The world stood in a state of shock. The death news of a 6 year old Colorado girl, who participated in a child beauty pageant was flashed on every news channel. The death of JonBenét led to harsh criticism of child beauty pageants. From parents, to the media, everyone was seen playing the blame game. The episode has brought out the good, the bad and the ugly face of child beauty pageants. Nevertheless, the question still remains, who is to be blamed? The parents for letting their children divert into the world of fashion at a very tender age, the media for creating a hype about such beauty pageants or the organizers for tapping the potential market in child modeling.
The concept of beauty pageants started way back in the 1920s to boost the tourism sector. The first child beauty pageants in the United States started in the 1960s. Today, the beauty pageants have conveniently seduced the very essence of beauty, confidence and poise to gain its position in the world of fashion. The beauty pageants for children are judged on how well they display the different clothes line, how well they dance and how talented they are. Are the children geared up to match the standards that most beauty pageants outline? Are child beauty pageants harmful? Let us have a look at child beauty pageants pros and cons.
The concept of beauty pageants started way back in the 1920s to boost the tourism sector. The first child beauty pageants in the United States started in the 1960s. Today, the beauty pageants have conveniently seduced the very essence of beauty, confidence and poise to gain its position in the world of fashion. The beauty pageants for children are judged on how well they display the different clothes line, how well they dance and how talented they are. Are the children geared up to match the standards that most beauty pageants outline? Are child beauty pageants harmful? Let us have a look at child beauty pageants pros and cons.
The competition is tough. The girl child contestant has to walk the ramp to showcase her looks, poise and confidence in different types of costumes; formal wear, sport wear and casual wear. Looks being the prime focus, the face is done up with cakes of foundation and the fake eyelashes are stiffed with mascara. The lips are colored devoid of any natural gloss. The training program and subsequent practice sessions to enter a pageant are grueling. At a very young age the child learns discipline, patience and confidence. The pride of standing and modeling in front of an audience instills self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. An organizer of child beauty pageant states that pageants should be treated like extra curricular activities, and should not be interfered with academics. The winner of the pageants are usually given a scholarship to finish their collegiate degree. Most of the beauty pageants take part in community service, delivering a social message and help in bringing up funds for charity.
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