“Individuality in looks, Capability, poise, perfection, and confidence” is that
what little girls are made of?(Nussbaum) That is considered the complete package that
child beauty pageants are looking for. Are these competitions casting a negative
shadow on young girls in the world? In the growing scene of child beauty pageants this
question is beginning to surface. These competitions, that on the surface might seem
innocent, are sparking quite a controversy. Some will claim that participating in these
pageants is helping with the developmental process. What it all boils down to is a simple
yet important question; Are child beauty pageants helping our children succeed or
setting them up for failure?
Many people do not know what goes on behind the scenes of child beauty
pageants. One of the first television shows produced in an attempt to give people an
inside look at the competitions is TLC’s ‘Toddlers in Tiaras’. This show was certainly an
eye opener for many. It gave people a chance to see what goes into preparing for a
pageant. Some of the facts are a bit shocking. The average cost of participating starts at
$1,000 and goes up from there (Schultz). It was rather startling to learn that many of the
dresses purchased cost more than the average woman will spend on her wedding
dress. Depending on how much families are willing to devote to pageants ranges as
well. More and more families are turing to personal trainers to prepare their little
princess for battle. A large amount of these children's free time is spent practicing
different dance routines.
On the day of a competition most families time and money goes into their child’s
appearance. It is more than typical to see these little ‘beauty’s’ showing off a fresh new
spray tan. Along with their done up hair and acrylic nails. Last but not least, a layer of
make-up and false eye lashes. Because of the children’s young age naturally they are
beginning to lose teeth so false teeth, called flippers, are used to cover up the
“imperfection”. “What they are learning basically is that they have one characteristic
which is of total primary importance and that is their body and attractiveness” states Syd
Brown, a child and adolescent psychologist (Schultz). This is where I am the most
confused on the subject, in a child beauty pageant it seems as though children should
be judged as naturally cute children, not as the barbie doll their parents dress them up
as? There are often cases of stage moms involved in competitions that lose sight of the
fact that these are indeed children who are in need of a childhood.
This is what starts to light the controversial fire for some parents and
professionals as they learn the details. Something about the amount of sexualization in
these competitions does not settle well for many people. We often hear the line
“children grow up so fast” but child beauty pageants encourage it. It has been
suggested that a large amount of these child beauty pageants cross a the line to child
abuse. Child abuse is defined as exploitation of a child (Nussbaum). As frightening as
that sounds, it is not a matter that should be taken lightly. One particular incident that
caught the medias attention was when a 3 year old girl was dressed for the costume
portion on her competition as Julia Roberts from the movie ‘Pretty Woman’ wearing her
hooker costume. The week before that a little girl was dressed as Dolly Parton complete
with fake breasts and butt. “Playing dress-up is part of being a kid, but when adults step
in, apply the make-up, the clothes and instructions on composure, posture, and gesture
the game becomes something else.” (Haley-Dort) It is a concern that this can confuse
children during their development with out knowing it. “When you have them looking
older, for a lot of people that means looking sexier. I don’t think it’s a great idea for girls
at that age to be focused so much on their sexuality, If you’re telling a 6-year-old to act
like a 16-year-old, you’re telling her to be seductive and to be sexy.” (Schultz)
According to Dr. Nancy Irwin, a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist, “As a
treatment professional of sex offenders as well as victims of sexual abuse, I would like
parents of these little girls to assume responsibility for their choices. They are
sexualizing their young children. Do not be surprised if your child is preyed upon as a
result of this high degree of visibility.” (McKay 2010) At first this statement might catch
you a little of guard because frankly it is a disturbing thought, but it is not something to
be ignored. One of the most talked about pageant tragedies was the JonBenet Ramsey
case. In 1996, 6-year-old pageant star JonBenet Ramsey was found murdered in her
home (Montaldo 2011). The case was more than startling but it did point out the fact
that these pageants can potentially be dangerous. Paul Peterson, is a former actor and
founder of a Minor Consideration, an organization working to change the child
entertainment industry. He feels that these pageants put demands on both children’s
time and energies and sexualizes young girls (Schultz).
Not all people share the same negative views on child beauty pageants. A lot of
parents say that their only goal is to help their children develop fundamental life skills.
Children are given an opportunity to meet new people and obtain people skills. They are
also able to become comfortable being in front of a crowd. It is very common for families
to take the money that their children win in competition and put it towards their college
education. Many pageants even give out scholarships to help the children work towards
a bright future. The founder of Universal Royalty Child and Baby Beauty Pageants,
Annette Hill, stated “Pageants allow for quality family time, everyone is involved, and
everyone gets to go out for dinner together and travel together, and it promotes positive
self esteem. Children that compete are more assertive and vocal, they aren’t afraid to
look you in the eye and when they talk to you, and they communicate very well.”
(McKay 2010) The most important thing to remember is the well being of the children
involved, and not to lose sight of that.
Overall, people are usually very much for or against the idea of children
competing in beauty pageants. What seems to be the best alternative would be to
require more government regulation. Beauty pageants are one of the fastest growing
industries in the United states and regulation would provide safety for the children
(Nussbaum). The fact that children put so much time and effort into pageants their rights
as children need to be taken into consideration. Unfortunately their are manipulative
parents out there and as a society we should do our best to protect children.
It does not seem naive to question whether or not these competitions are getting
out of hand. Pageant director and former child participant, Beatriz Gill, is interested in
making the experience positive for participants. She choses not to allow make-up or
snug costumes in her pageant (Nussbaum). By placing these restrictions on the
competition she is making the competition about the kids. When they are not leading
with sexuality the entire situation is more appropriate and the children are acting
themselves. Gill also states, “I believe that pageants have a long road before achieving
a safe environment for children without introducing them to competition, sexuality and
disappointment too early in life” (Nussbeum).
There will continue to be mixed opinions and emotions on the subject of child
beauty pageants. There are arguments for both positive and negative aspects. Above
all the most important component is the children and their well being. As this industry
continues to grow the government should begin to step in more and keep and eye on
the situation.