Now Annie Lennox Has Something To Say About Miley Cyrus: “I’m Disturbed And Dismayed”
Annie Lennox is the latest female icon from across the pond to criticize Miley Cyrus and her racy music videos. The former Eurythmics lead singer posted a brief missive on Facebook Saturday (October 5), saying she’s “disturbed and dismayed by the recent spate of overtly sexualised performances and videos,” and likening them to pornography. She called it a form of self-harm, writing, “It’s depressing to see how these performers are so eager to push this new level of low. Their assumption seems to be that misogyny- utilised and displayed through oneself is totally fine, as long as you are the one creating it.”
Lennox went on to echo Sinead O’Connor‘s pimp/prostitute argument, but unlike the Irish firebrand, Lennox doesn’t mention Miley by name — so, presumably, she could also be talking about Rihanna‘s “Pour It Up” video and Britney Spears‘ “Work Bitch.”
In a follow-up post Sunday, Lennox added that people have every right to celebrate sexuality, but made the case that it’s all about the kids. “Is it appropriate for seven-year-olds to be thrusting their pelvises like pole dancers?” she asked. “Boundaries need to be put in place so that young kids aren’t barraged by market forces exploiting the ‘normalisation’ of explicit sex in under age entertainment.” Read both of her posts in full below.
Annie Lennox’s October 5 Facebook post:
I have to say that I’m disturbed and dismayed by the recent spate of overtly sexualised performances and videos. You know the ones I’m talking about. It seems obvious that certain record companies are peddling highly styled pornography with musical accompaniment. As if the tidal wave of sexualised imagery wasn’t already bombarding impressionable young girls enough..I believe in freedom of speech and expression, but the market forces don’t give a toss about the notion of boundaries. As long as there’s booty to make money out of, it will be bought and sold. It’s depressing to see how these performers are so eager to push this new level of low.Their assumption seems to be that misogyny- utilised and displayed through oneself is totally fine, as long as you are the one creating it. As if it’s all justified by how many millions of dollars and U tube hits you get from behaving like pimp and prostitute at the same time. It’s a glorified and monetized form of self harm.”
Annie Lennox’s October 6 Facebook post:
I tried to be carefully measured with my comments on yesterday’s blog, realising that the subject clearly courts controversy and divisiveness. On reflection I will say that sexuality is an inherent and profound part of life. There is absolutely nothing “wrong” about our sexuality or sensuality per se – But if a performing artist has an audience of impressionable young fans and they want to present a soft porn video or highly sexualised live performance, then it needs to qualify as such and be X rated for adults only. I’m talking from the perspective of the parents of those young fans. The whole thing is about their children’s protection. Is it appropriate for seven year olds to be thrusting their pelvises like pole dancers? I really don’t think so. Boundaries need to be put in place so that young kids aren’t barraged by market forces exploiting the “normalisation” of explicit sex in under age entertainment. That means – no audiences under 18. Simple! Well – not quite. The Internet has put paid to ‘boundaries’ and ‘simple’.”
Is this just more slut-shaming, or does Lennox have a point? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!
