For you Miley

So today I was thinking about Miley Cyrus.

No, seriously.

As I passed through the living room, Showbiz Tonight (why, CNN? WHY?) was promising news on some kind of "scandal" involving Miss Hannah Montana herself. It ended up being nothing that even involved the girl.

Well, I started thinking off all the times that people (including me) have labeled her a "bad role model" for young girls. But you know, compared to some of the other girls her age (from past and present), she's really not that bad. No DUIs. No drug charges. No pregnancies. No crotch shots or boob slips.

I mean, yeah, she's been kinda bitchy to some of her fellow Disney stars. She's had some questionable photos on the Internet (as well as the famous "naked back" cover from Vanity Fair). She hasn't always said the brightest things or made the best decisions. I'll even admit that if I had a little girl, I wouldn't want her to look up to Miley.

My point, though, is that we've all been a bit hard on the girl. Considering the Hollywood world she's growing up in (and she is still growing up--she's only 16) and all of the temptations that are available (for free!), the kid's not doing half bad. I mean, if the paps had followed ME around with a camera at her age, I shudder at what they would have captured on film. Why are we holding her up to some higher standard just because she's famous? If anything, she has it harder that any of us did when it comes to temptations. She's surrounded by it. When it comes down to it, how many of us were shitty role models for younger kids when we were teenagers? I got into enough trouble living in Podunk; I can't imagine what might have happened if I were in HER position.

So, do I necessarily think little girls should want to emulate Miley? I wouldn't go that far. But I DO think it's taking a bit far to practically label the child with a scarlet letter. I know at this point she's losing steam and young girls are finding new young celebrities to idolize, but I've been hard on Miley before and feel like admitting it.

I mean, I'm sure it's kept her up at night...