The Ariana Grande One Love Manchester Concert reminded me of something: the power of Positivity

Ariana Grande has been praised by many people around the world for her bravery in going back to Manchester to deliver the One Love Manchester concert. And with the support of artists like Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Liam Gallagher and others, it was a great show. Surely the music was great, but there was also one quality about it that really struck me.

The positivity.

The positive message of unity and love that came out of the concert was unmistakable, and I think it is an important message to have right now. Not only because the whole world is reeling from a series of terrible terrorist attacks, but also because there's just too much negativity hanging around generally. 2017 has been a particular controversial year, and people on all sides have gotten especially negative. The West really has not been this bitter, this angry, and this divided before. Somewhere along the way, people forgot to be positive.

So make this pledge with me: remember to be positive, even in the face of difficulty. Because we all need it.

Is Miley Cyrus Finally Turning Over a New Leaf? We're Ready to Forgive You, so Come Back!

Miley Cyrus has been seen sporting a new style, as she goes out and about to promote her new album.

There's a different hairstyle, and a different dress sense. It seems the Miley of 2013, with all the bad fashion sense, the bad role-modelling, and the bad influence on our culture is all gone.

Honestly, I was quite upset at what Miley did back in 2013. But it's been four years, and it's long enough for one to be forgiven. Miley Cyrus remains one of the best singers of our generation, and she deserves a second chance.

In other words: we're ready to forgive you, Miley, so please stage a huge comeback!

Will Lena Dunham, Barbara Streisand and Miley Cyrus Move to Canada? Hopefully Not.

Donald Trump has won the US Presidential election, regretfully for many people.

Earlier this year, Lena Dunham said she would move to Canada if Trump became president. Several other celebrities, including Miley Cyrus and Barbara Streisand, also signalled their intention to leave the US.

Of course now, the question is will these celebrities flee from the US, as they said they would. It appears that Lena Dunham will not, at least.

I actually hope that nobody leaves the US because of Donald Trump. There are a few reasons why. Firstly, this would be surrender. It would also be what Trump supporters want to see. Secondly, there would be fewer pro-liberty and pro-equality people in the US fighting against the Trump agenda. Finally, there would be fewer votes to count on in 2020, when Trump can actually be defeated.

Moreover, leaving doesn't change the fact that your family and friends will still be living under Trump. You won't be able to escape this fact, even if you move halfway across the world.

So Americans, please, please stay and stand up for your values in these difficult times. Even as an individual you have a lot to contribute.

I was just Asking for Equality with Miley and Rihanna, Actually

About a year ago I wrote a short article titled 'Freedom is a Two Way Street', which was controversial with some readers. Specifically, it dealt with the idea that whilst I believe people should have freedom under the law to choose whatever way they want to live as long as it does not hurt others, other people (like myself) should be similarly entitled to promote a different lifestyle, and people should not be offended because of this. Maybe the tone of what I wrote sounded harsh. But I still think it's a very valid point to make. Let me explain further here.

People are entitled to their own beliefs, and are entitled to share them with the world as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else. People like me will generally share with the world what we believe to be great lifestyle choices, because we want to enable more people to live happier lives. It should be seen as a noble intention, I think you would agree. It is my strong belief that it's very unwise to use drugs 'recreationally', whether it's marijuana or something else. Therefore, it's my strong passion to share this idea with others. What I was frustrated about (and still am somewhat frustrated about) is how some celebrities go out and promote the opposite of this (e.g. Miley Cyrus, Rihanna) and people think it's cool, but how my ideas seem so much more controversial, when freedom of speech should dictate that we have equal rights to speak out on any given topic. It's not like I'm judgemental or something like that, right?

Freedom of speech should mean that we don't shout down others for whatever ideas they promote, whether you like the idea in question or not. Peer pressure to make certain ideas taboo is a very dangerous idea. Society should never go there, really.

Non-Judgmentalism, Miley Cyrus and Springbreakers

Recently, one of my readers expressed concern that they found several of my posts in 2013 a bit 'judgmental'. Specifically, those were posts on Miley Cyrus and the movie Springbreakers. Let me provide my answer to that accusation here.

My criticism of Miley was not about judging anyone, or their actions. It was about a 'clash of values'. I'm more than happy to respect a friend choosing to dress and act like Miley did. But Miley was not just doing those things in 2013, she was doing interviews, expressing ideas and viewpoints. In other words, she was not just having fun, she was promoting a particular cultural worldview, a culture that was against my own values. Therefore, I had to say something about it. Otherwise, I wouldn't have values at all, right? It's the same as taking a stance against someone promoting racism or homophobia to me, and just as important. In fact, recently I wrote an opinion piece on the difference between judging someone and standing up for your values, you can read it here if you are interested.

Regarding my criticism of Springbreakers, it was some of Selena Gomez's comments regarding the filming that made me think about the possibility of popular culture making women do things they are not entirely comfortable with, something I think would be important to address. Or maybe I was overly sensitive. But either way, it wasn't meant to be a critique of the way people dressed in the film at all.

Three Questions: Miley Cyrus

If I ever get to interview Miley, here are the three questions I would like to ask. I know that these are quite tough questions, but life is all about asking the tough questions, right?

1. You said that what we are seeing now is the real you, rather than what you were in the past few years. I have to say that I was a fan of the 'old' you. Can you look me in the eye and tell me that I was a fan of a fake persona all that time?

2. It's definitely all right that you want to live your life a certain way. However, if I was having lunch in a restaurant and the lady sitting at the table next to me suddenly took off their clothes and started licking the tables and chairs, I would feel quite offended. Not that I think people can't ever do these things if that's what they like, but there's a time and place for everything, and I think you would agree that actions like that would be suited more to a private audience, and I really shouldn't be forced to watch while I eat. Whilst I haven't had the misfortune of having that exact appearance, a few months back I had a very similar experience. You see, your Wrecking Ball video was on TV at a restaurant where I ate. Don't you think that was a bit, well, inappropriate?

3. You are very positive towards marijuana, I understand. However, there is some evidence that marijuana can be harmful for the brain. I do believe people should be able to live however they choose to, and therefore I believe in marijuana legalisation. But I also believe that people choosing a particular course of action should have all the information available to them. Don't you think that glorifying marijuana whilst not mentioning any of the potential cons to its use may not be the most responsible thing to do?

Miley "grotesque" and "disgusting"? I Think She Actually Needs Help

There have been rumours that one well known musician said that Miley Cyrus's recent VMA performance was "grotesque" and "disgusting", rumours that have since been reported to be false. (In the interest of not spreading false rumours, I will not name the said celebrity.) Even though we now know the story is untrue, some of my friends did say that they agreed that the performance would deserve those harsh words. One even said that everything Miley did in the past year would fit that description.

I myself have been quite harsh on Miley too, shocked by her sudden change. She was one of my favourite artists before, you know. But on further thinking, maybe I was a bit too tough. Honestly, I have to say that the VMA performance was horrible, as were most of the recent performances and music videos. But really, in Miley I still see someone in need of help rather than condemnation.

Surely I don't like her new music anymore. It doesn't mean I have no sympathy about her condition. I think she doesn't know how to 'grow up' and project a confident, interesting and unique persona. Surely, being controversial gets people talking. But I think one has to understand that there are better ways to be 'interesting'. I hope she learns one day. I also happen to think that this is a problem facing many young people today. I think it's something we all need to think about, collectively.

Even the French Agree With Me About the Wrecking Ball Video

The French media regulator CSA have voiced their concerns about two recently popular music videos: Work B**ch by Britney Spears, and Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus. They believe that those videos are inappropriate for young viewers and should not air before 10pm.

When I first voiced my criticism about Wrecking Ball's video and how it made me unable to enjoy the song anymore, some ardent Miley fans were calling me a puritan. With the French media also have voiced their concerns now, I guess the 'puritan' accusations are no longer valid, right?

I used to be a fan of Miley's work too (and also Britney's work). But you just can't support whatever things someone does just because you like them.

Actually, I would like to remind Miley that she can do so much better than what she is doing now:



By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Britney Then vs Miley Now

Miley Cyrus has been one of the most controversial characters of the pop cultural scene of 2013. I am sorry to say that I may have been a bit harsh on her, but I didn't (and still don't) like what she is doing.

Some have also seen parallels with Britney Spears, in the past that is. Britney was also quite a controversial character in some circles some time back, much of it having to do with her fashion style. Back then, I was quite vocal about just letting people do what they want, letting them have fun, etc. So how is Miley different for me now?

Well, there's a world of difference here for me. Britney was disliked by some for her appearance, and that was it. Miley, on the other hand, has been doing some really off-putting things, and is showing no signs of stopping. Britney was about having fun, no matter if you liked her appearance or not. But Miley - that's certainly not fun, whatever she is doing.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Joel McHale: Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber Look Similar

Apparently I am not the only person who thinks Miley and Justin now look similar.

"I love her new haircut, because I can't tell the difference between her and Justin Bieber… they are both very pretty," US television host Joel McHale said recently.

Good observation, I think!

And I think Miley's new style is ugly, for the record. The hair may suit Justin, but it surely doesn't suit Miley. There is no other way to put it, unfortunately.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Miley Needed to Come Out of Hannah Montana, But Not Like This

Miley's dad Billy Ray Cyrus is continuing to defend his daughter in the face of controversy.

"Miley's smart enough to know that to come out of the shadows of 'Hannah Montana,' it really takes something extremely drastic, which when you go to that level, it creates passion, and passion is either love or hate. But there's no middle of the road for passion," Billy Ray said recently.

I think that's a bad way of thinking about it. To come out of the shadows of Hannah Montana is to grow up, and growing up can happen in a number of ways. For me, growing up meant being aware of the issues in our world and the plight of people, and working to make things better, for example. In my own work I create passion too, a passion that can be divisive as Billy Ray said. For example I have created a common bond with our passion with many people working for social justice over the years, however many of the more conservative people from my past really don't like my staunch support for marriage equality.

Growing up and creating passion is necessary, but what Miley did is a poor way to achieve these things.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Miley Cyrus said Boys are Seven Years Behind. What?

Miley Cyrus has gone from weird to weirder yet again - this time in an interview with Rolling Stones Magazine. In the interview, where she talked about Justin Bieber, she made an astonishing claim: "I think boys are, like, seven years behind. So in his head, he's really, like, 12," she said.

Where did she get the idea that boys are seven years behind - and not five or nine? Or that boys are behind at all, rather than just different? This is a seriously weird claim! What's more is that when you try to apply it to reality it doesn't work. We generally think people become adults at 21, so if males were indeed seven years behind, it means they don't become adults until 28? That's a really scary thought!

I also find it ironic that Miley Cyrus is commenting about somebody's maturity at all. Justin Bieber sure isn't known for being particularly mature, but neither is Miley herself! In fact, I don't think I know any 20 year old who acts like Miley does - they are generally past that stage, I believe.

Miley also claimed that she was sort of mentoring Justin Bieber: "I'm not much older than him, so I never want it to feel like I'm mentoring him," she said. But then she added the "But I do mentor him in a way." Well, it doesn't sound good for Justin to be mentored by someone who has caused such outrage around the world, I believe.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Miley Cyrus Defends her Video, but Why Did She Land Herself There in the First Place?

Miley's new video for the song Wrecking Ball is provoking huge controversy again. This time, it's because she appears to have no clothes on.

Now she is out there defending herself again. "I think the video is much more. If people get past the point that I'm naked and you actually look at me, you can tell I look more broken than even the song sounds," she said.

Actually, I believe the song is great. It's a shame that it's been spoiled by this controversy.

I am not one who supports rigidity. In fact, back in the year 2000 there was a major debate about whether Britney Spears was an inappropriate role model because of the way she dressed. I actually sided with Britney - she was otherwise wholesome and pro-family, why did people have to be so rigid, I asked back then.

But there is a world of difference between Britney back then and Miley right now, I think. For Britney, it was just how her personal style was. For Miley, it's not about any personal style, it's just about controversy all the time, new controversies every day. The controversies are centre stage, and she keeps pushing the boundaries even though we have told her collectively that it is not acceptable. Whilst I believe it is pointless arguing whether one should be allowed to dress in this or that for a public performance, dressing in nothing at all is a different thing - it is unacceptable everywhere around the world, and it is deliberately asking for controversy.


By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Don't Judge? Stop Using That Excuse!

In light of the recent Miley Cyrus VMAs scandal that I have already talked extensively about here, some people have raised the idea that, well, we shouldn't be so judgemental.

Excuse me? Judgemental? When I am only trying to protect the reputation of Western culture so that other Western-originated movements like women's rights and gay equality don't also get tarnished with the same brush?

Truth to be told, the idea of 'don't judge' has gotten too far nowadays, really. I surely won't judge Miley - if she did what she did in her own bedroom. But pushing our culture and anything good with it down the drain is something I cannot just sit and watch and 'not judge'.

If we, as a society, ceases to be outraged by incidents like Miley's VMA controversy, I don't think we are heading in the right direction at all.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

What if Miley Cyrus Gains Album Sales After That?

Miley Cyrus has a new album out in October. And after the VMA controversy, you would expect her sales to take a hit, right? Not that there's anything wrong with it, it's just what she deserves.

But there are entertainment columnists out there who are predicting the opposite - a boost in sales for Miley. I personally have more faith in humanity than to expect that, but the market out there is really unpredictable, so frankly, I cannot be sure either.

Just like an election campaign, both sides have to make their case, and try hard to make their side win. Our side, the Let's Make It A Flop side, need to go out and convince our friends why we should collectively boycott that album. My advice to my friends: Be strong and boycott that album, please. It's a matter of saving our civilisation and its reputation.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Hayley Williams of Paramore and her Take on Miley at the VMAs

Hayley Williams of Paramore has become one of the latest people to publicly comment on Miley Cyrus's VMA controversy.

"It seems like more people are focusing on the trashiness or the dancing, the clothes. But I, actually, am uncomfortable with the racial aspect of it. I feel like she’s sort of taking a culture that isn’t really hers and sort of using it as an accessory, and that actually bothers me more," she said.

There were just so many things wrong with that performance. For me, the number one wrong thing will always be her attempt to push our culture down the drain, and it's just one more act in that direction from her recently. But there were definitely more wrongs than one in there.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Miley, You Have Done So Much Damage, Now Just Disappear Like Janet Jackson Please

The Miley Cyrus VMA controversy is this decade's Janet Jackson Superbowl controversy in my opinion, and I believe it should result in a similar downfall of the star involved, so as to rescue our culture. Sounds serious? Let me explain.

When Miley Cyrus (or any other public figure) tries to challenge our shared moral sense of decency, does she really think she is hurting nobody, I wonder?

Back a few years ago, when Miley was still on the family friendly side, she proclaimed her support of marriage equality. Maybe she doesn't realise it, but by that act she brought hope a lot of people. When people see that a family friendly star is also insistent on supporting equality, they rethink their opposition to equality. Maybe after a few attempts they will see that supporting equality is an inherently logical and morally required extension of genuine family values. Maybe just as importantly, a lot of gay and lesbian people from traditional backgrounds will see someone they can identify with, as some sort of cultural hero. After all, although Lady Gaga may support marriage equality, it is hard for someone of a conservative background to identify with her.

Today, Miley has undone all that (although fortunately others like Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson have now stepped in). Even worse, she has become one of those people who are actively making a bad name for contemporary Western culture in the eyes of the world. And guess what that bad name can also transfer to? Marriage equality, or even basic gay rights, along with women's rights and gender equality, and even the very notion of Western style freedom of speech itself are possible victims, to name a few.
For those of you who never left the West and haven't had a look at the world outside the West, the rest of the world have been decrying 'Western vices' for decades now. And that kind of rally cry can then turn into programs of racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. As for myself? I morally cannot bring myself to do what Miley did, even for a million dollars, because I know the potential moral implications. If I made a living by doing that, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night, honestly.

I think the best thing that can happen now is for Miley to disappear back into anonymity, and stop destroying our culture the way she is going. And the public can make this happen, I believe. After all, in 2004 we showed our collective displeasure at Janet Jackson's actions and her career went south right away, why can't we do that with Miley too? Failure to do that would reflect badly on us indeed, I believe.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Miley Cyrus - There's Probably No Hope for her Now

A few weeks ago it was just me who was unhappy with the new direction Miley is taking. Some people even questioned why I was so angry at her back then.

And then that dreadful VMA performance happened. (And no, I didn't watch it, nor do I want to, I just heard about it because it is, like, everywhere right now).

And still Billy Ray hasn't been too angry, apparently. As a dad, I think you should have spoken out. She needs to be taught a lesson, now. Meanwhile, Robin Thicke's mother, Gloria Loring, sounded like a much more responsible parent. She spoke frankly of how horrible the whole thing was. And that's the way it should be, I think.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

If Miley Cyrus has Forgotten How It's Done, Maybe Rebecca Black can Show Her

You may remember Rebecca Black and her viral video Friday. It was widely disliked, but at the time you may remember that I said she didn't actually do too badly? Well, her latest work is a cover of Miley Cyrus's global hit We Can't Stop, and it sounds quite good! It's sort of like how Miley's stuff sounded in the past, actually.



By TaraElla (News, Website)
Discuss at the Forum!

Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus are Controversial Topics at the Forum

Looks like my recent blog posts on Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus have proven controversial topics for my readers and fans at my website forum.

If you are interested, you can go ahead and look at what people have said:

The Lady Gaga Thread

The Miley Cyrus Thread

By TaraElla (News, Website)
 
Discuss at the Forum!