Replies to '08/14 Trouble in the Spotlight'

I agree with you on this, and with others who have said similar things. 

when DID an average-looking but otherwise great girl ever win a pageant? 

I think that they just made that as a requirement so that people would think it's not all about looks; but it sure is. 

If I had a daughter, I woudn't want her to think that how she acts and looks is who she IS! sure, it is good to put on makeup, etc, at the RIGHT AGE, not when you're less than 12! maybe there aren't immediate effects, but I think that those little girls would grow up too focused on their looks. 

also, it teaches them that only the outside is what people really look at, and that you would go far in life if you're pretty.  I think that little girls need to develop different values as individuals, and when they reach high school they can start thinking about looks because they are growing up.  let kids be kids.  and anyway, it's really creepy seeing these little girls with so much tan, and big hair, fake teeth, lots of makeup...lol they don't even look human any more! 

I understand that 'dress up' etc and 'playing a little princess' can be fun and cute, but why can't they do it with their friends (and dress up in a fun way, not in a 'sexy' way which is what they are doing at pageants) or siblings.  the problem is that all this makeup makes them look too adult.  I understand that maybe in the future they'll be confident (well they MIGHT), but that confidence would be based on external values.  I would rather a little girl is confident from the inside, because that would always be with her and help her in any situation.  and even if she won't grow up extremely gorgeous, she'll have an inner light and confidence and would be still be a great, social kid. 

 We actually have a scholarship contest here that is VERY much run like a beauty pagent. It's called Jr. Miss.   It's for area highschool seniors who are planning on attending college or vocational schools.  Just like any beauty pagent a portion of it is based on looks, but public speaking, academics, talent are SERIOUSLY considered because more than being a "pagent" it's a scholarship contest.   In fact one of the girls from my class (who by most standards is NOT terribly pretty) won runner-up.

In general pagents are FULL of pretty girls.  It isn't just PRETTY that lets them win.  I think a lot of it has to do with the girls that are the best prepared.  I mean when there is a room full of pretty girls in pretty dresses how do you choose one? You choose based on talent, poise, speaking ability, and the child that most represents the spirit of a particualr pagent.

Does entering them in sports teach them that being physical or physically fit or getting a college scholarship is all that matters? Your logic isn't great.

 

It's only certain padgeants and certain parents who have the problems. There are plenty of decent padgeants (age appropriate) and decent parents (non-selfish ones who don't need to live thru their kids).

 

Generalizing is simply wrong. Unless you've been to every padgeant everywhere, you are no expert...and neither am I :)