Is Miley Cyrus Correct?

Almost a month after Miley Cyrus’ twerking performance with Robin Thicke on the VWA the young 20 years old is still in the news and the controversy continues. Yesterday it was reported that Cyrus said some of the criticism she is getting is a form of double standard.  She thinks it is unfair that she is being criticized for grinding with Robin Thicke but no one is bashing the "Blurred Lines" singer.  Is Miley Cyrus correct?

Let me be upfront. I never watched the VMA. Prior to the show and the ensuing firestorm the performance ignited on social media I barely knew anything about young Miley Cyrus and I twerking was form of dancing. Today I know a little more about Miley Cyrus and little more about twerking.  Based my strong Jamaican culture enriched with the rhythmic beat of reggae and dancehall music I have come to recognise twerking as akin to the raft of “bubbling” or “bum’ n grind” associated with contemporary dancehall.  I am passionate about reggae and dancehall music and the various dance moves.

That said, “Is Miley Cyrus correct in her comments on double standards?” Resoundingly and emphatically I believe she is correct.  Let me clear the air quickly. I have a wonderful 20 year old daughter and an amazing 18 year old son. I also have a 5 year old daughter.  As a parent I do not believe in double standards. I would not condone my daughters on public display bordering on pornography in the way Miley Cyrus performed on the VWA. Equally I would not condone my son in a similar performance.

Miley Cyrus’ comments have elevated the discussion to another important issue and that is equality of sexes. Clearly, there is a genuine double standard in what is required for women in our societies to climb to the top. In this public outcry no one is speaking about Robin Thicke, a man twice my daughter’s age “bum’ and grinding” on the ass of Miley Cyrus.  I see the focus on the Miley Cyrus as related to the controversy about Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer's photo spread in Vogue magazine.  It is all a part of the discussion in recently ignited by Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook in her book “Lean In”.  It seems to me that despite progress towards equally of sexes it is still challenging for woman to climb to the top.

In Canada women seem to be falling behind on corporate boards despite increased participation by women in the labour force. According to GMI Ratings, Canada ranked 9th among major industrialized nations for female board membership in 2011. That's down from 6th place in 2009. What does this tells us about equality and our appreciation for the skills of women in our society?

Is Miley Cyrus correct? Of course she is. There is a clear double standard if we not talking about Robin Thicke and the equality of sexes.

What do you think? Is Miley Cyrus correct?

Tomorrow I will delve into the Linkedin series “How I Hire”.

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog  http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.