REL 202 1st EditionTopics discussed in class: Miley Cyrus as she appeals to the media and TD JakesLecture 1 (January 26)Miley Cyrus Analysis- Observing Miley Cyrus and her rise to popularity through inappropriate actions- In the particular clip shown in class, Miley was wearing a bedazzled marijuana leaf bodysuit, mimicking the act of masturbation- Although she is acting out of social norms, she is challenging them by doing the most unacceptable and taboo acts- People’s opinions on her seem are mostly on two opposite sides of the spectrum- utterly horrified (for the most part) or are impressed by her confidence in embracing this new personality- Among the disapproving opinions, most people think that she is doing it just for the attention, orlack thereofo Losing followers and needed a new way to get a group behind her again???- Her female masturbation act was compared to the pelvic thrust of Michael Jackson (could be further brought to Elvis)- Miley is quite obscene, however she could be bringing forth some new ideas and shedding light on things that are taboo, such as the norm of male masturbation as opposed to female masturbationo Has lipstick line with 100% of the profits going to AIDS research- After years of embracing the good girl persona she could just simply be embracing her true self itcould just happen to be broadcasted for the whole world to see- Given all of these different viewpoints on what she is doing, at the end of the day she has a largefollowing, place in the media, and is making money as we speak about her which is ideally what she wants and could be a motive for why she continues to do thisTD Jakes- An enthusiastic evangelical pastor with quite a nice suit, venue, and more than likely overall quality of life- Despite the “Christian” motives behind his preaching, where could all these luxurious items be coming from?- More than likely preaches to people who make half or less than what he does, as he must make money off of the CDs and sermons he does all in the name of God- Though he isn’t as controversial, he runs a business as a public figure just like Miley Cyrus does and make money at the end of the day for being seenCONCLUSION: Both Miley Cyrus and TD Jakes are preying on the vulnerabilities of people. Whether it be not fitting in and finding refuge in those who break social norms or seeking salvation and turning to a popular pastor for guidance, they make money off of those who want someone to