Urban Thought Collective

The media has pounced aggressively on the “controversial” Miley Cyrus photos that appear in the latest issue of “Vanity Fair Magazine.”

Truly, what’s the big deal?

The whole scandal brought to mind the massive disparities between “white innocence” and “black innocence.” In this case, precious white chastity has been threatened. Excuse me while I crack up.

Don’t get me wrong. I know that Disney doesn’t play. I know the girl is 15. Since Disney began infiltrating young children’s hearts, minds and pocketbooks, they have had a strict wholesome family values policy. I get it. Hell, I even applaud it. Cyrus’s “Hannah Montana” franchise has made millions for Disney, and they will do whatever is legally possible to thwart any threat to their golden child.

It’s just that … first of all, I don’t know many 15 year olds who read “Vanity Fair.” The Cyrus camp (both parents were present at the photo shoot) was obviously going for a different constituency than the kids who worship at her altar. This chick shows a shoulder and everyone speculates it’s the end of her career?

I just wonder … would the same outrage rain down if, say, Raven Symone did a similar photo spread? Not grown ass, voluptuous, damn-I-can’t-believe-she’s-all grown-up Raven. I’m talking about six, seven years ago when “That’s So Raven” was new and finding its audience. Would her “innocence” be at issue? Or would it be just another black girl showing some skin?

Before you say that Cyrus and Symone are not in the same league, think again. Since her association with Disney began, Raven has been a major part of keeping them in the black. She’s quietly amassed a damn-near Jay-Z-esque fortune! The girl makes loot and good ole Disney sho nuff gets their cut.

For me, it became clear that white media didn’t give a damn about young black girls when the infamous R. Kelly sex tape surfaced a few years back. It took them MONTHS to even mention the story. Black radio and online outlets were literally buzzing about the issue from the moment it came to light that the girl in the video was underage.

Some of Kelly’s hometown Chicago radio stations even (temporarily) banned his music. Ed Gordon (the black Tom Brokaw), who has interviewed presidents and queens, nabbed the “exclusive” interview with the R. No one but colored folks cared. It was just this little thing happening in “the R&B world.” Nevermind that R. Kelly is one of the biggest selling acts out there. A-list for black folks, C-list for white folks.

Fascinating. But, just as a missing black woman gets no coverage, little black girls losing their innocence barely registers on the “Today Show” scale of screen time worthiness.

As for Ms. Miley, I ain’t mad at her. These tween girls have seen more flesh before 9AM than most of us see all day. Though I appreciate the concerns, their parents know it too. This won’t start a rash of teen pregnancy or unprotected sex. If your child is going to do it, these mild pics sure aren’t going to push them into a life of degradation. They know she has a shoulder and don’t give a damn if she bares it.

In fact, if she doesn’t want to end up a one hit wonder like her dad, she better start fostering a new audience. She ain’t gonna be a teen idol forever.

Ellene Miles has worked as an entertainment publicist for more than 6 years. Her collections of rants are featured exclusively on UTC for the good of the people.