I can’t believe I’m about to stoop to this level, but there are some things that need to be said about Miley Cyrus.

In the days following the wannabe culturally-relevant MTV Video Music Awards, everyone in the affluent world has had a lot to say about the twerker’s whimsical live performance. While I don’t really have anything worthwhile to add about the performance itself, I do think Miley is indeed embarrassing herself. What I have to say is more big picture I think.

I really would like to know what is leading Miss Cyrus down a path that couldn’t be farther from her heritage or from the true talents she possesses, but no one seems to really be able to get at it. All the interviews I’ve read seem like puff pieces her cocksure fashionista/pop star attitude. My guess (and my hope) is she’s just going through a very predictable phase of doing whatever is the polar opposite of her father. But man, have you ever watched her Backyard Sessions? Did you listen to her contribution of “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go” to the recent Dylan tribute release? The girl has a true gift for singing country western and folk music, and I wish she were using that talent. Instead of threatening slacker types with the notion of working at McDonald’s the rest of their lives, perhaps worried fathers should just show them Miley’s 2013 VMA performance and let the bizarre train wreck soak deep into their consciousnesses. What Miley is doing just seems like a misguided waste to me. It isn’t foul or perverted, immoral or godless. It’s just disappointing. And that goes for her whole shtick these days. I miss long-haired, classy Miley.

My hopes for Miley are these: when she hits 28 or so, she’ll awaken to her roots, sit down with great songwriters, and start to work instead of twerk. We could see some truly amazing art come out of her in the next decade or so. Until then, folks like me will simply wait for her to come around and frown at the rest.

An honorable mention in this piece is deserved for YouTube user CitrusFirework, who holds the top comment on Miley Cyrus’s “Jolene” video with “i comforted myself by going to this song after seeing the vmas”