TM 195: What makes a hero? What makes a villain?
[ooc: The following is somewhat meta but it is not in jest. I find myself truly sympathetic to Vanessa Hudgens (she is my current PB, which is where this comes from) and I mean no disrespect.]
Dear Disney,
I am writing in regards to the situation involving Vanessa Hudgens. I have been a fan of Miss Hudgens for a long time. I have followed her career, both as an actress in the High School Musical films and her various guest appearances on such series as The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and as a singer, with enjoyment. I admire her talent and ability.
Last week, a compromising photograph of Miss Hudgens was posted to the internet and my understanding is your company is considering severing its contract with her in response. I believe this to be harsh and urge you to reconsider. The photograph in question is inappropriate to the Disney Brand and the High School Musical franchise, however, it is clear that Miss Hudgens did not intend for it to be publicized. This is a clearly a photograph meant to be seen only by the young man closest to Miss Hudgens - the person with whom she is engaged in an age appropriate, monogamous relationship. It is neither retouched nor manipulated and Miss Hudgens, if anything, exudes youthful exuberance and joy. Despite her lack of attire, there is something intrinsically innocent about her. Additionally, Miss Hudgens might have claimed the photograph to be a fakery and saved her job. But instead, she had the integrity to admit her transgression.
In her role as a main character in the High School Musical series, Miss Hudgens has become a role model for many young women across the nation and the world. It is reasonable to hold her to a certain standard. However, Miss Hudgens has now been vilified by the online community and your company and I believe this reaction is unfair. Nudity is not, in and of itself, a sin. And since the revelation of this image, Miss Hudgens has conducted herself with the utmost sincerity and humility. She clearly regrets the situation. It is my opinion, as a fan of both your company and Miss Hudgens, that she remains a hero and no Cheetah Girl, however talented, can replace her.
Respectfully yours,
Wanda Maximoff, age 16
Providence
Dear Disney,
I am writing in regards to the situation involving Vanessa Hudgens. I have been a fan of Miss Hudgens for a long time. I have followed her career, both as an actress in the High School Musical films and her various guest appearances on such series as The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and as a singer, with enjoyment. I admire her talent and ability.
Last week, a compromising photograph of Miss Hudgens was posted to the internet and my understanding is your company is considering severing its contract with her in response. I believe this to be harsh and urge you to reconsider. The photograph in question is inappropriate to the Disney Brand and the High School Musical franchise, however, it is clear that Miss Hudgens did not intend for it to be publicized. This is a clearly a photograph meant to be seen only by the young man closest to Miss Hudgens - the person with whom she is engaged in an age appropriate, monogamous relationship. It is neither retouched nor manipulated and Miss Hudgens, if anything, exudes youthful exuberance and joy. Despite her lack of attire, there is something intrinsically innocent about her. Additionally, Miss Hudgens might have claimed the photograph to be a fakery and saved her job. But instead, she had the integrity to admit her transgression.
In her role as a main character in the High School Musical series, Miss Hudgens has become a role model for many young women across the nation and the world. It is reasonable to hold her to a certain standard. However, Miss Hudgens has now been vilified by the online community and your company and I believe this reaction is unfair. Nudity is not, in and of itself, a sin. And since the revelation of this image, Miss Hudgens has conducted herself with the utmost sincerity and humility. She clearly regrets the situation. It is my opinion, as a fan of both your company and Miss Hudgens, that she remains a hero and no Cheetah Girl, however talented, can replace her.
Respectfully yours,
Wanda Maximoff, age 16
Providence