About Beauty Pageants

Beauty pageants are a competition in which beauty is a major factor in choosing a winner. These pageants may also include judging for talent, personality and fashion. Beauty pageants not only serve as a form of entertainment, they also give people an opportunity to participate in a contest for prizes and scholarships.

History

Beauty pageants originated in the United States in the 1920s. An Atlantic City hotel created a beauty pageant to attract tourists as part of a fall festival, according to pageantcenter.com. The beach-based contest was designed to choose the "most beautiful bathing beauty in America." Local newsman Herb Test suggested the title "Miss America." The Miss America Pageant continued to grow in popularity but was nearly discontinued during World War II. However, it was decided to continue the contest because of its American spirit.

Several more beauty pageants surfaced in the 1950s, including the Miss World Pageant, Miss USA and Miss Universe.

Contestants

Many beauty contests involve young women between ages 18 and 30. Beauty pageants also exist for children. The main categories that children are evaluated on are looks, capability, poise, perfection and confidence. Children are usually separated according to age group and typically fall between 6 and 12. Baby beauty pageants have also become popular. One of the largest child and baby beauty pageants is the Universal Royalty Pageant. This contest includes 60 participants.

Rules

Most pageants have rules that must be followed. There is generally some form of entry or application fee. In some cases, contestants can find businesses that will sponsor them and pay these fees. Other rules often specify age limits, standards of conduct and even personality attributes.

These standards are taken seriously by pageants. A big controversy regarding conduct involved Vanessa Williams, who was named Miss America 1984 (the first African-American to hold the title). When it was learned that she had nude photographs taken earlier that decade--pictures that appeared in a national men's magazine in September 1984--she eventually resigned and her title was given to the runner-up, Suzette Charles.

Preparation

In addition to the specific rules of a beauty pageant, contestants must prepare for the contest. Contestants are advised to do certain workouts to achieve a pageant-ready body. This can be especially important if the pageant includes a swimsuit segment. Some contestants even hire beauty pageant coaches to advise them on hair, makeup, clothing and question aspects of their upcoming pageants.

Prizes

The winners of beauty pageants receive a variety of prizes, depending on the specific contest. Standard prizes include money, scholarships, crowns and photo shoots. The main prize given to winners of the Miss America Pageant is a scholarship to the university of their choice.

Considerations

Beauty pageants have their critics. Some people feel these contests are sexist, de-emphasize a woman as a human being and place too much emphasis on outward appearances. Others criticize mothers who push their daughters into pageants as a way to overcompensate for lost opportunies in their own lives.

Anyone competing in a beauty pageant should do so enthusiastically, and because it is her own choice. She should also be aware that some people may not approve of it.

Resources

• Teen Pageant Advice
• Miss America Homepage