We have all seen the television show “Toddlers and Tiaras”. (see picture to the right) I am amazed at how much goes into each pageant. I could not imagine putting my daughter in one of those pageants as young as 6 months old. When I see the little girls throwing fits on the show because they do not want to practice or get their hair done, it shocks me how much the mothers and even father push them. I wanted to know more about the positives and negatives of these pageants and how they began.
Beauty pageants began in 1921 with the Miss America Pageant. In 1961 the Little Miss America pageant was started. This pageant was originally only intended for ages 13-17. By 1964 the interest in the pageant had blown up to more than 35,000 contestants. The pageant coordinators then decided to split contestants by age and the child pageant industry had begun. Today more than 5,000 child beauty pageants are held each year in the United States. More than 250,000 children, with 100,000 under the age of 12, participate each year. This industry has grown to over $5 billion dollars in profits. Pageant categories typically include: formal wear, sportswear or casual wear, a photogenic category (based solely on headshot pictures), and an interview. Some pageants even include modeling, talent, and swimwear.
There are many different opinions on pageants. Many critics say that it teaches these young girls, and sometimes boys, that they are nothing without the fake hair, makeup, and fancy clothes. They point out that these pageants are beyond playing dress-up at home with mommy’s clothes. Some also say that these pageants strip the children of their innocence and the proper life experiences, such as wearing their first formal gown to prom. Some even say that it sexualizes little girls. Other critics point out that the young girls are often competing in order to please their mothers and not because they enjoy it.
Another critique some have is over the cost. Pageants tend to be very expensive. Entry fees can cost as much as $1,000. Custom gowns (see picture to left) typically run from $1,500 to $2,000, but some admit to spending up to $12,000 on one single dress. Other costs include travel and hotel expenses, pageant coaches, talent classes, hair, and makeup. Some parents even go as far as fake teeth. It has been reported that some parents have even lost their homes because of loans they took out to pay for pageant expenses.
Supporters of the child pageants see the complete opposite. They see these pageants as beneficial, if not more, as other sports. Supporters believe these pageants teach valuable lessons in life. They believe these children are learning how to win and lose with grace. They also believe that they are learning public speaking skills, poise, confidence, good sportsmanship, self-control, and self-discipline. Other benefits include stimulation of the imagination and promotion of friendships. Many supporters validate their child’s participation by stating that they are simply exercising their desire to perform. Parents claim that pageant participation helps prepare these children for the real world.
I do not see the motivation to parade your child around in front of a crowd with pounds of make-up and feet of fake hair. I’m not saying these pageants do not have benefit, but if they are truly meant to boost self-esteem why not the natural look? Why is there a need for $1,500 gowns and extensions? I do understand that these pageants teach the children to spe
ak well and follow direction, but I think they really take it overboard. In my opinion (which is solely my opinion) these girls are being exploited to fulfill their mother’s dreams. I do not think a 4 year old has the willpower to participate in these competitions or stand up to their mothers and voice their opinion against it. (see picture to the right) I can see the relevance for a 12 year old to participate if they choose. Once again, if the point is to gain self-esteem then what is the need for 10 pounds of make-up and fake hair? I think these pageants are over done and distasteful. Sorry if I offend someone, but this is once again my opinion!
Citations:
Child beauty pageants. (2010, January 11). Facts on File News Services. Retrieved March 16, 2010 from Issues and Controversies database.
Picture Citations:
I Don’t Want Lipstick. Collins, M. Toddlers and tiaras: when bad parents make good television. Best Week Ever. Retrieved March 16, 2010 from http://www.bestweekever.tv/2009-08-13/toddlers-tiaras-when-bad-parenting-makes-for-great-television/.
Pageant Child. Collins, M. Toddlers and tiaras: when bad parents make good television. Best Week Ever. Retrieved March 16, 2010 from http://www.bestweekever.tv/2009-08-13/toddlers-tiaras-when-bad-parenting-makes-for-great-television/.
Toddlers and Tiaras. Collins, M. Toddlers and tiaras: when bad parents make good television. Best Week Ever. Retrieved March 16, 2010 from http://www.bestweekever.tv/2009-08-13/toddlers-tiaras-when-bad-parenting-makes-for-great-television/.
Beauty pageants began in 1921 with the Miss America Pageant. In 1961 the Little Miss America pageant was started. This pageant was originally only intended for ages 13-17. By 1964 the interest in the pageant had blown up to more than 35,000 contestants. The pageant coordinators then decided to split contestants by age and the child pageant industry had begun. Today more than 5,000 child beauty pageants are held each year in the United States. More than 250,000 children, with 100,000 under the age of 12, participate each year. This industry has grown to over $5 billion dollars in profits. Pageant categories typically include: formal wear, sportswear or casual wear, a photogenic category (based solely on headshot pictures), and an interview. Some pageants even include modeling, talent, and swimwear.
There are many different opinions on pageants. Many critics say that it teaches these young girls, and sometimes boys, that they are nothing without the fake hair, makeup, and fancy clothes. They point out that these pageants are beyond playing dress-up at home with mommy’s clothes. Some also say that these pageants strip the children of their innocence and the proper life experiences, such as wearing their first formal gown to prom. Some even say that it sexualizes little girls. Other critics point out that the young girls are often competing in order to please their mothers and not because they enjoy it.Another critique some have is over the cost. Pageants tend to be very expensive. Entry fees can cost as much as $1,000. Custom gowns (see picture to left) typically run from $1,500 to $2,000, but some admit to spending up to $12,000 on one single dress. Other costs include travel and hotel expenses, pageant coaches, talent classes, hair, and makeup. Some parents even go as far as fake teeth. It has been reported that some parents have even lost their homes because of loans they took out to pay for pageant expenses.
Supporters of the child pageants see the complete opposite. They see these pageants as beneficial, if not more, as other sports. Supporters believe these pageants teach valuable lessons in life. They believe these children are learning how to win and lose with grace. They also believe that they are learning public speaking skills, poise, confidence, good sportsmanship, self-control, and self-discipline. Other benefits include stimulation of the imagination and promotion of friendships. Many supporters validate their child’s participation by stating that they are simply exercising their desire to perform. Parents claim that pageant participation helps prepare these children for the real world.
I do not see the motivation to parade your child around in front of a crowd with pounds of make-up and feet of fake hair. I’m not saying these pageants do not have benefit, but if they are truly meant to boost self-esteem why not the natural look? Why is there a need for $1,500 gowns and extensions? I do understand that these pageants teach the children to spe
ak well and follow direction, but I think they really take it overboard. In my opinion (which is solely my opinion) these girls are being exploited to fulfill their mother’s dreams. I do not think a 4 year old has the willpower to participate in these competitions or stand up to their mothers and voice their opinion against it. (see picture to the right) I can see the relevance for a 12 year old to participate if they choose. Once again, if the point is to gain self-esteem then what is the need for 10 pounds of make-up and fake hair? I think these pageants are over done and distasteful. Sorry if I offend someone, but this is once again my opinion!Citations:
Child beauty pageants. (2010, January 11). Facts on File News Services. Retrieved March 16, 2010 from Issues and Controversies database.
Picture Citations:
I Don’t Want Lipstick. Collins, M. Toddlers and tiaras: when bad parents make good television. Best Week Ever. Retrieved March 16, 2010 from http://www.bestweekever.tv/2009-08-13/toddlers-tiaras-when-bad-parenting-makes-for-great-television/.
Pageant Child. Collins, M. Toddlers and tiaras: when bad parents make good television. Best Week Ever. Retrieved March 16, 2010 from http://www.bestweekever.tv/2009-08-13/toddlers-tiaras-when-bad-parenting-makes-for-great-television/.
Toddlers and Tiaras. Collins, M. Toddlers and tiaras: when bad parents make good television. Best Week Ever. Retrieved March 16, 2010 from http://www.bestweekever.tv/2009-08-13/toddlers-tiaras-when-bad-parenting-makes-for-great-television/.
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