Should we accept Miley as a strong, feminist, independent icon for the women of today? Or should we be alarmed by her behavior? Miley Cyrus's transformation from teen pop-star, to an explicit and vulgar artist has caused an uproar in the media. Some may even say that Miley is a bad role model because she has acted out of character, compared to old Hannah Montana. Is this form of self liberation an act of rebellious independence, or is it an attempt to form a new identity? Whatever it is, Miley is putting on quite the show for her viewers.
In my opinion, Miley is using her sexuality to gain power in the media, since 'any press is good press,' but unknowingly, she is conforming to a patriarchal standard called enlightened sexism. Enlightened sexism is the male dominated belief that feminism has already happened, and that the media is free to exploit the female body once again -- inoffensively. By agreeing to this belief, and using her body and sexuality as a tool for power, Miley Cyrus is perpetuating enlightened sexism.
So although Miley is creating a new identity for herself, she is harming the consumers and women of today. Miley is normalizing and justifying the acts of enlightened sexism. Contrary to some hegemonic beliefs, feminism is has not completed their mission. Women are still not equal to men, and there is still a fight for equal rights that needs to be fought! Miley Cyrus is not a strong, feminist icon. Instead, she is hurting the work of feminism, in order to gain personal power
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