Re: beauty pageants
they might have some pretty accessories to go with their outfit.
So i was thinking about this and i think a lot of beauty pageants can induce an unhealthy self image in young girls, can be like a meat market and very superficial.
Then i remembered some of the questions from miss america and miss universe pageant. Some of them required thought, grace and poise in answering and it made me think if there was a beauty pageant which looked at not just external beauty but also intellect and internal beauty
There was also a national dress section in miss universe.
In some developing countries winning this prize, gives you prestige, prize money, chance to travel the world and help those less fortunate, a chance to meet world leaders etc. Sure you might be seen as just a beautiful face but it gives women in different fields opportunities they might no have otherwise. It also allows them to promote the image of their country to the world. For some of them it gives them a platform to express opinion on world politics, a chance to go into the acting world they may otherwise not have. In the miss america pageant they even have a talent section.
Some of the women who take part in these pageants are doctors (Mrs Universe Aditi Govitrikar was an aspiring gynaecologist when she won, she also featured in Adnan Sami’s kabhi to nazar milao), others hold degrees in economics (Lara Dutta) etc. Miss America this yr is also an aspiring doctor who plans to use her prize of $50 000 for medical school.
I think it really depends on the beauty pageant and the intention behind it. Some might say it objectifies women but not all pageants are broadcast toa worldwide audience some can be small key. Are not most women stared at in some societies? Are not women who wear particular clothes, or act in music videos or movies objectified? What about guys into body building or modeling? What if it was a conservative dress pageant in front of an all female audience would that be ok?