You’ve all heard the scandal about Miss USA and Miss Teen USA by now. This one drank, this one kissed the other, this one possibly did drugs…now MADD has dropped Miss Teen USA as their spokesperson. Some spectators are wondering if this is all a publicity stunt for the falling ratings of these “Miss” pageants.
At one time I had an interest in pageants. Back when I lived in Rhode Island, I attended a dance school where the owner was a former Mrs. Rhode Island America. During my time there, two of my fellow dance mates (Susan Lima and Lynne Michael) went on to become Miss Rhode Island USA. I even got to dance during the Miss Rhode Island pageant, which was thrilling as a young girl seeing local celebrities. However, my view became a little tainted when I chose to enter into a pageant in my town, hoping that somehow I would win. When I lost to the Mayor’s daughter, I walked away from that experience with a bad taste in my mouth. Not because I lost, but because of all of the politics involved in pageantry.
When I occasionally watch pageants today, I really wonder what they are good for. Women parade around in beautiful gowns, skimpy bathing suits, show off some talent and answer some “tough” questions from judges. They all have a “platform” that they hope to bring awareness to. For all of this, the winner is given the title and a boatload of prizes. However, what exactly does this do for society? A beauty pageant winner isn’t going to bring about world change with her dazzling white teeth or gorgeous skin. Once the pageant is over and done with, you never really hear about the winner’s “platform” again.
Maybe I am in the minority thinking that pageants are really a thing of the past and so very shallow, or because of the failing ratings, maybe I am not. What is your view on beauty pageants such as Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Universe?
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