Sakshi Lakhotia
JWB Intern
Here’s Why Miss Teen USA Pageant Cancelled The Swimwear Round
- JWB Post
- July 2, 2016
Do you find the swimsuit round at pageants exciting? Well, they are quite appealing to watch because, duh some of us (I’m talking about myself) can’t wear bikinis in Jaipur.
But, watching bikini-clad teenagers participate in a “mandatory” swimsuit round seems unfair and disgusting. I mean, being in a beauty pageant should not only be about daring to be bare but also bold. That’s exactly why the contestants in this year’s Miss Teen USA, which starts July 30 will be modelling in athletic wear instead of swimwear.
Miss Universe Organisation’s president, Paula Shugart wrote in a letter to the pageants state directors that the change is part of a commitment to “evolve in ways that celebrate women’s strength, confidence, and beauty for years to come.”
“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,” she added. “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.”
Connie Sobczak, the co-founder and executive director of the organization The Body Positive, said, “The Body Positive is happy to learn that Miss Teen USA is replacing their swimsuit competition with girls modelling active wear,” and “This is a step forward in honouring girls as strong and capable rather than simply as objects at which to stare.”
Although this is quite the change we needed, Miss USA and Miss America, the adult versions of the same pageant still have the swimwear round. Fair enough, huh?
While many may criticise this decision, I think it’s great that sex appeal is no longer being a priority at these events, because hey, women have more to themselves than you think! Like brains.
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