Pageantry and Miss America Overview

Miss America Pageants have been going on since 1921 when East Coast newspapers were looking for ways to increase their number of readers. Margaret Gorman won the Atlantic City “pageant”, which was originally a contest based off of looks and eventually added categories on talent and issues of the world. By September of 1922, she was known as “Miss America”.

Over the years feminists have projected their opinions and others have defended the competition. Many men and women protest this glorified event. What does it say for women and their self-esteem? Do they need to win a pageant like this to appreciate themselves as a human being? Pageantry can give children the wrong idea of beauty. It shows them that beauty is more importantly known to everyone on the outside, rather than the inside. Contests such as Miss America can give people eating disorders, increased dieting, and the feeling of being ugly and unworthy. Why are we giving money and attention to something that downgrades women?  

Others disagree and state these competitions can help participants get the money they need for school and a higher education, can RAISE self-esteem and confidence, and participating in a pageant is their choice. It is arguably a great way to practice skills such as interviewing, public speaking, learning class and elegance. You get to show off YOU and your personality to those who seek it. People with positive views on pageantry say looking up to beauty queens can be beneficial.  People like Alexandra Costa, for example, also known as “Miss Purdue” who has been dedicating her time to remove words such as “retard” from our vocabulary. People like Alexandra aren't the stereotypical bubble-headed girls who participate in pageants. Other winners or participants can encourage the youth and other people to do what they love.

Shows such as “Dance Moms” and “Toddlers and Tiaras” really try to emphasize that sometimes, the parents are the worst part of pageants. Some parents really push their children into being beauty queens and stars, rather than accepting who they really are. Maybe all the child wants to do is roll around in the mud and play all day if they’re young rather than introducing them to fake hair and makeup. Some parents may express disappointment if their child doesn't succeed and can lower the child’s confidence and lead them into a troublesome life. It can cause them to put themselves down for not being good enough in their parent’s eyes and eventually in their own.

Is Pageantry wrong? Is it harmless? Are parents what really makes or breaks the idea of the competition? What’s your opinion?