Modern pageantry can trace it's roots back to 1921 when Margaret Gorman was chosen to represent Washington D.C. at the Inter-City Beauties Contest in Atlantic City. After being awarded first place and the coveted "Golden Mermaid Trophy," Gorman was awarded the title of "Miss America."
Today, national and international pageant systems attract contestants and fans from all over the United States and the rest of the world. Popular national pageants include Miss America, Miss USA, National American Miss, America's Perfect, and the system I represent, Miss International. Many of these systems also include teen pageants or "Mrs." pageants for married women. There are differences in areas of competition, age requirements, business sponsors, and many other factors, but all these systems have common purposes: to honor women for their accomplishments, establish positive role models, and to encourage community involvement and service.
I know this can be hard to believe, especially with the image that media projects onto pageants. "Reality" tv shows are quick to portray overly-pushy mothers forcing their pre-schooler daughters into degrading beauty contests, implying that the same thing happens backstage at all pageants. News rarely covers daily occurrences of young women in their crowns and sashes reading to children in hospital beds, fundraising for charities, or setting up community programs, but the few scandals that arise in pageantry are guaranteed months of coverage.
Knowing the negative light that is often shed on pageants, I would like to clear up a few myths based on my own experiences. Here is what my live, unedited experiences in pageantry have taught me:
Myth: Pageant competitors are pressured to practice unhealthy eating habits, pursue cosmetic surgery, and spend a fortune on useless beauty treatments and pageant supplies
Truth: Yes, there are "beauty contests" out there that award women or children for looking more like Barbie dolls than real people. However, the most prominent systems in America and in the world are about rewarding accomplishments of women. Miss International Contestants are all expected to choose a platform to promote during their reign, and also serve as spokeswomen for the National Heart Association. Pageantry is about showing that a woman is the "entire package"- we are active in our communities, we are positive role models, we are committed to health and physical fitness, and we have the self-confidence needed to pursue dreams and make a difference. A side affect of physical health, genuine self-confidence, and a heart for helping others is always, without fail, a more beautiful overall appearance. No, it won't change your bone structure or make your hair shinier, but have you ever met a woman with those assets who wasn't beautiful? THAT'S what Miss International seeks to recognize and honor!
Myth: Pageant contestants waste thousands of dollars on wardrobe, entry fees, and other expenses.
Truth: Yes, there are costs involved with pageantry, just like there are costs involved in dance or music lessons, playing a sport, traveling, or anything else that we might do for recreation. However, any successful pageant contestant knows plenty of tricks to save money- we know where to look for reasonably priced evening gowns and accessories, we learn to do our own hair and makeup rather than hiring a professional, and we seek sponsorship from businesses, friends, and family. As a result, we learn valuable skills in bargain hunting, fundraising, and navigating the complicated business world- skills that serve us well far beyond our experiences in pageantry!
Myth: Pageant contestants throw away all other dreams and goals in the name of pursuing a crown.
Truth: On the contrary, pageantry is about empowering women to achieve their dreams and goals. Almost every pageant titleholder is either a full-time student or has a career (and no, that full-time career usually isn't modeling!). Some systems, such as Miss America, may ask state or national titleholders to take a year off of school or scale back to part-time at work in order to fulfill their duties, but those ladies also receive generous scholarships to continue their education or pay off student loans as soon as their reign is over. Holding a title gives women a chance to leave network and to make their name known, opening doors for many career and professional development opportunities in the future.
Myth: Pageant contestants all say they want "World Peace" but really have no idea what is going on in the world (besides the latest celebrity gossip and fashion trends).
Truth: Pageant contestants are expected to be up-to-date on current events and be heavily involved in serving their communities. Most pageant systems require contestants to participate in a private interview (which weighs far more heavily on their score than any physical beauty) in which they may be grilled about political issues, current events ranging from local to worldwide, and how they plan to use their crown to make a difference. They are not judged on having opinions that match those of the judges, but on their sustenance and ability to back up what they believe in with words and actions.
So, despite the media's agenda or the preconceived notions that so many have about pageantry, I hope this will help my readers understand why I have chosen to pursue a crown. My hope and prayer is that I may be used by God as a modern-day Esther to serve as a role model and to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
If you would like to sponsor me to compete for Miss International 2013, please donate here! Please let me know your name or business name so that I can thank you properly and promote your business!
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