Miss USA: Swimsuit Competition
by Madeline P.
Every year women are faced with many issues. Some issues affect women mentally, physically,
and emotionally. The growing issue of body image can negatively affect all three. With many sexy and
scandalous events being aired on television each year such as the Victoria Secret’s fashion show and the
Miss USA pageant’s swimsuit competition, young women become ashamed of their “not so perfect”
bodies. Is what we’re seeing on TV the truth? Are those women really that perfect and if so, how is that
possible?
Having first-hand experience competing in pageants the issue of women’s body image holds a
place close to my heart. In 2010, I was Miss Indiana Teen USA, part of the Miss Universe Organization.
With this title, I had the opportunity to compete at Miss Teen USA. Although this was an amazing
experience, it helped me to realize that the image people were seeing at home wasn’t necessarily “the
truth”.
With Miss America dating back to 1921 and Miss USA to 1952, Pageants have made their mark
in history and actually play an important role in women’s rights. Although pageants have not always
been viewed in the most positive way, it may be surprising to know that many influential women have
competed in pageants over the years; Oprah Winfrey was Miss Black Tennessee 1971, Halle Berry was
Miss Ohio USA in1986, and Diane Sawyer was America’s Junior Miss in 1963.
This past year marked the 60th anniversary of the Miss USA pageant. During the telecast, many
video clips were shown portraying the changes the pageant had undergone over time. One video stood
out to me more than others. This video reflected the swimsuits worn throughout the years during Miss
USA’s swimsuit competition. As the video shows, the swimsuits have changed drastically over the years
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from conservative one pieces to sexy barely there bikinis (Miss Universe Organization). Although the
outer appearance of women competing has gotten a lot sexier, one thing hasn’t changed; the judging
guidelines.
In pageants, the appearance of the contestants has always been held to high stakes. Even in 1950,
women were judged and held to high standards. In an article written by Gwen Sharp, a chart is examined
that was used by judges in picking Miss Universe. This chart showcases seven different body types and
the imperfections found in each of them. In the article three different pictures of steers and their
imperfections was also showcased. From the start, women were being compared to something that
really, when you think about it, isn’t even possible to compare to and over time this issue has gotten
worse.
So, back to the question, is what we’re seeing on TV really the truth? Are those women really
that perfect? Surprisingly this question is very difficult for me to answer because I have seen the side of
pageants that is hidden to the viewer at home. For me, competing in the swimsuit competition was very
empowering. It was a way for me to show my confidence and the dedication it had taken to get my body
in shape. However, even after doing all the hard work I too faced body image issues. There were times
when I was insecure with my body and felt inferior to other girl’s competing. After getting of the stage at
Miss Teen USA, my younger sister came up to me and told me I was the only girl who didn’t have a six
pack. This was hard for me to hear. After seeing how this affected me I took a step back and realized the
impact that these competitions were having on other women.
Little do viewers at home know what tricks are being done to portray a “perfect” image. Some
women use bronzer to draw on six packs and add definition to leg and arm muscles. A lot of women
wear hair extensions as well as have venires. Some women even go as far as having surgical operations
to enhance their features like boob jobs or nose jobs. It’s not fair for women to compare themselves to a
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body that most likely isn’t even natural or would be impossible to achieve because of natural elements
such as different bone and body structures.
Even though issues body image are on the rise, efforts are being made to stop negative body
images, helping people to embrace who they are, being confidant in their natural beauty. Many
campaigns have been launched to support this cause. One of the widest known campaigns is The Dove
Campaign for Real Beauty. The Seventeen Magazine’s Body Peace Treaty has over 84,000 girls who
have pledged to make peace with their bodies (Magazine). These are great ways for the issue of negative
body images to be defeated. It is also very important for celebrities to take a stance. Recently, Tyra
Banks came out with a new book called “Modelland”. About her book she said, “My message really is
about interesting beauty, odd beauty, things that don’t fit the cookie cutter” (Levin).
Another way to find solutions to this issue would be for former Miss USA and Miss America
contestants to take a stand against negative body images to show the viewers at home what they’re
seeing isn’t the truth. I had the opportunity to interview two former Miss Indianas, Kelly Lloyd who was
Miss Indiana Teen USA 1993, Miss Indiana USA 2002, and Miss Indiana America 1999, and Susan
Brychell who was Miss Indiana USA 1980. Both of these women have much experience in the pageant
world and their answers to my questions were very inspiring, somewhat harsh, but most of all truthful.
In conclusion, I think it is safe to say that Miss USA’s swimsuit competition has a negative effect
on women and their body images. Although this is a hard issue to solve at once, small steps can be made
to achieve the overall goal, eliminating negative body image and self-esteem issues. Remember…YOU
ARE BEAUTIFUL!!
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Sources
Levin, Sam. "Tyra Banks shares teenage struggles at New York Public Library launch for her book
"Modelland"." NY Daily News. (2011): n. page. Web. 13 Dec. 2011.
Miss Universe Organization, , prod. 60 Years of Swimsuits. Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal, 2011.
Film. <http://www.hulu.com/watch/251086/miss-usa-60-years-of-swimsuits>.
Seventeen Magazine. Body Peace Treaty. N.d. List. www.seveteen.comWeb. 13 Dec 2011. <http://
www.seventeen.com/health/tips/body-peace-pledge>.
Sharp, Gwen. "1950s Beauty Pageant Judging Guidelines." Sociological Images. Word Press,
07/22/2009. Web. 12 Dec 2011. <http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2009/07/22/1950sbeauty-pageant-judging-guidelines/>.
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