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While some people might dismiss the antics of a 20 year old pop star’s television performance as juvenile and irrelevant, others would find a disturbing commentary on the status of women in our society. Miley Cyrus’ performance last weekend at the Video Music Awards caused quite a stir as viewers watched her twerking on stage dressed in her underwear. Cyrus subjected an all Black group of back up dancers to slaps on the buttocks as she gyrated around the stage.

Adding to the controversy surrounding Cyrus is the release of her new music video this past Monday called “Wrecking Ball”. The video, which has gotten 42 million views so far, has broken all internet viewing records. In the video, Cyrus sits atop a giant wrecking ball completely nude.

Critics have been quick to point out the racism inherent in Cyrus’ work and others have railed against the porn-like images which run throughout her videos and performances. The most disturbing fact about her pop cultural standing is that her enormous fan base stems mainly from very young girls who started following her when she played Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel.

GUEST: Akiba Solomon is Managing Editor of Colorlines Magazine where she write a column called Gender Matters

Click here to read her work.