It feels like ages ago, yet the buzz around Miley Cyrus and her “lap dance” video still lingers in the air. If you somehow missed it, you can catch the video here. The internet exploded with accusations: “bad role model,” “was there sex involved?”, “another misstep!”. Miley’s every move was dissected, and the video became a lightning rod for criticism.
When the “lap dance” story first broke, my curiosity, like many others, was piqued. I clicked the link, half-expecting a risqué performance pushing boundaries. What I saw was a teenager dancing. My immediate thought wasn’t outrage, but rather, “What is everyone so upset about?”. While opinions differ, and that’s perfectly valid, let’s consider why this might be an overreaction:
- Age Matters: She was 16 when the video was filmed, not a child. Teenagers explore and express themselves.
- Context is Key: This wasn’t a public performance or promotional stunt. It happened at a club, a private setting for a wrap party. Teenagers often dance freely in such environments.
- Dancing Styles Evolve: The dance moves in the video, while close, are commonplace today. This style of dancing has been around for years, and many have engaged in similar dances, even younger than 16. The perception of “Lap Dance With Sex” might be projected onto a normal dance.
- Proximity Doesn’t Equal Sex: Dancing closely with someone doesn’t automatically imply sexual activity. It’s a dance, not necessarily a prelude to sex.
- Parental Focus: Instead of fixating on Miley Cyrus’s actions, parents should guide their own children. Use this as a chance to discuss values and responsible behavior within your own family. Worrying about whether Miley’s dance equals “lap dance with sex” distracts from the real conversations needed at home.
As a parent myself, I understand the desire to shield children from negative influences. I’ve even written about why Hannah Montana wasn’t right for our preschooler at a certain age. But is it fair to place the responsibility of our children’s moral compass on Miley Cyrus? Shouldn’t she be allowed to enjoy her youth and navigate teenage experiences, even under public scrutiny? Is every dance move instantly categorized as “lap dance with sex”?
Perhaps it’s time to shift our focus inward. Instead of policing other people’s teenagers, let’s concentrate on being positive role models for our own children.
Did you watch the video? What was your first impression regarding the idea of “lap dance with sex” being portrayed?
