Thanks for responding. First of all–I agree with you that it’s no secret that the entertainment industry is there to make money by selling an image and a lifestyle, and no to churn out role models. And while I agree with you that the Mileys and Britneys of the world aren’t single-handedly degrading our culture, they (and by they I mean not only the performers but their producers as well) create a norming effect. Each time they step in front of audiences in skimpy outfits, sing as teenagers about sexual experiences, partying, and alcohol, and then be looked at as day-old bread by the time they reach 28, each of us learns a subtle lesson about what our culture values. (i.e. your voice is worth more and people will pay more attention to you if you’re young, sexy, social, you like to have fun, and you don’t complain.) And we reinforce the “rules” of those lessons on each other every day in our own lives.

Americans may be a lot more prudish when it comes to more risque content, but I know that we’re not the only ones learning lessons from it.

Digest the 72pp on the global harm to kids due to objectification & you’ll find the stats & damaging dynamic plays out beyond US borders to Europe & beyond…It’s not a morality police issue, it’s a public health one.

But I definitely think that part of the “mountain out of a molehill” feeling comes from exactly what Amy is talking about–that the chatter is about the mountain that doesn’t matter–i.e. the nuances of whether Miley was “working the pole” or just “using it for balance”. It’s in those instances when you think “oh my gosh, shut up already!” and just need to turn off the TV.

And Missy, you absolutely have a point that just because Miley thanks God and her parents in her acceptance speeches, it’s still not going to be the part of the evening that everyone remembers about her…clearly!

Maybe I’m getting too cynical but I attribute my ‘yawn’ and flatline EKG reaction less to saturation and more to ‘misinterpretation and sensationalism’…in other words, I knew media would “miss the freakin’ point” and veer AWAY from the global impact of objectification, how it’s landing on kids, and fouling up a healthy sense of sexuality…

Instead, as we’ve already seen, it’s devolved into a petty, prickly snipefest of “whether Miley was stanholding onto the pole for stability” or presenting a provocative pornified bump-n-thrust.

The IMPORTANT conversation about kids getting damaged and the APA study (72pp) on the harm of early sexualization will be left behind…

Just watch. Instead, media will spar about decency and conduct and cluck about ‘today’s kids’ and digital media…NOT about the damage and psychological reverb.

If I’m wrong? THEN I’ll raise my eyebrows with a ’surprised’ reaction.

Yes, I didn’t liek the tight shorts, the dancing girls, or the poll much. However, I can’t help but wondering if we are making a “Miley Mountain” out of a “Miley Molehill.” I mean, who told us to make her our daughters’ role model anyway? Wasn’t it just last year that we were having the same discussion? Ya know, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on you (and all that jazz).

I in no way want to make light of the sexualization of teens– it IS sad that producers, entertainers, and everyone else want to make this more about chock and awe and lining wallets than what is good for the development of girls and young teens. However, I think it’s vital that we realize that we don’t need to accept her as a role model. As parents, we can still take responsibility for the positive development of our children. We don’t like it? Talk about it. Not showing our values? Make sure that your children know yours. Don’t know how it’s going to affect your children? Ask them. Listen. Learn.

Yes, int he end, I still think parents matter. If we are doing our job well, Miley will be just another quick blip on the radar screen…we’re here to stay as positive influences in our children’s lives.