The Popstar is Political

 Miley Cyrus has recently tweeted a picture of her latest tattoo on her index finger. It is an equal sign that in her words represents how all love is equal to her. This is a permanent mark indicating her support for marriage equality. If you recall Cyrus' earlier tweet about how she believed Casey Anthony got away with murder, but marriage is not guaranteed to all, you won't be surprised by this latest move. Miley seems to care less about her public persona as much as being herself. While this seems refreshing, it also seems highly choreographed.
 Pop stars who have entered the public consciousness as a young teen will do anything to break the image of being manufactured, saccharine, and phony. Some succeed and some end up on a VH1 reality show, but nonetheless there have been several ways of young artists trying to make it as credible adult acts. Ten years ago, there was a string of artists who made an effort to grow up. Like Miley, some were part of the Disney Channel elite, but unlike Miley there's had more to do with music and less with politics.
 Take Christina Aguilera who released her Stripped album to rave reviews. However, in promoting the album she strove to break free from her bubblegum image by making one of the raunchiest music videos, Dirrty.  She said she wanted to evolve as an artist and push the boundaries of women's sexuality. For the most part, critics saw it as a way to generate interest from adults by exploiting her sexuality, but fans appreciated her doing something different. Looking back, it probably helped her more than hurt her because that honesty has helped her career in being accepted as a serious artist and helped to push her in the right direction. While her remarks on sexuality were somewhat political, it wasn't so much table talk as a way to keep her active in pop culture.
 Another example would be Usher, who didn't grow up so much on the Disney Channel but his initial innocence (and appearance on Star Search) was similar to those who were. In 2001, he released 8701, the title reflecting his evolution from 1987-2001. The album had mature themes and his videos were reflective of a young man taking charge, but there was never any debate that he was growing up too fast. It seemed like part of a greater process that he wanted to reflect rather than talk about. Obviously, it was a step to who he is now as an artist but his personal politics weren't so much important as his music.
  Back to Miley. Every move she's seemed to make has been about stirring a debate than her music. Even though she tries at times to say she's growing up, it has been more about showing it. Her choice of clothing and her onstage antics have reflected this, but now she seems to have gone one step further in getting this tattoo. In becoming an adult artist, there is freedom, but I think what Cyrus fails to realize is that most of her fans aren't adults. The difference between Miley and the other artists I addressed was that these artists were long off the Disney Channel and Star Search when they decided to mature. Another difference was that Christina and Usher were in the early twenties. Not to say that these things count against Miley, but the point is the audience for these artists naturally grew up, they weren't still in the process of growing up.
  Miley, in many ways, is still making decisions and forming opinions in concrete ways like many eighteen-year-olds. Who is to say she may change her mind about her personal beliefs over time and regret that tattoo? What about not liking her tattoos in general? Strong sentiments are lasting, but the impact from being a politician rather than a popstar might hurt more.
 If I were Miley's agent, manager, or dad I would tell her to be careful. People want their young popstars to sing for their supper, not ask if it was made in a cage-free environment. Miley's fans especially have expressed outrage because many of them don't support gay marriage or in some cases don't fully understand. Their parents would also be more inclined to not let them buy her music or watch her movies. I think if you want to be political you should urge your fans to vote or volunteer for something they support but being brash about what you think doesn't always work. But I guess that's why she said she Can't Be Tamed.

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1668195/miley-cyrus-gay-rights-tattoo.jhtml