Miley Cyrus

My niece loves Miley Cyrus (aka Hannah Montana), and I think that's a good thing.  There are few characters on TV for 'tween' girls to look up to, and few actresses that strive to live a life of character.  Miley Cyrus seems to be a diamond in the rough, and I hope it stays that way.

According to FoxNews Pop Tarts (see my friend Amy's blog about what's wrong with the idea of "Pop Tarts"), Miley's ability to remain grounded in the midst of her fame and fortune is due to her faith. 

"I think it’s my faith that keeps me grounded, especially because I’m a Christ follower for sure," Cyrus told us. "Live like Christ and he’ll live in you, and that’s what I want to do."

This is a really good thing, and I hope she maintains this foundation as she moves forward.  But I do worry.  I worry that the marketing machine will end up being stronger than Miley's faith.  And the marketing machine loves statements like hers... right now.  But there comes a time when it doesn't want a "good girl" to market any longer.  The "good girl" needs to become a "bad girl."  I referenced a blog post by Walt Mueller a little while ago that talked about how Britney Spears got where she is.  I wonder how much of the moral failure of Britney, Lindsay Lohan and countless others is the result of marketing versus their inherent depravity.  Heartbreaking.

And, of course, countering this, we have Paris Hilton, who today said she is "a good role model for young girls."  

Hilton, 27, boosted her fame in 2003 after a sex video of her and an ex-boyfriend hit the Internet, and she spent three weeks in a Los Angeles jail last year in a drunken driving case.

Hilton said 90 percent of stories about her in the media are "complete lies," and she blamed Internet bloggers for spreading rumors.

"I don't pay attention to lies because I am a good person, I work very hard and I've built this empire on my own. I think this is an inspiration for a lot of girls out there," she told Reuters.

Way to go, Paris. Don't let reality ruin your self-perception.

Personally, I hope my daughter emulates Miley, not Paris.

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
- 1 Timothy 4:12