When Miley Cyrus came out with the new music video to her hit single "We Can't Stop," the provocative project was met with mixed reviews from fans and critics alike, including some critics who have been criticizing the star for her appropriation of black culture, use of stereotypes and using black women as props.
University of Ohio Professor and hip-hop DJ and scholar Akil Houston recently spoke with Vice magazine about the racy new video, in which Cyrus "twerks," flashes a set of gold grills and talks about being "about that life." Cyrus has already admitted to wanting a "black sound" for her new music, a statement that many fans found to be problematic.
"Miley and the black actors in the video are all props on the stage of visual pleasure," Professor Houston told Vice. "I think it's important to consider that these images function within the sphere of multinational corporate control so both the lead [Miley] and the accessories do not maintain a high level of autonomy in terms of imaging."
When asked how he feels about artists like Eminem, Houston said he doesn't consider the rapper to be the "ideal model," suggesting he gets "a pass because he is talented and has surrounded himself with people like Proof and Dr. Dre," arguing that these people gave him legitimacy early on in his career.
In contrast, Cyrus started out playing the lovable "Hanna Montana" in Disney's mega-popular franchise, intentionally or unintentionally becoming a role model for young girls and fans. She later began to shed her Disney image and moved on from Hollywood Records after the release of her final album with the label, aptly titled "Can't Be Tamed." The singer pursued a more rock, country and pop sound before moving on to her current musical experiments.
"She could stand to take a few African American-studies courses," said Houston. He argued that the song and video could still be problematic even if black producers helped Cyrus do it, and noted that it is not possible to separate race from class and gender.
"All artists have to negotiate the demands of the commercial marketplace," he said. "Even Madonna. Consider her career trajectory and the different stages of representation she has in her public performance. If Miley plans to have the longevity of a Madonna, we will see many shifts."
In addition to her new video, Cyrus has "twerked" onstage at a Juicy J rap concert and was recently spotted wearing a a 2-Pac t-shirt.
Do you agree or disagree with Professor Houston's assessment of Miley Cyrus? Are you a fan of the new video? Tell us your thoughts below!
