With the recent “Saturday Night Live” parody of the shutdown, Miley Cyrus seems destined to remain in the spotlight. I, of course, did not take her seriously until I viewed it from a public relations angle. What does the behavior of Cyrus, as well as the reactions to her behavior, say about our generation as a whole?
After her infamous VMA performance, Cyrus has continued to shock mainstream media. Her formula consists of less clothes, more vulgarity, stepping outside of social norms and just not caring who she offends. We as a generation are just eating it up, which makes me wonder: Is she a creative genius or does her craziness work for her creativity? Maybe Miss Cyrus is playing a big joke on all of us, acting as a mirror for us to see what we value as entertainment these days.
When she was sweet and innocent Hannah Montana, her name would not be heard on the radio or even reach the pages of this newspaper. As a society we paint this picture of what we want in our entertainment. We give the illusion that we need role models and wholesome celebrities for our children, but when it comes down to it, maybe Miley is what we truly want to see splattered across our TV screens.
Although many do not consider what Cyrus produces as art, I believe she is expressing herself in the best and most profitable way she knows how. Since when was there a concrete definitionas to what can be considered art? If a red dot on a white canvas is considered art, Miley singing nude on a wrecking ball can fall under the same category.
She is giving us what we want. It is similar to seeing a car accident happening and not being able to look away. I am not the only one waiting to hear about what antics she will do next or when all this excessive behavior will catch up with her. Everyone loves to watch a train wreck on national television; it’s the way our society is built. It has been this way since reality television was introduced.
So instead of condemning her, I will graciously applaud her and her public relations team that helps her bring her vision to life. In my book, she can continue to say and do whatever she wants in as little clothes as possible. Her career is still in its rising stages, and she will still be on magazine covers, and, honestly, let’s face it – her name will still be discussed for the good or the bad. As she continues to shock the world, I will definitely be watching with popcorn in hand.
Amber Patterson is a junior majoring in public relations. Her column runs biweekly on Wednesdays.
