Straighten your Crown. We have work to do.
The Weight of Expectations and Public Scrutiny in the Pageant World
Beauty pageants have long been a part of Global culture, captivating audiences with their glitz, glamour, and the promise of crowning the most beautiful and talented women. However, behind the dazzling gowns and sparkling tiaras lies a complex world of expectations and public scrutiny. In recent years, scandals, leadership turmoil, and shifting cultural norms have cast a spotlight on the challenges faced by pageant contestants and organizers alike.
The Miss Universe Organization: A Journey
The Miss Universe Organization, which oversees both the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, has weathered its fair share of storms. Ownership changes, financial troubles, and leadership shake-ups have left the organization on unstable ground. In 2023, the organization’s longtime president resigned after its owner, JKN Global Group, filed for bankruptcy. Her replacement followed suit just a few months later. These internal struggles have raised questions about the organization’s ability to adapt to a changing world.
Cultural Shifts and Relevance
Pageantry in the United States has evolved significantly over the past decade. No longer solely about physical beauty, modern pageants now emphasize public speaking skills, diversity, and advocacy. Contestants are expected to be well-rounded individuals who can articulate their views on important issues. This shift reflects broader societal changes, where influencers and reality TV stars dominate the entertainment landscape. As a result, pageants have had to redefine their purpose and relevance to stay afloat.
The Pressure of Perfection
Expectations weigh heavily on pageant contestants. They must maintain flawless appearances, exhibit grace under pressure, and excel in various categories such as evening wear, swimwear, and talent. The pressure to be a role model and an ambassador for their platform can be overwhelming. Public scrutiny intensified this burden. Every misstep, whether real or perceived, is dissected by the media and viewers. Social media platforms provide a stage for both praise and criticism, leaving contestants vulnerable to public opinion.
Navigating Scandals and Controversies
Scandals within the pageant world can be particularly damaging. Soon, Accusations of rigging competitions and favoritism have further eroded trust. When Miss USA and Miss Teen USA both resigned recently, it triggered renewed scrutiny of the organization. The delicate balance between transparency and protecting contestants’ privacy becomes even more critical during such times we are facing now.
Empowering Change
Despite the challenges, pageants continue to offer valuable experiences. Contestants begin to have lifelong friendships, gain confidence, and use their platforms to advocate for causes close to their hearts. The weight of expectations can be transformed into a force for positive change. By embracing diversity, promoting ethical practices, and fostering a supportive environment, the pageant industry can evolve and remain relevant in a rapidly shifting world.
A story from a Queen
I have been in pageants for a few years now and the expectations are becoming a little bit excessive lately, and the rewards have not added up to the things we were basically told to do. During my time so far I have noticed some directors are relaxing the need to do community service, and others are enforcing it more. Which to me is totally fine, but how much more does a Queen need to sacrifice of her own time for community service hours for maybe a small scholarship, nothing that could truly help. Which I’m speaking in terms of max $200 for all the hard work that is all you’re given. Yes, us Queens should want to do these things for the sake of doing good things. But to me there is a line between overworking you queens with little reward. A true Queen should never be forced to make appearance, do community service UNLESS you put it in their contract. One director I had, would pop up events last minute and expect us to do those things when we only had a a week notice, and it wasn’t in the contract. As a Queen, my advice to other directors is calm down on the weight of expectations, your Queens may do more if you don’t force them to do too many things.
Note: This article is based on pageant knowledge from our team, incorporated with a story from a Queen who wishes to remain anonymous. All details containing names, dates, pageants, and directors have been removed or changed. Safety and anonymity is our responsibility.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.