent due to how easily influenced and vulnerable they are. I think the fame has hit Cyrus hard, and her previous fun, bubblegum poppy image seems like it may have taken a turn for the worst! She produces music at the end of the day, and I think people lose sight of that, and tend to focus on the other aspects of these celebrities lives, however it’s hard not to take an interest when it’s presented in the media, the way it is! Her references may be a result of external influences upon her which are frustratingly expected in our day and age, and especially in her environment!
She should have her fun and do as she pleases, as we all should, but realize the image she is conveying to many of us, because that’s all we have to ride on with these artists, and it’s most definitely important! Either way, although, I’m sure she will continue to receive some scrutiny after the release of the song! After all, “this is ‘her’ rules and ‘she’ can’t stop”...
M Chacko
I'm glad you agree, Chacko! The song is stuck in my head now..
ReplyDelete