Pageants have been a part of our society for many years, showcasing the beauty and appeal of young women who have worked hard to prepare for the show. Pageants typically consist of a few categories, including formalwear, swimwear, talent and a small question portion.

For years, controversy has followed pageants. Some pageants showcase younger girls, in early teens or younger, dressed up in glittering dresses and small heels and professional hair and makeup. There has always been speculation over the use of excessive makeup, hair and tanning just to win these pageants. Another problem is the sexualization of women and teens in older age groups, who strut on stage in small bikinis in front of large audiences. Often times the more well known pageants are televised, thus expanding how many people can see the pageant and see these girls in their swimwear. It is often viewed as inappropriate and negative. Finally, pageant contestants are attacked for being a part of making the ideals for women unattainably high.

All of the controversy following pageants has to do with body negativity. These acts are thought to cause young women everywhere to judge themselves in comparison, giving them a negative approach on what their body currently looks like. This can be dangerous as some of these ideals are unattainable and dangerous (taking into consideration that beauty fads change and must be reached quickly in order to be “beautiful”).

It seems as though the people running these pageants are finally noticing the outrage, or are finally taking it into consideration, as it has been announced that from this point on the swimsuit segment of the Miss Teen USA pageant will be replaced with an athletic wear segment.

"This decision reflects an important cultural shift we're all celebrating that empowers women who lead active, purposeful lives and encourage those in their communities to do the same," writes Miss Universe president Paula Shugart. “Our hope is that this decision will help all of Miss Teen USA's fans recognize these young women for the strong, inspiring individuals they are."

This promotes not only a stronger outlook on women’s strength, but on body positivity. Our society focuses on appearance far more than we care to note, and getting rid of the swimsuit portion which was a highlight of the competition will only show a healthier and more attainable ideal. Not only that, but it is a far more modest portion. This isn’t to say that you should hide your body, by all means flaunt what you have, but to idolize one figure as the universal normative body is not healthy for society.

Taking into consideration that athletic apparel is far less demeaning than a small bathing suit, the pageant will stop being seen as an outdated joke.

This is a strong win for women in the pageant world.