About 40 students gathered Wednesday evening in the 1911 Building to analyze “twerking” from a feminist perspective.
The discussion was part of an event hosted by Taylor Sociology Club entitled “Just Bein’ Miley? A Feminist Dissection of the Miley Cyrus Controversy.”
Mairead Moloney, professor of sociology, facilitated the event.
Centered around Miley Cyrus’ performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, a discussion of sexiness and costume choices developed into a conversation about the objectification of women, and black women women in particular, in pop culture.
Students criticized Cyrus’ attire, which they considered to be over-sexualized, and her usage of black women as props in her dance routine.
Moloney referenced historical figure Sarah Baartman, also known as the “Hottentot Venus,” who, as a slave in 19th century Europe, was sensationalized and degraded for her curvy physique.
“Were any of [Cyrus’] backup dancers light-skinned, white women?” Moloney said. She also said that the costumes of the dancers accentuated their curves and further sexualized their performance.
Students mentioned that a disparity exists wherein hip-hop artists regularly degrade and objectify women, yet it only becomes controversial when a white pop-star reciprocates their behavior.
Students also talked about the conflict of Miley Cyrus’ current public image and her previous bout of notoriety as Hannah Montana and what effect that has on her younger fans.
“It is hard for children to differentiate between a person and a character,” Jill Crumpler, a senior in sociology said. “My 5-year-old daughter really believes that the people on television are not actors.”
According to Moloney, a trend exists of former child stars who make reckless decisions to separate themselves from their family friendly personas.
The event concluded with discussion about what steps might be taken to change a culture that over-sexualizes and objectifies women.
“I challenge you to think about way that you can change the culture we are creating,” said Harry Barbee, president of the Taylor Sociology Club who is a senior double majoring in sociology and political science.
Moloney’s solution to the problem involves valuing the accomplishments of women instead of their physical attributes.
“I think the only way we offer women power is through their bodies,” Moloney said. “I’d love for us to judge women on their achievements.”
Others proposed that fathers need to educate their sons on how to treat women.
The Taylor Sociology Club’s next meeting will be held on Oct. 2 and will discuss “Dreams Die Hard: Survivors of Slavery in America Tell their Story.”
