Elvis Presley Won T Stop: Media's Impact On Society
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They Can’t Stop, They Won’t Stop
Media has always had an impact on society. From the glamorous movie stars of the 50s to the spunky and colorful celebrities of the 90s, celebrity symbols and performances have held constant relevance. Television has been a major factor in what society is exposed to since it’s introduction in the 50s. A performance by Elvis Presley in 1957 on The Ed Sullivan Show was infamous for being censored, and it draws many similarities to Miley Cyrus’ performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards.
It is January 1956, and Elvis Presley has just made his television debut. A month later, RCA Records would release his debut record (“Heartbreak Hotel”), and Elvis would go on to be a household name. Presley would go on to receive a reputation of being a pioneer for rock music. However, at the time, he received many complaints. Complaints that…show more content… This would go on to be his last appearance on the program. After various complaints, CBS and Sullivan made the decision to censor Presley and only film him from his waist up, making sure to not expose society to his racy pelvic movements. Although the moves weren’t shown on television, the sound of women’s screams being heard in the broadcast clued viewers in on what was happening (Doll).
Some comparisons may be drawn between Presley and someone highly relevant in pop culture today. Miley Cyrus, in recent times, has received more than enough complaints of her hyper-sexual and ever evolving “vulgar” image. The daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley gained fame when she starred as the lead role in Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana. This would last from 2006 to 2011. As Cyrus aged, her image was clearly changing. As Cyrus showed herself more and more, she would gain a reputation as someone of distaste, and certainly not someone you would want your child looking up too (Cava,