The video below shows a tiny tot, probably no more than five years old, dressed up in a costume created as a replica of Julia Roberts' costume in the film, "Pretty Woman." Before she was rescued by her man. In the thigh-high boots, platinum wig and midriff-baring shirt/mini skirt combo she wore as a street hooker. Watch and cringe:
I have been involved in pageantry for more years than I can count. I was in a few teen pageants in my day, and I saw it as a way for a young woman to realize her potential and grow her self esteem.
Years later, at age 15, my daughter started competing. There are several different pageants out there; not so many in the north as there are in the south. Some are better than others. I'm bit wary of Donald Trump's Miss Universe Organization, which owns Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. I'm partial to the Miss America system, in which my daughter was a titleholder.
I have been involved in the Miss Minnesota Organization as a sponsor, judge and committee member. I think this caliber of pageantry is excellent for young women. There is a big focus on education (each winner receives a scholarship), and there is a huge emphasis on personal platform work, which is an issue of concern the contestant has chosen to do charity work and community service to enhance, enlighten or just raise funds for to help, for instance, find a cure for breast cancer or autism.
Through my exposure and work in pageantry, I have met some of the most intelligent, driven, talented, sincere, compassionate and hard-working young women in America. I consider it an honor to have been associated with these incredible young ladies. They are the future leaders of our country (and I have found most of them to be politically conservative. *bonus!*). If you think this generation has gone to hell in a hand basket, just go to the Miss Minnesota Pageant, a local affiliate, or the pageant in whichever state you reside. You'll emerge a changed person. You will have a positive view of pageantry instead of the horrible reputation portrayed on the show, "Toddlers & Tiaras," which provided the above clip.
I am a big fan of responsible pageantry, and a huge opponent of "kiddie pageants." In my opinion, girls shouldn't be able to compete in pageants until age 15. By then, they have something to say, something to feel, and possibly a well-developed talent. The kinds of girls who would compete at that age possess a great deal of self worth, which is so essential in pageantry. In most teen pageants, there is an emphasis on being age appropriate as well.
I wish reality T.V. were more interested in showing the positive sides of pageantry, instead of the horror show on "Toddlers & Tiaras" each week.
Kiddie pageants are more about the pageant moms than the girls competing. And, yes, even in adult pageants, similar pageant moms can be found there.
But for the most part, women and teens who hold titles, represent their communities or states, or go on to Miss America, are the best of the best and have wonderful, supportive families, committees and coaches. I'm saddened by how this sensational show about child exploitation colors people's perceptions of pageants in general. They could not be more different.
Don't waste your time watching, "Toddlers & Tiaras." Watch Miss America in January instead. You may just learn something and come away knowing for certain that our world won't be in the hands of a bunch of lazy dolts many think embody the current generation.
There is excellence in young America. You just have to seek it out.
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