Modern Feminism

I feel like I have written about this topic here on my blog in the past before, but I am feeling the importance of discussing it again. This week, Miley Cyrus's performance on the VMAs shocked people in many different ways. Some people loved it, some people hated it, everyone is talking about it. Everyone is shocked with her blatant attempt at over-sexuality, with her tiny outfit, grinding, hand gestures, etc. And what I want to say to everyone is calm down. You're not helping feminism. You aren't helping anything.

Some of the outrage is due to the fact that Miley used to the the ulitmate image of wholesomeness in her Hannah Montana days. I'll be the FIRST to say that I loved Hannah Montana--it got me through a really hard time in my life, and therefore, I developed a huge affection for Miley. I love her music career, I love who she is, and why not? She's gorgeous, she's talented, she's charming. And she is also free to do whatever the hell she wants. But yet, every time a pop star wears panties as clothes, does drugs, or references sex in any way, the whole nation rears up about how she is not being a positive role model. But why does every woman ever in the public eye have to be a role model? And isn't she actually BEING a role model by doing what she wants and not caring? I would want the young girls of today to see that you can do whatever the hell you want and live with no fear. Don't do what people think you should do.  Sure, this image she is presenting might be carefully crafted by ad execs, but she took a risk and had no fear and presented herself unapologetically. As well she should have.

I wouldn't want my every move to be scrutinized by all of America, and Lord, your 20s are MEANT to be your time to discover yourself, your body, and all that life is offering you. I am thankful that I was able to be wild and wreckless and make my mistakes and learn what I learned as a normal American and not on a completely open and public scale.  Rihanna isn't president, Ke$ha isn't Secretary of State, so these women are free to do what they want. It affects most people in absolutely no way at all. That's the beauty of freedom in America.

I remember this awesome interview of Ke$ha where she was asked about being a role model. She said that she never said she was a role model and it was up to their parents of the young girls to monitor what they are letting their kids listen to. Power up!  Male recording artists have been writing songs about sex and women and doing what they want for decades.  So why can't these female ones do so?

The best thing to do is to just not make a huge deal out of everything. Who cares what was performed on that show as long as it didn't hurt or degrade anyone else? Parents, if you don't want your kids to see it, don't let your kids watch it. Talk to them about the values you want to instill in them. Teach them the risks that come with social media.

Let's all just live our own damn lives and let others live theirs. And let women be and do what they want to do without criticism. THAT is modern feminism.