We've all watched the Miss America or the Miss Universe pageants on TV. For some of us, its the super bowl! And for others, its a time to poke fun at the women literally competing in front of the world. As a 'Pageant Girl' myself, I have heard many mean comments and questions from people when they discover that I love competing. Heres the thing- these remarks are not meant to be mean. In fact, I believe people say them because the genuinely curious. But, to help out my non-pageant friends I've decided to write a small guide of 8 things you should NEVER say when you find out someone loves pageantry.
1. So like a beauty contest?
Yes and no. While there still may be some pageants that are judged solely on beauty, for many other programs, only a small to nonexistent percentage of the score might be looks, contestants are also judged on other things such as their service, interview, grades, a platform, the list goes on. If you have a girl that is drop dead gorgeous but can't public speak to save her life, she will most likely not do the best.
2. Aren't you a little old to be wearing a shiny tiara?
Having a title is so much more that the shiny crown and sash (although I do love that part). It's about community service and what you can do for your city. It's about being a great role model for the young children who look up to you. It's about putting the needs of others before the needs of yourself. You might think my crown and I look silly, but it is a symbol of all of my hard work and preparation. It is something I have truly worked hard for, and I am so proud to wear it on my head.
3. So you don't eat then?
Actually, I eat a lot. I eat foods that are healthy for me and will give me the energy I need, but I also have a Netflix and pizza binge with my girls when I'm not getting ready for a pageant. Everything is in moderation! And no... I don't starve myself.
4. But you're smart...
Wait, I'm smart? Oh my gosh! I had no idea! Wow! I guess I'll have to quit doing pageants!! ...I really hope you grasped my sarcasm here. I know I'm smart. Thank you for that compliment. But so is every other 'Pageant Girl' out there! Miss America 2015, Kira Kazantsev, was a triple major in Political Science, Global Studies, and Geography. She also speaks 3 languages. When competing in pageants you have to be able to think quick on your feet and have a knowledge of what is going on in the world around you.5. So like Toddlers and Tiaras?
Nope! Not anything like it! While there are pageants like what you see on television, I don't hype myself up on Pixie Sticks and Mountain Dew. I prefer a good non-fat latte and a scone. The parents aren't like what you see on TV either. My mother, for one, isn't the biggest fan of pageantry, but she still supports me! She just (thankfully) doesn't scream it to the world when I'm walking to stage!6. But you're so sweet...
Well thank you! But so are the other hundred girls I'll compete with! If I'm being completely honest, 99.99% of the girls I've met have all be down-to-earth sweet hearts! Occasionally you'll meet one girl who is having an off day, but other than that, I have loved competing next to my pageant sisters and have grown to love each and everyone of them!
7. Isn't that degrading to women?
No! And please stop saying that it is! There may be a swim suit competition, but it is to see how confident the contestants can be! Imagine being in front of hundreds of people. Pretty scary, right? Now imagine you're in a swim suit. Even worse? And to top that all off you're in heels trying not to fall! A woman who can stand all of that pressure and still look like a shining star is someone who the judges will remember!
8. There are other ways to pay for college.
Yes, I know. I also know that by the time I am finished with school I will have racked up hundreds and thousands of dollars in loan debt. I don't qualify for a lot of scholarships because while I tried my best in school, I didn't have the best grades and my parents make too much for any FAFSA help. Pageantry offers me many scholarship opportunities for doing the things I am actually good at, like talking to people and networking for the most ad sales.I have personally competed in pageants since I was in the second grade and I absolutely love who they have shaped me into. I am more confident, more opinionated, and I have met so many wonderful people in my short 19 years. I can't wait to see what my future holds, both in pageantry and in life! A special "Thank you" to my pageant friends; Tamara Allard, Merrick Kingman, and Teri Alvarez-Ziegler who all helped me brainstorm ideas!
So there you have it! 8 things that you should never say when you find out someone loves pageantry! I hope this was enlightening for those who don't compete and relatable for those who do! Oh! And before I forget!
