Beauty Pageants: a celebration of visual attractiveness or a form of self exploitation?

Earlier this month Lüderitz High School held its annual Miss Lüderitz High competition (see page 15). Beauty pageants have been at the centre an energetic debate about the nature of feminism on an international level but what do you think?

Beauty contests have been around since the 1800’s when an American man created a contest based on the physical appeal of women, babies and dogs. Since then the concept of a beauty contest has been altered and expanded to become part of a global phenomenon obsessed with physical beauty, but are beauty pageants really a form of picture perfect beauty or is it more than skin deep?

Yes, beauty contests are a fantastic way for women to celebrate their femininity

Beauty pageants are a chance for women to stand on a stage and say ‘here I am, this is me’, they promote a huge sense of self confidence and the idea that any woman can stand independently and be proud of who she is. Contests allow girls to bond together under the united front of womanhood, encouraging an interest in personal hygiene and looking after yourself.

No, beauty contests are a form of ego stroking for women who don’t have enough mental stimulation

Put a group of girls together in one room and ask them to try on makeup and clothing and they’ll have a great time but if you get them to compete against each other they will tear the opposition apart. Beauty pageants pit women against each other, focusing solely on visual beauty and the idea that physical perfection is the ultimate goal. And whilst contests may encourage self confidence in those taking part, for those sitting on the sidelines watching the ‘slim thighs’ or ‘flat stomachs’ it can have exactly the opposite effect.

What do you think? Let us know by leaving a comment below.