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Monday, April 28, 2008

Embarrassed?

Thank God. I was surprised to see that Miley Cyrus is now saying that she is "embarrassed" by the way some of her photos turned out for recent Vanity Fair article. At least she has the good sense to feel badly. I have been bracing myself for my four-year-old daughter's discovery of Hannah Montana and I definitely worry that there are very few good role models out ther for young girls these days. If you read the blog regularly, you know that recently, I took issue with a pregnant Jamie Spears and that I am adament about the need for young celebrities to take more responsibility for their actions. This recent declaration from Cyrus gives me a little hope. Just a little, mind you. But in this situation, it wasn't entirely up to Miley to keep this from happening. While I'm not a fan of Miley's, I don't like to see young people being taken advantage of.

My husband and I were discussing this and we both feel very strongly that magazines like Vanity Fair should be reprimanded or penalized in some way for attempting to exploit this young lady. Yes, she probably thought the pictures were a good idea at the time, but really, if she weren't a celebrity, wouldn't shooting a photos such as these be considered borderline pedophilia? Yes, her parents or "handlers" were there, but does that make a difference when the outcome is just plain wrong. We wouldn't pardon a child molester if the abuse took place with the parent's permission, why should something like this be any different. Just because she's making the money and she's a star doesn't mean she isn't deserving of protection from exploitation.

You may also cry, "Publicity Stunt!" And you might not be wrong, but I can't see how this young lady needs help in that department. She's one of the most popular young celebrities around. I don't think she is at a point in her career where she needs to employ these kinds of tactics to make money. I think, and this is just my opinion, that people who work with or around celebrities start to get a little greedy when the money is rolling in and that they start to forget about the well-being of the person with the talent. At that point, they forget to care about the impact of some of the things that they allow their youngsters to do as part of their "work." They say, "She's having the time of her life," or "It's all part of the game." For this, they should be ashamed. I can't blame a fifteen year-old for letting something like this happen. She's not even old enough to drive and unless she's emancipated herself from her parents, it really is their responsibility to protect her from situations just like this one. I just hope that she continues to perceive this as a negative experience and that she isn't permitted to repeat the incident by parents who didn't quite get it.

Until next time...

A Little Bit of Mystery: Short Mysteries to Confuse and Amuse

Where I've Been...

Listen to my interview on the Jeffery S. Miller show.

Listen to my interview on Calling All Authors.

Listen to my interview on the Let's Just Talk w/Kathryn Raaker.

Listen to my interview on Radio Free Baxter.

Where I'll Be...

After a short break in the summer, I'll be at the following locations:

8/11/09 Allen Park Public Library, Allen Park, MI 6:30 p.m.

Looking for something entertaining for your library or bookstore patrons? Looking for a fun way to spend a couple of hours? Do you love mysteries? Then you need to schedule a Tea & Mystery event for your library or bookstore! The fee is minimal and the presentation is fun and informative! Attendees will be given the chance to win great prizes and share their thoughts about the mystery genre and their favorite mystery writers!

E-mail me today at lonestoryteller@yahoo.com for details on how to set up your Tea & Mystery event!

Books by Rebecca Benston

Reviews for Rebecca Benston

“You'll find yourself looking forward to more stories from the files of Rona Shively.”

Michelle Shealy, Reviewer for MyShelf.com

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“Rebecca Benston has written a detective with plenty of suspense…I hope there will be a sequel…”

Annick, Reviewer for Euro-Reviews

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“The story is good, the plotting great. Rebecca Benston draws you into the story from the first page. Read the book.”

Lucille P. Robinson, An Alternative Read

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“Rebecca Benston’s twists, turns, and descriptions are utterly engaging.”

Tracy, Fallen Angel Reviews

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“In The Wash is like a 1930’s film noir detective story that had a modern, edgy twist and a female lead.”

Janet Davies, Once Upon a Romance Reviews

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“Under Lock and Key is an enjoyable, fun book! Rona Shively is a delightful character. I loved her off-beat, quirky personality and her outstanding sense of humor.”

Connie Harris, MyShelf.com

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“Talented author Rebecca Benston shows the reader just how complicated life can get suddenly and how people you thought you knew, aren't who you thought they were.”

Anne K. Edwards, Mysteryfiction.net