There was a moment in live television when all the teenagers’ jaws dropped, elders squinted and leaned closer to the TV and adults shook their heads. The video was disgusting, crude and captivating all at once. Days after this disturbing material was on TV, it made national headlines and was replayed over and over for those who missed it.
The video, which was broadcasted live from the Video Music Awards for all with cable to see, showed the tongue of Miley Cyrus flapping around as she was “twerking” on the thigh of (married) Robin Thicke. Cyrus was wearing nothing but high-waisted, leather, skin-colored mini shorts and a bra. The news took this story by storm, focusing mainly on the ridiculousness of twerking, skipping over what I consider to be the most important detail: why was she wearing virtually no clothes?
Music is based on talent. I buy my music according to the quality of the song or album, not what the singer is wearing on the cover. Why do famous women feel the need to bare it all? Is it overconfidence or a desperate cry for attention? Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Ke$ha and Katy Perry, all extremely successful women, could be just as successful without the mini shorts and low-cut shirts. They all wear demeaning outfits (or pieces of cloth). This not only brings negative attention, but women everywhere now see this as their way to fame, and jump on the “no-clothes bandwagon.”
I find it to be demeaning to all women, because we hardly see men in anything other than suits, fully covered. So, why is it that women have been chosen to be the gender to expose so much skin? America needs to start focusing on the women with respect for themselves and talent (cough, cough, Ariana Grande). Somewhere in the last 30 years, music has lost its way, and I believe it is because we focus too much on the image of the performers instead of their actual talent and quality of the music they are producing.
Most people have at least one famous person they idolize. Whether it is because of attraction, jealousy or the feeling of friendship through a screen, many have the inner desire to either be like these celebrities or be married to them. Children are no different, idolizing whoever they hear their parents talking about or whoever’s song is catchy on the radio. Obviously, these ladies are going to be talked about and their music will be played on the radio. Children are bound to look up to them. Are we going to let children think it is appropriate to twerk in kindergarten or ask for a nude pleather bra from Santa for Christmas?
Women in the spotlight should let the music speak for itself and not have their outfits or latest scandal overshadow what really matters. Women who wear these ridiculous outfits are showing that they care more about being in the spotlight than their own image. Tthey tend to forget that everything they do can potentially influence society.