Celebrities, Not Role-Models
Why do so many people automatically assume that just because someone is famous or holds a higher title, they are then accepted into a broad collection of "role-models"? Artists of all calibers have an artistic gift they would like to present to the world. Celebrities are usually in the spotlight to keep the entertainment industry in good standards and to sell records or movies. Not every artist wants to advertise as a role model and present themselves at the forefront of the youth in leadership. Some do but most don't.
We often scorn people like Miley Cyrus or Nicki Minaj for their explicit behavior because many parents claim that their music and conduct on and off stage is utterly despicable. I shouldn't have to explain to you why people think these two artists, along with many others, are a bit risque (underexaggeration). Parents of young and teenage children think the way in which "raunchy" and risque artists conduct themselves is setting a bad example for children. Let me spread some knowledge. An artist comes in the industry with one sole purpose and that is to share their art. There is nothing wrong with people of all ages liking ones artistic expression but if the expression of a celebrity or artist is not influencing in the correct way then it's up to you to make the decision on what your children watch and who they learn from. Don't expect Disney pop princesses to grow up and be of the same innocence they inhabited when they were children themselves. Bottom line is, they are still in the industry, regardless of what audience they hold at the time. The industry is not going to leave them innocent and full of bubble gum pop forever. You do realize these celebrities (Raven-Symone, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Hillary Duff, Demi Lovato, Lindsay Lohan, etc.) grow up in the industry right? Not only did they deal with the pressures of teen life but they also juggled acting and singing careers while conforming in moving onto "sexier" roles that the industry pumped them up to inhabit and embrace.
The responsible thing to do as a parent is to first know that media changes individuals, one individual can't change the media. Regardless of your petitions, it is irresponsible to blame media for what they put out for people to see. If you don't like a certain type of performance or if the media messages are two risque for you and others in your household then take a stand and just turn it off. At the end of the day, you have a choice. Don't blame these artists for what they do as a daily job. They are still going to keep doing whatever they need to do to make money; not to please kids or create a Candy Land innocent type of environment. Am I advocating the outward promotion of promiscuity and violence? Never. But what I am saying is in order to maintain order, peace, and structure within yourself, you have to be responsible for what you let go into your mind and who you set up as a "role-model" in your life. Not everyone fits that bill and when you are dealing with celebrities who are already going through the hardships of fame and fortune in the midst of trying to keep themselves sane, a celebrity is not the first person that should pop up into your mind as a role-model. Don't create a naive and unsuspecting environment in thinking everyone put up on a pedastool should be looked up to. Guard your intellect by controlling what you can: WHAT GOES INTO YOUR MIND.
-Peace, Love, and God Above
