As the first “Disney generation” begins to grow from their child star image to the adaptation of today’s pop-culture, the standards for men and woman contrast immensely.

The popular Disney show “Hannah Montana” featured the young actress Miley Cyrus who played the main character, Miley Stewart, who appealed to many child audiences with her positive messages she spread through music and comedy.

In January of 2011, the last episode of the series ended, marking the finish of Cyrus’s career on Disney – she was 19. Soon she was releasing more explicit music and having more provocative choreography. Her “I Can’t Be Tamed” music video sparked major controversy in her younger fans and media all around.

Now, at the age of 21, her Bangerz tour has attracted millions of fans and became a well talked about spectacle. With sparkly leotards, giant hot dogs, and reappearing images of cannabis, her concerts have become extremely popular with today’s youth.

Though, her adulterated act has attracted as much negative attention as positive. “It is her choice, though I find it to be a bit rogue looking. It’s really emphasizing her sex appeal,” sophomore Joanna Szustek said. Her VMA performance in 2013 including a nude colored two piece and a foam finger amplified her new identity and definitely moved her far away from her childhood career.

Other stars such as Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato – who got their start on the famous child television show Barney – have started to include many elements of sex appeal into their music and act in general.

As these stars grow, they are attacked in media. Their “over-sexualization” is broadcasted around the world to fans of many ages and people are not used to people like Hannah Montana acting that way.

Though, male stars such as Nick Jonas and Dylan Sprouse have been glorified for their transition.

The young singer (Jonas) was apart of the popular band The Jonas Brothers, where he shared the spotlight with his brothers Joe and Kevin. In their recent break-up in 2013, the boys all shifted into new careers. Kevin settled down with his wife and Joe and Nick carried on single music careers.

Nick’s recent photoshoot with Flaunt magazine, features the popstar shirtless and modeling a pair of briefs. The explicit photos have gotten mostly all positive feedback, saying he’s “grown from his pre-pubescent career into a man.”

This double standard for men and women in the pop-culture world today has added unnecessary labels to talented woman. Having men be glorified for not wearing a shirt and women being judged for dancing provocatively – why is this something we are promoting to the young and impressable world of society?

The way a woman dresses should not be something we categorize her on, or something we as observers should ridicule and hate. Girls shouldn’t be expected to have a squeaky-clean image and guy’s shouldn’t be expected to parade around in their underwear.

By Megan Arnold