Pageants are so much more than toddlers and tiaras. Sure a lot of them are full of glitz and glam but what’s under all of that shine?
As humans, we use our eyes to make decisions and judgments; if only we could use our ears just as often. Pageants are often perceived solely as ways to exploit women or as “beauty” pageants. Yes, there is a physical competition in most pageants but there is a reason for every aspect of any pageant, so listen up.
Let’s talk about the most common competitions in pageants
As humans, we use our eyes to make decisions and judgments; if only we could use our ears just as often. Pageants are often perceived solely as ways to exploit women or as “beauty” pageants. Yes, there is a physical competition in most pageants but there is a reason for every aspect of any pageant, so listen up.
Let’s talk about the most common competitions in pageants
- The Interview: the judges are able to get a good judgment of your personality and of your speaking abilities in interview. The topic is YOU. The judges aren’t necessarily basing their scores on what you say but rather HOW you say it. Interviews are usually worth the most in points, therefore a girl/woman competing must be well prepared to answer any questions that the judges chose to ask.
- Swimsuit/Fitnesss- this area of competition has been around since the beginning of pageant existence. Back when pageants first started, there was a statement to be made. A swimsuit competition could be considered part of the feminist movement back then so to see it now as a step back for the movement is just silly. Women become dedicated and work extraordinarily hard to get ready for the swimsuit portion of the pageant. This sort of dedication indicates the way a woman is willing to work the rest of her life for something she wants.
- Evening Gown- Poise and grace. The way a woman holds herself reveals her own dignity and her respect for others. Evening gown competition allows a woman to display her confidence and if she shines brighter than her dress, she’s a winner.
- Pop Question- Just like a pop quiz, you have no idea what this question is going to be. Speech and communication is a large part of pageantry so if you can nail the pop question, you can be sure you’re a contender for the crown!
Now that you have a general idea of what pageants are like, we can continue to peel the layers and move deeper into what “beauty queens” actually do.
Title holders are advocates for spreading smiles. Many pageants have platforms/causes which the contestants speak on during the pageant and focus on throughout their reign if chosen the winner.
You see, pageant winners [queens] are valiant and incredibly heroic. The tiara is just a pedestal for a platform. Wherever you go, whatever you do, people will be watching you when a shiny tiara is sitting atop your head, and that’s exactly how it should be! Wearing the crown and the gown means that you are representing everything that your “brand” or pageant system stands for.
There are many women who have not only made an impact on others through their reign as queen, but have continued to make a difference and succeed in life after passing on the title. Recently businessinsider.com published an article titled “Where Are They Now? The 22 Most Influential Former Beauty Queens” that speaks well on what else these women can accomplish in life and how they continue to help others. http://www.businessinsider.com/beauty-pageant-queens-where-are-they-now-2013-12?op=1
Title holders are advocates for spreading smiles. Many pageants have platforms/causes which the contestants speak on during the pageant and focus on throughout their reign if chosen the winner.
You see, pageant winners [queens] are valiant and incredibly heroic. The tiara is just a pedestal for a platform. Wherever you go, whatever you do, people will be watching you when a shiny tiara is sitting atop your head, and that’s exactly how it should be! Wearing the crown and the gown means that you are representing everything that your “brand” or pageant system stands for.
There are many women who have not only made an impact on others through their reign as queen, but have continued to make a difference and succeed in life after passing on the title. Recently businessinsider.com published an article titled “Where Are They Now? The 22 Most Influential Former Beauty Queens” that speaks well on what else these women can accomplish in life and how they continue to help others. http://www.businessinsider.com/beauty-pageant-queens-where-are-they-now-2013-12?op=1
Personally, through pageants, I have gained many skills and traits. Over the years I have become exceptionally assertive and confident thanks to my practice in pageant interviewing. The way I speak, walk, and the way I treat people have all gainfully changed because of my experiences through pageantry. Public speaking, volunteering, and meeting new people all came from pageants. I’ve even convinced other girls to compete in pageants, some whom were very skeptical, and have been truly amazed by the things they’ve accomplished from participating in pageants and from using the title they WON! To watch a transformation like that makes me feel over-joyed and enthusiastic about how else I can share my passion for pageant with others. | |
These women and other awe-inspiring ladies have become great friends of mine. We can laugh about the things we put ourselves through for competition and can make fun of ourselves because we understand the hardships that we each face when we tell someone "I do pageants." (If you've never seen it, Drop Dead Gorgeous is an all-time favorite movie of mine because of the over-exaggerated yet somewhat truthful ways that pageants can happen). Sure every once in awhile you will run into the stereo-typical catty pageant girl (we've all seen Miss Congeniality; Miss Hawaii), but for the most part, every girl is there for the same reason; girls want to spread their platform and use the pageant as a stage for doing so. However, some people don’t understand the point of pageants and will tear others down because of what they think about pageants. Or there are people who turn against you because you have participated in or won a pageant. Well to any of those people, I ask that, just like any other aspect of life or questionable action, you educate yourself; find out what it’s all about!
You don't have to be perfect to win a pageant, you just have to be passionate. With passion comes drive and dedication, that's what pageants are about. Fancy gowns, statement earrings, and a glittering tiara are just a way to get noticed so that women's goals can grow bigger and better through networking and sponsoring. Judges are looking for the entire package which means both personality and perception will play a role.
You don't have to be perfect to win a pageant, you just have to be passionate. With passion comes drive and dedication, that's what pageants are about. Fancy gowns, statement earrings, and a glittering tiara are just a way to get noticed so that women's goals can grow bigger and better through networking and sponsoring. Judges are looking for the entire package which means both personality and perception will play a role.
All famous title holders (from left to right): Diane Sawyer-America's Junior Miss 1963; Kathie Lee Gifford-represented MD at America's Junior Miss 1970; Oprah WInfrey- Miss Black Tennesse; Halle Berry-Miss Ohio USA 1986; Vanessa Williams-Miss American 1983; Vanessa Minnillo (Lachey)-Miss Teen USA 1998; Eva Longoria-Miss Corpus Christi 1998
To be honest, pageants have helped me grow from a girl to a young woman to a lady. All of the things I’ve learned and all of the things that I’ve passed onto others have been valuable in my growth towards the person I want to be. Pageants have come a long way from contestants wearing two-piece swim suits, to a contestant baring a tattoo, and now the first legally blind contestant in California USA (http://www.inyoregister.com/node/5495).
People may not remember what you say or what you do, but they will remember how you made them feel.
People may not remember what you say or what you do, but they will remember how you made them feel.