Today I join the discussion on Miley Cyrus, twerking and double standards

1. Is Miley Cyrus Correct?
Almost a month after Miley Cyrus’ twerking performance with Robin Thickeon the VWA the young 20
years old is still in the news and the controversy continues. Yesterday it was reported that Cyrus said
some of the criticism she isgetting is a form of double standard. She thinks it is unfair that she is being
criticized for grinding with Robin Thicke but no one is bashing the "Blurred Lines" singer. Is Miley Cyrus
correct?
Let me be upfront. I never watched the VMA. Prior to the show and the ensuing firestorm the
performance ignited on social media I barely knew anything about young Miley Cyrus and I twerking was
form of dancing. Today I know a little more about Miley Cyrus and little more about twerking. Based my
strong Jamaican culture enriched with the rhythmic beat of reggae and dancehall music I have come to
recognise twerking as akin to the raft of “bubbling” or “bum’ n grind” associated with contemporary
dancehall. I am passionate about reggae and dancehall music and the various dance moves.
That said, “Is Miley Cyrus correct in her comments on double standards?” Resoundingly and
emphatically I believe she is correct. Let me clear the air quickly. I have a wonderful 20 year old
daughter and an amazing 18 year old son. I also have a 5 year old daughter. As a parent I do not believe
in double standards. I would not condone my daughters on public display bordering on pornography in
the way Miley Cyrus performed on the VWA. Equally I would not condone my son in a similar
performance.
Miley Cyrus’ comments have elevated the discussion to another important issue and that is equality of
sexes. Clearly, there is a genuine double standard in what is required for women in our societies to climb
to the top. In this public outcry no one is speaking about Robin Thicke, a man twice my daughter’s age
“bum’ and grinding” on the ass of Miley Cyrus. I see the focus on the Miley Cyrus as related to the
controversy about Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer's photo spread in Vogue magazine. It is all a part of the
discussion in recently ignited by Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook in her book “Lean In”. It seems to me that
despite progress towards equally of sexes it is still challenging for woman to climb to the top.
In Canada women seem to be falling behind on corporate boards despite increased participation by
women in the labour force. According to GMI Ratings, Canada ranked 9th among major industrialized
nations for female board membership in 2011. That's down from 6th place in 2009. What does this tells
us about equality and our appreciation for the skills of women in our society?
Is Miley Cyrus correct? Of course she is. There is a clear double standard if we not talking about Robin
Thicke and the equality of sexes.
What do you think? Is Miley Cyrus correct?
Tomorrow I will delve into the Linkedin series “How I Hire”.
Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well
as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor. He can be contacted by
email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog

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