Melinda

Frankly you are over-reacting. Teenage girls are just as hormonally fuelled as teenage boys. When the human race can simply accept its sexuality as a normal part of life, there will be less need for the Miley Cyrus' to go to such extremes. While we continue to place such limitations and attitudes of avoidance on our sexuality, we will be confronted by those who either throw it back at us by exhibitionism or by those who can make a dollar out of it.

I don't deny the reality of sexual predators, exploitation and objectification of sex - particularly of females. However, articles like yours only cause the issue to turn on itself, brings out those who see you as a 'wowser' and does nothing to place our sexuality as a part of normal human behaviour.

Melinda,

My advice is that you may be too old for the sub culture you seem to be immersing yourself in. The target audience is a much younger and less cynical demographic.

In summary: It's not for you. I know you want to dance around on your bed singing into your hair brush, and relate with your burgeoning sexuality to the sexual excitement and interest in sex expressed by Top 40 divas. But really, at 40-odd years old, you should be looking for something more sophisticated. I know you want to pour over the lyrics of your idols and search for meaning in their words, but those words are aimed at less world weary young girls.

Now female soloists aren't really my taste, but I suggest perhaps you look into artists such as Aimee Mann, Norah Jones, Regina Spektor, Emilíana Torrini or Sarah Blasko, or any artist making music (rather than videos) for an older, more sophisticated audience.

So, turn off E! Network and put down your CelbrityMania, and maybe pick up NME or Drum Media and go and see a few gigs.

Let it also be whispered, Melinda, you are also "conforming to the script" with this article.

When females get to a certain age, they start to notice that the next generation is letting the side down badly.

Many forests have been sacrificed over the centuries to bring us articles along the lines "kids these days". Fortunately, blogging is more eco-friendly, because I'm pretty certain that future generations will be saying exactly the same thing.

Severin

I thought that Melinda was spot-on. There are many ways of conducting one's sex-life. At the moment, all female pop stars are clones of each other, all with a quite similar sexuality. A big part of this fad is to brag about how they don't let others tell them what to do.

However, it is hard to see these women as non-conformists when they are all so similar. There is no reason to assume that, given complete freedom to choose any model of sexuality, all women will adopt the same sexuality (one that was originally designed to suit men).

It is also strange that all of these women have "chosen" to create a type of soft-porn that most men happen to enjoy. Record companies are on a winner. Men have always enjoyed a bit of a perv, but traditionally, women disliked stripper wanabees. Having convinced many women that this sexuality is feminism, the companies can profit from producing product that appeals to both genders.

The are only two parts of the formula that Melinda neglected to mention. One is the hypocracy exhibited by these singers when they release a "my ex should feel so guilty about how he conducted his sex life when he dumped me" type ballad. The other ingredient is the stories in the women's magazines about how they battled low self-esteem or bullying in their teenaged years.

Houllie

So you are a teenager then?

Pynchme

Melinda probably is following a script. So are teenagers, when they demand the freedom to slavishly follow fashion.

Most generations conform to a script, the script being a malleable one between the ages of 14 - 18.

Cyrus is conforming to the current script which is about consumerism and commercialisation of sex. The mere act of trying to be more outrageous, more sexy than the last teen rock star, seeing how far it can be pushed before there is a backlash, and extra publicity to go with it.

Pushing the boundaries is becoming so passe' so last century. Like any group, the Goths, the Hippies, the Indy trend (what is that about?) all conforming to be 'different'.

The inter-generational essentials have not changed but it does not mean we cannot speak out about that which we feel uncomfortable. Discomfort leads to exploration and examination of our own views and values.

Personally I don't think the current trend is healthy, but neither was the dope trend or the street racing trend for different reasons.

It is sad that kids are more cynical and more 'aware' but not in a good way necessarily and often before they have the maturity to process what they see and experience, and to make rational choices. Most 16 year olds will know a sell job when they see one, but not a 10 year old nor a 14 year old in most cases.

I am tempted to suggest that maybe if we become so cynical and so bored...yawn...with another overtly sexual video clip that it will cease to be a problem or an influence. However, it just does not feel right - the target market group is getting younger.

Does this modern cyncism protect our kids from sexual abuse. It does not seem to.

I cannot see a positive in sexualising music aimed at young audiences. When did music stop being about musical talent and more about gyration and sex simulation. If you want that go rent a porn DVD.

But kids aren't allowed to watch porn pelican. What are they to do? It's for them, not us. They're the consumers. And they like sex. And why not too.

I think adults overestimate the effect pop music has on teenagers. It's just one of many avenues of entertainment.

Now,

You sound like the people upset about Elvis thrusting his hips.

'Does this modern cyncism protect our kids from sexual abuse. It does not seem to'

No, but censorship and guilt about sex and the body doesn't either.

benk,

'given complete freedom to choose any model of sexuality, all women will adopt the same sexuality (one that was originally designed to suit men).'

What model do you propose? How do you know that this model doesn't suit women? When you're using sex to sell, and who wouldn't, why would you have modesty and chastity as a model? You're warped! I think you're all showing your age.