We've grown up watching it, but it will not be the same competition next time we watch it. The Miss America Organization is now being predominantly ran by women under the leadership of new Chairwoman, Gretchen Carlson. A cultural revolution is occurring. The contestants of the Miss America Beauty Pageant no longer have to participate in swim-suit or evening gown portions. It is being said that the portions will be replaced with a question and answer portion.
The swim-suit portion has been a portion of the Miss America Competition since the beginning in 1921. The swim-suit portion's removal has been controversial. Prior contestants are saying that they are unhappy about this change and that the swim-suit competition allowed for them to show off their hard work and dedication leading up to the competitions. It is being removed because our society is growing and realizing that it does not matter what someone looks like on the outside, but it is what is on the inside that counts. On the other side people like that the swim-suit portion is gone because it objectifies women's body parts and it targets a certain body type. The #MeToo movement is also being talked about with the removal of the swim-suit portion because the movement is for sexual assault victims to band together in a community where they are understood and have support. The Miss America Organization is wanting to attract women of different shape, size, and background with these changes.
The swim-suit portion is not the only thing we will no longer be seeing, we also will no longer see the evening gown portion. Instead of requiring contestants to wear glorious and expensive dresses they are allowing them to wear something of their choice, something they are comfortable in and feels like it represents them.
The swim-suit and evening gown portions will be be replaced with a question and answer portion between the judges and contestants. This portion will allow the judges to learn more about them and why they believe that they are deserving of the Miss America title. Each contestant will share their goals, passions, talents, and ambitions will help them perform the tasks and represent the title of Miss America the best.
As a woman I believe that this change is amazing and is a step in the right direction. This change allows women from all background, all shapes ans sizes to represent America. We have been allowing a certain kind of woman to represent all of America for far too long. We will now be letting women who want to be philanthropic and be a good representation of America.I also believe that the parts of the competition that are being removed instilled ideas into the minds of America's youth. It made young girls feel like they have to be a certain size, look a certain way, and wear expensive clothing to be thought of as beautiful or successful. We will be ensuring that our youth know that it is not o the outside that matters.
