It’s all about beauty
By Anna Weaver
and long legsThe Miss Universe pageant will soon be over, but questions linger. Is it an "opportunity of a lifetime" or a "sexist extravaganza"? I try to be positive about these beauty pageants, but it has been hard.
I've read that this particular pageant will reach about 20 million viewers. It's a great opportunity for Hawaii, which just happens to be in the depths of an economic crisis. Yet, legislators and others are keeping their fingers crossed that their investment of $3 million is enough to stimulate our weak economy and help boost the tourist industry. If it does, maybe I need to revisit my feelings about beauty pageants.
Disregarding any economic gains, the contestants participated in an ethnic exchange that provides Hawaii with a unique international experience. Each brings with her a taste of her unique culture and will leave with a piece of aloha. My friends say that is worth something.
Supporters of these programs have not been hard to find. A small army of volunteers poured in from all areas of the islands to help. I was absolutely amazed at the outpouring of aloha spirit.
But the naysayers also abound. I'm not the only one! Definitely, there are segments of the media and beauty industry that nobly try to convince us that beauty contests are not really beauty contests. Know what I mean? However, I agree with one of my friends who said, "It doesn't matter what they are called; a beauty contest is a beauty contest."
And since we've approached some gentle criticism, let's talk about the money spent -- the $3 million coughed up by the state plus another $2 million pooled by private businesses is nothing to sneeze at! Wasn't there an alternative for boosting the sagging Hawaii economy besides parading 81 beauties in front of us for two weeks?
Some wonder why we are pouring so much money into the Miss Universe pageant while, at the same time, we may have to cut the budgets of such worthwhile programs as the Public Broadcasting System and the A+ after-school program. These people may just be shortsighted, but even some supporters feel that $5 million is a lot to spend with no assurance that this pageant will, indeed, boost the economy of our state.
My greatest objection is not the money doled out with no guaranteed return, but it's 81 beautiful women parading around a stage in skimpy, tight-fitting outfits and bathing suits. And, let's not forget all those dangerously high heels either. Frankly, I believe this contest is mostly about a good body and a pretty face.
As for intelligence, now, come on! The contestants are usually asked a simple, "What would you do ..." question and that's about it. There's little opportunity for critical analysis or higher-order thinking skills to kick in. My teachers say that these are the skills that make you intelligent.
Pageant officials always seem to suggest these women are supposed to be role models for us women. After seeing these tall, lanky women parading around, looking positively stunning, some teen-age girls want to be just like them. Others may become depressed, perhaps developing an eating disorder to get the "right" figure. Do we honestly think of these contestants more in terms of international goodwill ambassadors than skinny sex objects? I say, "No way!"
During the months ahead we are still going to be asking ourselves about the pageant's real effect on the islands. Will it provide salvation for our economy?
But next time, let's think about the impact such ventures have on women. The answer may never be found. Is the Miss Universe pageant a glittering magical moment, a tragic waste of time and money or a sexist extravaganza? Your guess is as good as mine.
Anna Weaver is a freshman at Sacred Hearts Academy. Rant & Rave is a Tuesday Star-Bulletin feature
allowing those 12 to 22 to serve up fresh perspectives.
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