Bodies lie in streets surrounded by debris from exploded buildings in a suburb outside of Damascus. The Syrian government has allegedly used chemical weaponry against its own citizens. Across the country of Syria, millions live in fear of the civil war raging around them.

Outside of Syrian borders, Miley Cyrus’s Video Music Awards performance goes viral in seconds, while Syria goes unnoticed.

While media coverage is skewed towards frivolous entertainment, it is the consumers’ responsibility to make humanitarian and political issues a priority in the news.

Cyrus is no longer Disney’s pop sensation. It has been two years since the finale episode of “Hannah Montana” was released, yet somehow people still associate Cyrus with their childhood pop princess. Not only has Cyrus grown up, but the generation that looked up to Hannah Montana has grown alongside her. No longer does Cyrus represent a role model, but instead, an entertainer.  

Sensational journalism coverage of eccentric celebrities has swamped the media since the dawn of Hollywood. Non-celebrities’ obsession to live vicariously through the media’s portrayal of a select few and pretty people only encourages wild and outlandish acts by celebrities.

For every click, view and magazine bought to gawk at Cyrus’s performance, less time was spent focusing on the issues concerning human rights. To some, the issues in Syria may seem irrelevant, but they are still a part of our world. Many people can sing every word to Cyrus’s song “We Can’t Stop,” however, they can’t recall President Obama’s stance on American intervention in Syria.

While Cyrus’s performance was viewed as vulgar and inappropriate, she was performing at an awards show that is known for performances like the one featured. The VMA’s are a platform for musicians to push their albums further and create a name for themselves.

Although it is easier to point fingers at a girl performing a risqué dance, we cannot ignore that we are to blame for the amount of media Cyrus received while thousands of humans continue to suffer world-wide. It is our responsibility as educated citizens to drive what is covered in the media.