"What's Good?" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

"What's Good?"

A brief synopsis of Miley's racial transgressions during the VMAs.

16
"What's Good?"
The Atlantic

The VMAs were filled with memorable moments—The Weeknd’s performance, Justin Bieber’s breakdown, Miley’s outfits (all of them), Kanye’s announcement, and of course the spat between Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus. Everyone is talking about these moments, but no one is talking about what really happened—Cyrus used racism to get ratings.

First issue at hand is the unscripted quarrel between Minaj and Cyrus. It all started back in July when Minaj tweeted her feelings about being snubbed for the Video of the Year award while simultaneously calling out the misogyny and body-shaming that goes on in the industry.

However, some people were offended by Minaj's tweets, claiming that they were too harsh. The biggest advocate being Cyrus, who in an interview with The New York Times stated that Nicki's comments were "not very polite."

Cyrus' comments regarding Minaj's tone is what is commonly referred to as tone-policing: Focusing more on the tone that someone says something, rather than what they are saying and consequently monitoring their tone. Our society has become more concerned about nomenclature and political correctness that we have ignored the message and intention of our words. Cyrus misread (didn't read) Minaj's tweet and basically "politely" called Minaj an angry black women both in "The New York Times" interview and at the VMAs. By completely ignoring the actual issue and telling her to get over it is a form of racism.

Although this was her most notable transgression of the night, it wasn't the only one. Cyrus showed up to the VMAs in a scantily clad outfit and platinum dreadlocks. On its face, her outfit is seen more eccentric and provocative than racist, but allow me to briefly explain the history behind race and hair. Hair is usually involved in many aspects of one's culture, yet it is often racialized. Women of color are told to straighten their hair in order assimilate. But, in asking them this, society is asking them to ignore a part of their history, their struggle and their identity. It is insulting when celebrities take elements of a culture's struggle and make them "trendy." (It also makes you look really ignorant, so please inform yourself before you embarrass yourself).

Also, another one of Cyrus' egregious-yet-subtle racist actions was her use of the word "mammy." A mammy is a caricature that has been used to degenerate black women. It portrays them as subservient, illiterate, frivolous women who spend most of their time tending to the children (usually the white ladies children) and cooking. The word "mammy" is often associated with minstrel shows, cartoons of the 1930s, Hattie McDaniel in "Gone With The Wind" and Juanita Moore in "The Imitation of Life." The history and negative connotation behind this word is something most people (hopefully, at least most people) are aware of, so why would Cyrus choose this specific word to address a loved one? Ignorance or bigotry?

I guess the true tragedy is that MTV and Cyrus had to resort to outlandish and offensive actions that discriminate black people. What does that really say about our society?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

1735
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1492
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

1164
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments