New Poll Asks: Is Miley Cyrus Better Role Model Than Selena Gomez?

Miley Cyrus has long been criticized for what many consider her hyper sexualized dress and demeanor. In fact, the former Hannah Montana star's performances are often unfavorably reviewed because of her sexuality instead of her singing. She is repeatedly vilified as a terrible role model for young women. But is she? Or is Cyrus' open and honest approach to her sexuality and to human sexuality in general healthier and more mature than Selena Gomez' cutesy pie coyness or Taylor Swift's long-suffering lovelorn persona.

Although many people were aghast at 18-year-old adult Miley Cyrus' sexual honesty in her recent Prestige Magazine interview, some members of the media described her stance as "mature and honest." As Miley herself put it:

"Every 18-year-old explores sexuality and experiments and tries things. For me there's no reason to change that. You have to be true to yourself."

That is absolutely true. Furthermore, no one would expect an 18-year-old man to change, repress, or deny his sexuality. Not to mention the fact that Miley, who's been with boyfriend Liam Hemsworth for 2 years lives a life which is, by her own admission, rather tame.

Recently, William Earl at Hollywood Life dared to call Miley Cyrus' sexual honesty "refreshing." And he suggested that she may be a far more suitable role model for teen girls than "pop tarts such as Selena Gomez, 19, or Taylor Swift, 21 [who] are obsessed with fluff lyrics and presenting an infantilized version of women which is not realistic. Life for Taylor and Selena may be all lollipops and rainbows, but Miley is much more inspirational to fans who understand that life is filled with hard choices and experimentation. Miley may not be perfect, but who is?"

Who indeed? And isn't it better that teens learn that life is not a PG rated Disney fantasy so that they can be better prepared for it? Isn't a real flesh and blood role model like Miley Cyrus a more realistic icon for maturing teens than the statically sweet but impossibly perfect Selena Gomez? In other words, is Miley "a better role model than some of her too prim and proper peers?"

Amazingly Hollywood Life put the question to the public with an online poll. The results were even more amazing. In response to the question, Is Miley Cyrus a good role model? a whopping 70.57% of the respondents replied "Yes."

So, take that, Haters. And you go, Miley.

Source: celebs.gather.com