Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Miley & Me

Let me preface this post with this: I have a love/hate relationship with Disney. While I enjoy their products most of the time, their political capitulation to the liberals has left me with a very bitter taste in my mouth.

Cheyenne has been REALLY into Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers within the past six months. While I feel like I'm in a reeducation camp, I've actually come to enjoy watching her shows on The Disney Channel. Not because of any great substantive plots, but because they're so simple. I don't have to worry about what Cheyenne's being exposed to on these shows, and the music reflects some good values.

Miley Cyrus, who plays the teenager living a secret life as a superstar, has come under fire a few times for questionable behavior. Most recently, the 16-year-old has been criticized for risque behavior on the recent Kids' Choice Awards on Nickelodeon. While I may not condone everything she does, Miley does, for the most part, represent the wholesome image of your all-American girl. The message of her music in songs like "Nobody's Perfect" and "The Climb" give a positive, uplifting feeling.

Recently, one of Miley's songs, "Party in the USA," has been satirized by a gay group who has changed the song to "Party in the FIP." FIP (Fire Island Pines) is a gay beach on Long Island, New York. The video shows men in Speedos frolicking on the beach, and the video itself has been a popular youtube view. Disney's response to all the hoopla? Crickets.

MSNBC just LOVED all of this, as you will see in this video.



While I am more of a libertarian on what people do behind closed doors, I feel this is a very bad move on Disney's part. Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana has become a sensation that has fed the Disney cash cow to the point of gluttony, yet Disney has catered to the gay agenda for many years with "Gay Days" at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Do they not realize that there are MANY more heterosexual families who don't want to spend the money for an expensive vacation to have to explain why two men are kissing or why two women are holding hands? I, personally, don't want to have to explain that to a young child.

Millions of more dollars have been put into the pockets of Disney from Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers than their most successful "Gay Days" event. The message being sent? Parents and children alike are longing for a more simple and wholesome form of entertainment. We're tired of having our children's innocence robbed from them at far too young an age. And we aren't afraid to use our spending power to send the word.

Disney has to ask themselves, "What is the message we want to send?" They're trying to lead the double life of a teenage secret pop star. Eventually, the secret is revealed.

26 comments:

Timeshare Jake said...

I myself try not to support Disney. I find their shows dishonest compared with what they do.

I went to Disneyworld in 2005. Worst vacation ever! I should have just went to New York City. It would have been a whole lot cheaper than walking with the masses at Disney prices.

Snarky Basterd said...

I still belong to the DVD club for the kids, but we talk about certain themes in their movie, comparing them to contemporary political issues that mostly reside with the Democratic party. At the end, I always ask, "Now, is that fair? Is that right? Is that what you want to happen to you?" The kids always say: "No!"

Ze reeducation will not be allowed in my home (and since their homeschooled>..hahahahaha...the gubmint cain't have 'em.

blackandgoldfan said...

BB: I understand your point. It's pretty hypocritical. From my perspective, it's very hard to find entertainment for Cheyenne that doesn't have to be filtered.

I hear ya on the trip. We went in '91, and it was awful. Had no desire to ever go back.

blackandgoldfan said...

Dr. Dave: It's absolutely necessary that we give the youth of today the truth, not the mush the left peddles.

Disney can keep most of their liberal crap, but there are certain movies I WON'T let go of! Hands off The Little Mermaid, Toy Story (both of them), Monsters, Inc., and Aladdin (the first one)!

Steve: The Lightning Man said...

I'm pretty gay-friendly, always have been, so the song parody doesn't faze me in the least. I like a good oparody providing that it's campy & funny....I'd be more woried that Disney was so quiet about their little moneymaker all tarted up the other day on TV on a mock stripper pole, at the Teen Choice Awards no less......great example for the kids.

Unknown said...

I'm saddened to hear that you as a parent don't want to spend the time to explain to your children the importance of tolerance of and respect for others. In a world that is so full of hate, how wonderful it would be for them to witness love shared between two people, regardless of their sexual orientation.

blackandgoldfan said...

Steve: As I said, I don't always agree with what she has done. That appearance was in poor taste, and I don't condone that.

In the setting of her show and music, I have no problem.

blackandgoldfan said...

Justin: I DO teach respect and tolerance for all to my kids. I tell them that they are to carry themselves that way regardless of our stance on an issue. "Love thy neighbor" is the way they're taught.

My question to you is this: When do parents get to instill morals into their children? If we do that, we are labeled "intolerant" and "hatemongers" because we may teach our kids that certain behaviors are, in our opinions, wrong. What is so wrong with that? Just as some teach their kids that drinking and drugs are wrong, some choose to teach that the gay lifestyle is wrong. It's a matter of choice. I don't feel that schools especially should be introducing the subject. That is the parents' job.

Btw...my kids are both autistic and have a tough enough time making it in this world without having to cover all the gray areas of life. How and when to approach the subject of homosexuality will be done on MY terms.

Left Coast Rebel said...

Great post Blackandgoldfan. I agree that Disney has it's good traits and it's bad. Overall the company is a net positive for children. I disagree, however in their support of liberal causes, Democrat or otherwise. I think that the organization of Disney, being that it is ostensibly 'family-oriented' should steer clear of divisive issues such as abortion, gay marriage, etc.


To argue otherwise, since they are a company that caters to children, is prepostorous.

Left Coast Rebel said...

Justin - You said :

I'm saddened to hear that you as a parent don't want to spend the time to explain to your children the importance of tolerance of and respect for others. In a world that is so full of hate, how wonderful it would be for them to witness love shared between two people, regardless of their sexual orientation.


To which I respectfully say, enough with the platitudes, bromidesa and sweeping slogans. It is not homophobic for a parent to not wish to discuss with their child the issue of homosexuality. To be a child is the essence of innocence. To introduce sexuality into the worldview of a child is prepostorous and disgusting. To argue the gay issue; pro or con to a child must directly involve divulging pretenses about sexuality in the first place. There is a time and place for them to learn, say High Shcool Sex Ed?

The world is not full of hate as you say but merely and more unfortunately of moral relativism. Would you classify the Orthodox Jew's view of homosexuality as 'hate'? How about the devout Muslim? The Catholic priest? Or the Jesuit?

Like it or not all major religions do not regard the gay lifestylye as you would like them to. Should we ban them because of this? For certainly it is 'hateful'?

blackandgoldfan said...

LCR: You are spot on when you say that a company that targets today's youth should stay out of the political arena. Unfortunately, Disney execs never got that memo.

blackandgoldfan said...

Andrew: Excellent points! We truly are one of the very few places on Earth that frowns on the killing of gays. I have gay friends and gay family members. All know that I love them with all my heart, but, because of my faith, I cannot agree with their lifestyle. That doesn't mean that they are ostracized or shunned by me or my family. In fact, just the opposite.

Thank you for realizing that I try to watch what my kids are exposed to without censorship. I just feel that some subjects should be discussed when they're mature enough to process the information.

Andrew33 said...

I agree with you about gays. I could care less if someone is gay but how long can I keep being tolerant with gays pushing their agenda like this guy? If your kids could see the "beauty of homosexual intimacy"???? This guy is a perv and should be reported to the police.

Anonymous said...

The MSNBC moonbats say. "Disney is the most progressive company in the world.

The Disney owned ABC (All Barack Channel) TV isn't quite as liberal as MSNBC, but they're working on it.

The Disney brand itself is built on being child/family friendly. With "Happy Feet" and the overt attemtp to get kids to lose sleep over the global warming hysteria - I would suggest that all parents prescreen Disney production before allowing letting them see one.

B&G, do you remember when Disney featured: The Mouseketeers, Herbie the Love Bug, a teenaged Kurt Russell, and the Shaggy DA? My how Disney's liberal slant has grown over the years.

MSNBC's Keith Olbermannis arguably the most vile political commentator in the world. I would like to remind you and your readers that Olbermann gained recognition by ranting and raving, via teleprompter, on the Disney-owned ESPN sports network.

Soloman said...

B & G - another network I take great issue with is ABC Family. While they claim (including in their name) to be "family friendly" they have a show about a pregnant teenager that appears to promote that concept as a good thing.

Another show that I actually like, called Kyle XY, promotes and seems to push the fact that one character has two mommies. Not during primetime, please.

The mixed message is the toughest part. I'm all for family friendly programming, but be what you claim to be. Don't promote adult themes on TV for kids.

I'm very open-minded and rather Libertarian, but "Gay-Day" at amusement parks is dangerous ground.

And at the same time, responsible parents will (as I'm sure you would) avoid situations that are more open to alternative lifestyles or adult themes.

blackandgoldfan said...

Andrew: I share your frustration, pal. Political correctness has helped turn this country into everything the Founders despised.

What I find disturbing is how we are always being accused of hating while there is soooo much hate that comes from the left.

blackandgoldfan said...

Bats: I remember going to the drive-in with my parents and brother to see Herbie the Lovebug. Back then, we didn't have to try and figure out what the hidden message was. You're right...times have changed.

blackandgoldfan said...

Soloman: You seemed to get the point of this post that poor Justin seemed to miss. That is, Disney needs to be honest in their image vs. their actions.

I wonder how many families who don't approve of "Gay Days" have wound up planning their vacation for the same time. If Disney wants to hold "Gay Days," fine. But let people know so that if they disapprove of exposing their kids to homosexuality they can plan accordingly. They never bring it up.

Andrew33 said...

It's fine for Disney to have Gay days at their theme parks. It is also fine that those theme parks not receive one penny in revenue from this household. That is why it now costs $1000 plus for a good family vacation at Disney because people arent going thre like they used to despite what Disney claims. Disney has an agenda and once you understand that and realize that everything Disney puts out have overt parts or subliminal parts of that message you can watch for and protect your Children from that message. I am not telling you to ban Miley Cyrus from the house. Just watch for and know what is in the shows just as you are doing.
If you want to go to Florida and have a really good time there are 3 places to go all in Central Florida that are far better than Disney and the combined price of all 3 are less than half of a family trip to Disney and Epcot.
Busch Gardens Tampa,
Seaworld Orlando
Arnolds Exotics Okeechobee.
I should know, I live here.

Andrew33 said...

"Troll rhetoric and talking points will be handed over to my readers for neutralization."

I just noticed the change. I am still a tad absent minded from my last little concussion and all the meds I am taking for my knee. Although adding HGH has sure made a differnence in my focusing ability.

Andrew33 said...

I don't support Disney either but I will go see the TRON remake in 2011 if I am still alive then.

blackandgoldfan said...

Hey Andrew! I used to live outside of Tampa, so I've been to Busch Gardens. It really is worth it. We've also been to Sea World in Orlando. Also worth it. Another place we've been to is the Brevard Zoo outside of Melbourne. It was very nice.

I most certainly continue to monitor what my kids see. Noah isn't safe from mom popping into his room to see what he's watching, and he's 14. Been to Disney once, and will never go again. Very disappointing.

No problem about the change in the comment box concerning trolls. Just wanted to let them know that I'm watching! :-)

Will have to let hubby know about TRON. I'm not into sci-fi, but he loves it.

Take care, my friend!

Andrew33 said...

Arnold's Exotics is probably the most unique of the three. It is by far my fave. No other place can you actually get hands on with a 50 lb wild cat or be around them as they give birth. No they don't have rollercoaster rides but it is the most extreme and educational of the three. Google "arnold's exotics" and check out their website. The have an awesome collection beautiful wild animals. They are also a wildlife conservation and smaller crowds than a zoo. Arnold's has been my little secret getaway spot for years.

blackandgoldfan said...

I'll have to keep it in mind, Andrew. Hard to take a vacation because hubby's in construction, so summer is all taken, and kids are in school during the winter. If we do get to take one, it's usually a weekend thing.

Andrew33 said...

The best time to do Arnolds exotics is during the winter when it is usually quite nice here, warm enough for the animals to be active and it doesn't rain every day like in the summer.

Andrew33 said...

MY dad designed the drainage system for the Brevard Zoo. He also designed the drainage and water treatment system for the rest of the county.