The Controversy Of Beauty Pageants

A beauty pageant is a contest that judges boys and girls on their looks, costumes, and talent. People have been competing in beauty pageants since the early 1920s. Now, almost a hundred years later, pageants are competed in globally by people of all ages. However, the majority of people in these competitions are children, ages two to eighteen. Although some people think that beauty pageants give kids a confidence boost, many find that this competition causes body image issues and a loss of childhood for the participants. Beauty pageants are judged almost solely on physical appearance. Children who participate in them get the idea that only looks are important. The typical beauty queen has perfect hair, teeth, skin, face, and a slim, toned body. Young girls that are ages two to eighteen cannot be expected to look like this. This age group is a time for developing. Some kids may be losing teeth while others are beginning to get breakouts or other bodily changes. Beauty pageants promote an

In pageants there are often interview portions where the contestants are asked a series of questions. Some people believe that this helps kids stay true to themselves and gives them a sense of individuality because they can answer as they would like. It is also argued that these kids have more confidence because they are taught to have poise and grace. Interviews do not always teach these children to be confident by staying true to themselves. People that do pageants are trained on how to look, how to act, and what to say during the interview portions. This strips them of any individuality. Kids only feel confident if they win a title at the beauty pageant. As seen on shows such as Toddlers and Tiaras, children do not react well to losing. They cry and throw fits, which is the opposite of poise and grace. Children are not at a high enough level of maturity to handle the stress of competing in