Greetings! Last year a transsexual made a case to be allowed
in the Miss Universe Pageant. This year’s Miss America Pageant had its first contestant,
Miss Kansas, with an exposed tattoo. Last week a California transgendered
student was crowned Home Coming Queen.
Some say these examples show openness to individuality and equality
for participants. However, others use blogs and Twitter to render hateful
messages about contestants.
Our textbook notes that behaviors are only deviant if a
society deems them out of the norm. What
do you think should be the norms for beauty pageant? (Examples. Born female,
cross dressers, natural hair color, cosmetic surgery, inclusion of casual
wear-jeans, intelligence test, think across any existing category or consider new
ones).
PLEASE NOTE, this is not a question about the concept of
pageant, if you agree with them, like them or otherwise. Our purpose here is to
discuss cultural norms for pageants in the United States, from Home Coming
Queen to Miss America.
Leah Botello 47
ReplyDeleteI don't know exactly how I feel about transgender people being allowed in beauty pageants. I don't really agree with transgender transformations, but that is someone's personal decision so it is hard for me to have an opinion. I think Ms. Kansas rocking her side tattoo is awesome! And I am sure other people probably think that the transgender participants are a great way to show equality. My question is, where do you draw the line? What if someone wanted to join the beauty pageant who was a cross-dresser that had not come up with the money to go through the sex-change procedure but felt as if they were already a woman? Does changing the outside sex organs make someone male or female or is it the way you were born? Regardless of the way I feel about transgender, I feel that it is highly disrespectful to post the negative comments regarding transgender, those people are still human and should be treated with respect. Not agreeing with their decision is one thing, but to attack them is out of line. As far as the tattoo contestant, I personally believe that is awesome, simply because tattoos have become such a norm. I personally believe that in order to enter a beauty pageant you should have to be born a female. I believe that inappropriate behavior outside of the pageants should also be a factor...such as not having felonies, they should be pursuing a college degree, and have so many hours of doing volunteer work. I believe beauty pageant contestants should be a positive role model to younger girls.
I definitely agree these people should not be attacked online for their personal decisions, but should not be able allowed in pageant.
DeleteChristina D.
ReplyDeleteI personally do not believe there is any worth or respect to validate beauty pageants anymore. Not because of this article, but when pageants began using women that have gone to such extremes to change their appearance into the "barbie doll" look. These women now, and men apparently, all portray, poor self esteem. In other words, they had poor self images and choose plastic surgery to have this ideological look. I realize there is something to be said about beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and other cultures have there own standards of what beauty is. However in America beauty is enabling a young woman or man to change who they really are to fit unacceptable standards that can possibly be dangerous to their personal health and relationships. I think pageants have gotten out of control when adults are painting little girls, stuffing their bras and making them wear false teeth, it is deplorable! If Barbie were real she'd stand about 5 ft 9 in, bust 33, waist 18,hips 28 1/2, her arms super long and thin and hands extremely small. I would think in reality this person would not feel beautiful but sickly, weak and probably want a breast reduction. I think because I put so little worth on pageants because the participants have such little worth, having a transgender, or cross dressing man as a woman doesn't concern me. But, ask me how I feel about a transgender, cross dressing president!
Veronica M online 47 In response to Christina D:
DeleteI so agree with you regarding the things they do to children in the pageant industry. I just don't get the false teeth. I personally think missing teeth on children add a little character to them and is adorable.
I do not believe that transgender's should be allowed in beauty pageants. It is not right to have guys dressed as girls and compete for a women's beauty pageant. I also think that there should be rules for beauty pageants, such as the contestants should not have surgery to look better. They should have everything natural not fake.
ReplyDeleteJulie T. 46
DeleteI do not believe that transgender's should be allowed in beauty pageants. It is not right to have guys dressed as girls and compete for a women's beauty pageant. I also think that there should be rules for beauty pageants, such as the contestants should not have surgery to look better. They should have everything natural not fake.
Julie T. 46
ReplyDeleteIn response to Christina D I feel the same way about this issue. I think that there should be some rules made when competing in a beauty pageant. I do not think they should allow males at all or females that have had surgery to correct their appearance.
Alison B. 46 in response to Julie T. 46
DeleteI don't really understand the problem with having transgendered people enter beauty pageants if they are post-op. At that point for all extensive purposes they are in fact a woman. Why should the fact that they once had something changed affect how they are viewed now? If you once had acne but don't anymore does that actually make you any less beautiful or desirable?
Veronica M online 47
ReplyDeleteMy first reaction to transgender/transexual contestants was I didn't feel they should participate in the contest and that the tatoos were okay. But, when I think about how the women already bleach their hair, tape up body parts to make them look better and the makeup, it's already not a true contest. Granted the pageant is suppose to be more than just beauty but, we all know that is a major part of the competition. And, who's idea of beauty? If they would have had rules of no surgeries, makeup, hair dye,taping up body parts, tatoos, no altering of appearance of any kind, this probably wouldn't even be a concern. But, you can't fairly allow some things without the others. Some other thoughts that come to mind are if our concerns are truly over men entering the pageant or is it more of their sexual preference? Have their been any openly gay women to participate without a fight? Or, are naturally born women able to participate in transgendered competitions? Will we ever see women from tribes with big nose, lip or ear rings and tribal scars or paint?
Oneisha Francois 46
DeleteI agree with you. Most of the women aren't all natural. They have altered their looks in some way. But in society today, this is normal. But isn't that same case for transgenders? Women do everything in their power to look their best. So if I man wants to be in a pageant and they did everything in their power to look their best, wouldn't that be the same thing.
Oneisha Francois 46
DeleteI agree with you. Most of the women aren't all natural. They have altered their looks in some way. But in society today, this is normal. But isn't that same case for transgenders? Women do everything in their power to look their best. So if I man wants to be in a pageant and they did everything in their power to look their best, wouldn't that be the same thing.
Alison B. 46
ReplyDeleteI actually think beauty pageants in general are an unutilized platform, I think the fact that an Indian American won Miss America is fantastic, and that's coming from a white middle class female. I don't think there should be a "norm" in beauty pageants since all over the world beauty is defined by different factors as well as the fact that America is a melting pot. I don't have a problem with plastic surgery being present mostly because I have to question where do you draw the line? If a contestant lost a substantial amount of weight- I think skin removal would be understandable. How can you tell contestants that that is alright but a breast augmentation isn't? I also believe that sexual orientation shouldn't factor in. Love is love and I don't think that has anything to do with the validity of some of these young women's ventures and help within their communities.
Jade S.
ReplyDelete"Norms" are what is acceptable. So, transgendered is not acceptable, tattoos are not acceptable. Women born as females, that is the norm for a pageant. Personally; I think if they are attractive and have a rockin' personality, they should take their chances.
Leah Botello 47 in response to Julie T.
ReplyDeleteI admire your post, and in my opinion just because someone has their external body parts changed that does not make them a different gender. They were born a certain gender with specific reproductive parts, internal and external, and changing the cosmetic appearance of the external does not automatically make them a woman. Now with that being said, some people are born with both reproductive parts and the parents have to choose a surgery to make them one way or the other, which is a very sensitive subject and I honestly do not know how I would handle that situation. Great post!
Brenden Donohue
ReplyDeleteThis post is very intereseting. Beauty pageants have a history of women participating, not transgenders. Transgenders competing in pageants is completely out of the norm, and are bound to be ridiculed. The fact that women who compete already change their appearance, such as; hair color, make up, plastic surgery, tells everyone that these pageants are already fake. Most of the women who compete look nothing like they do on stage as compared to them walkin through kroger. I feel as though these pageants are already fake in a sense, but by adding transgenders in there as well will completely destroy everyones point of view on beauty pageants. My point of view is that WOMEN should be the only ones applicable for a WOMENS competition.
In response to Brenden Donohue, I completely agree. To me in the US we don't adhere to history and tradition. The Pageants were based upon rules that women had to stick to if they wanted to participate. If as a young women you knew you wanted to be a beauty pageant contestant you knew you couldn't do such things to your body as tattoos. And even though you may want a tattoo you sacrificed by not getting one because you wanted to be a beauty contestant more. Transgenders, men, tattoos do not go along with the tradition of the pageants. Why can't we just adhere to traditions in this culture? People change traditions and then we have nothing to relate to each other and nothing to pass on to latter generations. Everyone feels they need to show their individuality equality for everyone and everything. It's not always necessary. Sometimes things just need to be left alone and carried out as they did in the past.
DeleteChristopher Deaton
ReplyDeleteI do not think there should be any "norms" for a beauty pageant. Beauty can come in all shapes and sizes so there should not be a set term for what is beautiful. I feel a woman with exposed tattoos can be one of the prettiest things in the world. But generally tattoos are deemed ugly and trashy. So if you ask me, I don't think there should be any norm or ground rule for a beauty pageant. Only that you have to be a woman and that includes transgender.
Christopher Deaton
ReplyDeleteI do not think there should be any "norms" for a beauty pageant. Beauty can come in all shapes and sizes so there should not be a set term for what is beautiful. I feel a woman with exposed tattoos can be one of the prettiest things in the world. But generally tattoos are deemed ugly and trashy. So if you ask me, I don't think there should be any norm or ground rule for a beauty pageant. Only that you have to be a woman and that includes transgender.
Ifeyinwa O.47 in response to Christopher Deason
DeleteA beauty queen represent a community or a state so there should be a standard norms in the selection of a beauty pageant.
Cassaundra W. 46 in response to Christopher Deaton
DeleteThank you so much for that opinion. I agree I believe that women do not need to fit in a certain box to have something in life. That was very well said.
Cassaundra W. 46 in response to Christopher Deaton
DeleteThank you so much for that opinion. I agree I believe that women do not need to fit in a certain box to have something in life. That was very well said.
Jennifer O. 46 in response to Christopher Deaton
DeleteYet another thank you. Women overall already get enough pressure to fit into norms and ideals for beauty, even when they are not in pageants. When they do get into pageants, it gets more critical and there is more pressure to fit into the norm. I agree with you in that both natural-born and transgender women should be allowed in pageants. I would also like there to be much less "norms" as well, with the only ones being, like Ifeyinwa O said, representing their community/state and being a good role model.
Oneisha Francois 46
ReplyDeleteI personally don't mind transgender. I could see why some people wouldn't agree with this. And I myself would be a little irritated because your not only competing with other women but now you have to compete transgender. "Norms" change ALL the time. Its just up to society to accept it. I think if a man want to feel beautiful and expose what he got, I say why not. Everyone deserves to be happy.
Oneisha Francois 46
ReplyDeleteI personally don't mind transgender. I could see why some people wouldn't agree with this. And I myself would be a little irritated because your not only competing with other women but now you have to compete transgender. "Norms" change ALL the time. Its just up to society to accept it. I think if a man want to feel beautiful and expose what he got, I say why not. Everyone deserves to be happy.
Angela W. 47
ReplyDeleteIf I were to really put thought into what I would expect from a woman that is representing my state or my country in a pageant, I would have to say that there should be no cosmetic surgery. Other things like having your hair dyed, nails done, or even a spray tan would be things that an average woman would do, so I do think that should be allowed. Unless a transgendered woman did not have a breast augmentation, I do not think they should be allowed. If they can wow the world with a flat chest, then wonderful! I think the point is that these women should be born looking amazing (obviously with dedication to their bodies). I don't think the point is that they had the best surgeon. I also think that tattoos are not a deal breaker but the same goes. Am I looking at the woman or the amazing tattoo? I do think that they should be expected to be intelligent also, brains are just as beautiful.
In response to Leah Botello 47. I agree that no matter what your opinion is on transgender or not, that people need to be more respectful of others. I don't really understand why people "bash" other people anyway.
ReplyDeleteWilliam W.
ReplyDeleteI think our American society seems to be more acceptant of other cultures. I remember when these major pageants were all white so to take it a step further is no different. I personally don't think it matters because it is totally up to the background of the judges and the sponsors not society as a whole. Fake upper parts, fake lower parts, fake faces, or tucked middle parts, none of which has to do with sexual orientation or anything other than eye candy. I disagree with the whole thing so it is hard to say. Live and let live as a society as long as your living does not hinder others. If I don't like it, I don't have to participate.
William W.
ReplyDeleteWhy not take the Miss out of it and just call it the Universe Beauty Pageant? Male, female, transgender, or not good looking at all; just really intelligent or a great personality. Whatever we find to be beauty.
Judy S ONLINE 50
DeleteWell said William! Beauty is beauty. Beauty has no specific gender, look, or shape. This world is filled with people of different decades or generations and will never agree to big topics like this week's. One thing that society should do is become more open minded to things. They do not have to agree but they do not have to be so hateful.
Jazzmin B. 41
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion I think beauty comes in any shape or size. It should not be judge on how it appears to the public eye. We are all different and unique in some way. Society should practice accepting each other's definition of beauty. Rather than comparing it to an ideal beauty that is not possible to achieve. Everyone should embrace their beauty. Accept other people's beauty even though it different from yours.
Danielle T.47
ReplyDeleteTimes are changing and thus our culture is too. It's 2013 and the idea of normal is evolving as well. Tattoos and piercings are everywhere and why not? I think the norms for a beauty pageants should be just what it says, beauty. We all know that many of the beauty queens we think of are not the sharpest tool in the shed, but they are absolutely gorgeous. If the tattoos or dyed hair enhance the features of the contestant then I believe they should be allowed to express themselves any way they want. The uniqueness of the person inside is made visible by the markings or differences on the outside.
Mehdi E.55
ReplyDeleteWell what I think of the norms for a beauty pageant could be different than what another person ideas are to me our society is changing. In today’s society tattoos are actually now more into our everyday society than it has ever been they are even an added accessory to our physical body. So what I am saying is for a beauty pageant tattoos can be considered norms since in a pageant one is to show her potential beauty and why not adding a tattoo to increase the chance. Miss Kansas was the first to use a tattoo and because of this more and more pageant entries will be likely to use them. For the transgender, it can be viewed as a norm to since society is now accepting the fact that most people are becoming a transgender and doing more sexual changes now a days. And the more a group of people do it the likely it will be accepted overtime into becoming a norm especially for pageants. Cosmetic surgeries anything that enhances a persons appearance should be viewed as a norm in beauty pageants since one in a pageant is to look the best so by doing anything possible to increase their chances whether its hair color, facial changes, born male or female converting to opposite changer or any physical changes should be considered a norm because our society is a accepting it as years go by and we advance more.
Mehdi E.55 in response to Danielle T.47
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you there because; our thoughts and ideas are very much alike. I to think that our society is changing and we are moreover accepting tattoos now a days. You are right that our idea of normal is changing since to our culture being normal is just being you and what you like. If being, straight or gay being normal than tattoos, transgender and any other physical changes to the body should be too especially in beauty pageants because they are also changing into accepting more diverse features for beauty.
Onyimah L.47
ReplyDeleteThe norms for beauty pageants should be what the organizers prescribe it to be. If they prescribe eligibility requirements to be born female, then I think that cuts off every other thing in between. If they allow exposure of tattoos, then so be it. Miss Kansas exposed her tattoos but unfortunately lost the crown. Maybe exposure of tattoos is not in the eligibility requirement. I appreciate her courage to have done that anyway.
It will be an exercise in futility to prescribe eligibility requirements for beauty pageants for the concept and definition of beauty in itself can be multifarious. So also is the idea of equality of participants and openness to individuality. The prescription by organizers should drawing defining lines between who meets the eligibility requirements and who does not and that is why their decision is final.
Onyimah L 47 in response to Christina D
ReplyDeleteI share your disgust with the entire beauty pageant thing. I will withhold my opinion on beauty pageants since the professor warned on personal opinions on the issue. However, if the eligibility requirement for beauty pageant is to be born female then a transgender contestant violates that and we can no longer be talking about equality of all participants.
Jennifer W. 55
ReplyDeleteI believe the cultural norms of beauty pageants are a little to much. I believe that you have to be really skinny a pretty face and have that swimsuit figure. I believe we are taught as young children what a "beauty queen" is suppose to look and act like. Although I do not agree with that it is how our society perceives them,
Jennifer W. 55 in response to William W
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your view on this subject. I think making it the "Universe" pageant would be a great idea. No matter your gender or if you have the :swimsuit" perfect figure that all should be equal. It is sad that, that will probably never happen. What do you think would happen if a man could enter? Do you think that if men were allowed to enter that one would or would they just say, "no I think the pageant is fine just the way it is"?
Marissa M. 55
DeleteI could not agree more! If a man could enter I am sure that some would. Why not if it were possible right? They would have equal opportunity.
Marissa M. 55
ReplyDeleteI believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Society puts pressure on women to look a certain way, act a certain way, dress a certain way, and there are always exceptions to the "norms." For example, a beauty queen should have brown or blond hair, but if there is a beautiful red head she would apply too. What?! Norms will change because fashion and people will always change. For me, It should not matter if you have tattoos or not, because some people find that beautiful. There should not be a standard of a "perfect figure" because there is no such thing!
Chelsea W.55
ReplyDeleteI don't think there should be any norms in beauty pageants because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don't see any problem with having tattooed or transgender contestants. A lot of these girls do unnatural things to themselves already like tanning, cosmetic surgeries, dyeing hair, and wearing tons of makeup. So what's the difference in a transgendered woman? Only closed minded people would see a problem with this, but can't see the problems already in the pageant world.
Sabrina B 46 responding to Chelsea W. 55 I agree with you Chelsea. Most of the contestants alter themselves to compete. If you want to get technical, they should all be all natural. No tucks, pulls, nips, tanning, or any kind of surgery to alter there looks. Tattoos and Transgender is beginning to be the new norm anyway.
DeleteChelsea W55 in response to Jennifer W 55
ReplyDeleteI agree. The norms are already too much in the beauty pageant world. We are taught what the beauty queen is "suppose" to look like but that shouldn't still be the case. I believe as we evolve, things like this should evolve as well.
To my understanding beauty pageants such as Miss Universe and Miss America are in existence not only to show a woman’s physical attributes but also to express their talents and accomplishments and prove that they are the whole package and not just a pretty face. For a man or a transgender to want to be a part of this custom, in my opinion is outrageous. There are probably enough transgender individuals out there that could come together and make their own beauty pageant that is different than that of normal pageants. On the other hand if a transgender is voted for a high school Home Coming Queen than that is totally acceptable in my book. I don’t see the need for there to be anyone other than real women to be able to participate in beauty pageants.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Onyimah L.47
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the norms for beauty pageants should be what the organizers prescribe it to be. The rules should not be broken in an effort to make a statement. Even though tattoos and transgender individuals are becoming more and more acceptable in society there needs to be a line drawn to keep some sort of structure, even within beauty pageants.
Matt M.55
ReplyDeleteOn a hand you have the fact that allowing a transgender to be allowed to participate is well a bit ridiculous if you ask me. On the other hand it isn't quite fair to deny someone who feels they were born a woman trapped in a man's body the opportunity to compete. In my opinion beauty pageants were created for women so how is it fair to allow a transgender in the contest; she isn't really a she. I don't agree with transgender in the first place but I think that if I were a woman and was in a competition where judges were comparing my attributes to others, I wouldn't want to be compared to a male standing next to me that paid a lot of money to his surgeon to look like a copy of the real thing. Get your own beauty pageant!!!
Innocent A. 46 in response to Matt M. 55
DeleteI strongly agree with you that allowing transgender to participate in the beauty pageant is ridiculous in the first place. I understand that they possess woman body trapped in a man's body does not make them a woman rather they should have their own beauty pageant separate from the norm. Some choose to undergo surgery which I totally disagree with because it will cause a whole lot of confusion among the audience.
Matt M.55 in response to Onyimah L 47
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you in the whole eligibility aspect. If you want to compete in a female beauty pageant then you need to have been born a female.
Judy S ONLINE 50
ReplyDeleteThrough this past year, I have noticed situations like transgenders and transsexuals in the spotlight of the news. Nicole Gibson, a transgender model, was caught in the eyes of many at the London's Fashion Week. Every one was awed by her fierce cat walk, captured by her beauty, and charming personality. I believe any person that shows the appropriate and legitimate representation of a woman should be able to be in any pageant. Pageants are all fake to me by all of the fake lashes, extensions, breasts, and tan etc... What could possibly be wrong with a transgender? The answer is nothing. With tattoos, I believe they are just a plus to a beauty pageant's contestant. A person with tattoos, like myself, has a story behind every inch of ink. Tattoos show a lot of character and personality which I think is important to pageants other than a pretty smile. The new and growing norm for society is becoming more accepted to people here in the US.
Sabrina B. 46
ReplyDeleteI believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have seen some very beautiful transgender and transsexuals. I don't think what they have to be excluded. Not even someone with tattoos. The question should be there brains as well as there looks. Can they be a positive roll model and keep everything in perspective. This is defining the new norm of today.
I feel that pageants were started with the appeal of a natural beautiful southern girl. However now you have girls from all ages with breast implants, that do whitening to their teeth, fake tanner, and all sorts of crazy things to themselves in an attempt to win. I feel that tattoos, your hair do, talent, formal wear, and body are all ways to show yourself off. I feel these are all okay to an extent that its still classy. However, I do not feel that transgender people should be in pageants. I feel they were not naturally that way and you can tell sometimes. I think there is no need to put a half woman against a real woman. Not to sounds mean or any of the such, but you were created the way you were. Therefore embrace it and love yourself.
ReplyDeleteErin L.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this, I first did not really agree with transgenders being able to compete in these beauty pageants. However, most of the women in the pageants are already altering their looks just within their natural gender. After thinking about that I realized that the transgenders should be allowed to compete in these pageants. But also, if these people are altering their looks then is it really about their natural beauty or a synthetic one? It has changed the whole definition of what a beauty pageants means to these contestants and the people judging and watching them. I think there should be more categories where the contestants get to show their inner beauty to decide who really should be crowned, instead of some fake outer appearance.
Melissa P
DeleteI completely agree and furthermore if they are going to rule out transgenders than they should rule out all cosmetic surgery. Sounds perfectly fair to me.
Melissa P
DeleteI completely agree and furthermore if they are going to rule out transgenders than they should rule out all cosmetic surgery. Sounds perfectly fair to me.
Linda H. 46
ReplyDeleteWhat I think the United States should view, as the norm for Beauty Pageant and Home Coming Queens is that every Miss America should only be females. It does not matter to me whether the female color their hair or go natural. I think cosmetic surgery would be an added benefit, if a female contestant feels it may give them an edge over other contestants, why not. I feel that beauty pageants should include casual wear-jeans. I know it can sometimes be a little difficult to answer questions on the spot, with that said it should be some form of testing performed on the contestants ability to think under pressure. I also feel that if contestants have a tattoo they should cover it up while on stage. I also do not think a contestant should have a baby bump either.
Emily S. 81 in response to Linda H. 46
DeleteI too think plastic surgery is fine, as is hair color and other cosmetics. I also believe contestants should have to be born female. However, I don't think contestants should necessarily have to cover tattoos. I use to think they should until I watched Miss Kansas and found I had no problem with seeing her tattoos, because she was beautiful and honestly talented. She held herself well and I was able to look beyond the ink. However, I think that if it can be covered it isn't a bad idea to cover it.
Linda H. 46 in response to Onyimah L.47
ReplyDeleteIn reading many of the responses posted your view of the Pageants is more how I feel a pageant should be carried out. The organizers are the ones who has the last word on eligibility requirements. Perhaps you're right about Miss Kansas tattoo, the organizers aren't quite ready for such a bold statement.
Innocent A. 46
ReplyDeleteFor the mere fact that the transgender possess some form of the female out-look features does not mean that they are female. The norm has always been female beauty pageant not the other way round, and if we go by the understanding, the event has always been for the female gender. Basically, tattoo has been a norm within the society but the contestant need to cover it in such a way that it will not be too obvious. I don't have a negative feelings for the transgender but their numbers are increasing every day and they have the same right like everyone else but what I don't agree with them is trying to replace the norm with their new welcome idea is absurd.
.
Melissa P
ReplyDeleteI am rather biased on the traditional norms for the beauty pageant. Is perfect barbie body figure, big hair, world peace, painted on face, natural born women what we, as Americans, consider beautiful? The entire concept of it seems really fake to me. I feel like all prosthetic's should be ruled out before they discriminate against body tattoos and transgenders. Personally, if a transgender can pull of the swim suit competition without raising an eyebrow, what's the problem? Obviously, this woman was trying to make a statement with her tattoo or she would have worn a one-piece. I feel the norms for beauty are so superficial. Inner beauty should be more accounted for than physical, but this is America where we can look as young as money can buy but compassion, brotherly love, and humility is a lost cause.
Melissa P
ReplyDeleteI am rather biased on the traditional norms for the beauty pageant. Is perfect barbie body figure, big hair, world peace, painted on face, natural born women what we, as Americans, consider beautiful? The entire concept of it seems really fake to me. I feel like all prosthetic's should be ruled out before they discriminate against body tattoos and transgenders. Personally, if a transgender can pull of the swim suit competition without raising an eyebrow, what's the problem? Obviously, this woman was trying to make a statement with her tattoo or she would have worn a one-piece. I feel the norms for beauty are so superficial. Inner beauty should be more accounted for than physical, but this is America where we can look as young as money can buy but compassion, brotherly love, and humility is a lost cause.
Claire M. 46 in response to Melissa P.
DeleteI guess everyone has their "ideal" beauty, but it does seem odd that people think fake is beautiful. America is brainwashed by media into thinking that perfect is the only way to be. I like your statement about the tattoo! I think Miss Kansas has every right to show her body art, because after all, to some, tattoos are beautiful and they represent the person.
This is a pretty interesting article because we see how society is starting to make other things okay that used to not be. I personally don't have anything against transsexuals or transgender, but I do believer our country or society has put too much physical expectations on beauty pageants contestants. I believe that the norms for a beauty pageant should not only come from her physical looks, but also from what she is as a person. We put too much focus on what she looks like rather than looking into her personally and seeing how she is as a person. I think she does need to be physically attractive but beyond that she needs to be more attractive with her personality.
ReplyDeleteFalinda A.47
ReplyDeleteHonestly, beauty pageant has become more and more fraudulent to me. Yes Beauty Pageant is of course about beauty but also inner beauty and talents should count as well. Women and girls (and men) use surgery, cosmetics enhancements and other stuff, to when the pageant that's not natural to them, its like cheating to get the crown. So unless they make a real pageant with inner and outer natural beauty, talents and accomplishments counts I have nothing more to say.
Taylor McWilliams
ReplyDeleteNow i have nothing against Transgender people but I do believe that in any pageant you should have to be born a female. Hair dye is not a big deal to me because I myself dye my hair, but i do believe that the contestants should not have caked on makeup and that plus sized women should be apart of the pageant circut as well.
Claire McHugh 46
ReplyDeleteAfter searching the internet for beauty pageants in Georgia, I was surprised to find so many contests and with such a variety of qualification possibilities! Everyone from babies to moms and even little boys can enter beauty pageants. It is astounding to know how much physical appearance matters to so many people (a little too much I believe). When I think of beauty pageants however, and especially the qualities that Miss America or Miss Universe should possess, I think of someone who is a good role model to anyone admiring them; not only should the woman be beautiful on the outside but on the inside as well. A way to get a glimpse into who the woman truly is might be to follow her to her home town where she tapes a video on her everyday life. Also, plastic surgery should not be allowed because it changes who the person really is and gives a false sense of self. I do not think there is a place for transgenders in beauty pageants among real female contestants. If transgendered people want to be in pageants, they should do so separately.
Danielle T. 47 in response to Juan Coppiano
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Juan. Society as a whole puts way too much emphasis on beauty and not what really matters. What matters is what the individual can do to make the world a better place. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so what is beautiful to one person is not for another. The personality of a person depicts how a person is, not their looks. My son was born with cranial nerve palsy and is unable to use the muscles in his face. This means he cannot smile,frown, blink, or move his eyes side to side. I know people will automatically judge him because of his appearance and this breaks my heart. He has so much to offer and so much more to teach society. Never judge a book by its cover. Anyone should be able to participate in a beauty pageant, no matter the sex,age, or physical beauty one possess.
Ifeyinwa O.47
ReplyDeleteAs the name goes, beauty pageant or home coming queen, the norms of selecting an queen should a female composition like natural beauty of the face, physical appearance of the body, self confident, speech, and the impact that she had made in her environment. The transgender or anyone that undergoes any form of cosmetic surgery just to look super beauty should not participate in a beauty pageant because its is a female affair that should come naturally and sincere.
Flo K.47 In response to Ifeyinwa O.47
DeleteI totally agree with you. Natural beauty should still be the norm but what do we do with day to day changes in our society. The pageant should stay for ladies and as i said, possibly come up with a transgender beauty pageant.
TinaP91 I believe that with the way society has changed to be more open, that everything else might as well change too. It makes no sense to me if tattoos are the norm now to not allow them in pageants. Life will forever be changing and it is more productive to change with it than to try to hold onto the past. Regardless of how much society changes, there will always be the "complainers". The people who want to be what they cannot. Now, in some cases this works out and opens doors for future people. Like, the college(s) who have a football team for woman. When it comes to transgender people, no matter what they do to fit in a part of them will always feel a little different. However, I believe the more we treat the "different" as normal, then the more equality we can have towards eachother. BUT, because we live in a world full of non perfect people we will always have : haters, complainers, racists, and just all around intolerant people. Honestly, it may not be morally correct, but this is what keeps our world functioning and progressing.
ReplyDeleteTinaP91 @ Rec Evans Firstly, I am glad you wrote as much as I did. We are very opinionated. On this topic, I definately agree with the fact that we should have more natural beauty. Also, the pageants should be for women. Nothing is stopping Transgendered people from creating their own pageant and making it on the tv. I have noticed alot fo people want others to conform to their ways of thinking. Instead of going out their and creating a new path for people like them. It is pure laziness in my opinion. And with that, tattooed women get publicity just like non tattooed. Their is no reason they cant also start their own.
ReplyDeleteTravis M: What do I think should be the norms for beauty pageant? Easy answer. Natural Beauty. Not this plastic sugary bull or anything else that has been altered to enhance one's beauty. Beauty is and will always be natural. As far as allowing transcended persons in, sure. Go for it! There is nothing wrong with allowing them to participate. But unfortunately there are a handful of people who don't think like that. Heck, if you want to ban the TG people, might as well ban African Americans and other people of color!
ReplyDeleteTransgenders*
DeleteCassaundra W. 46
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about beauty pageants I can't help but think of the pretty blonde social butterfly. I think that there are a lot of stereotypes that go with beauty pageants. Blonde hair, big boobs, pretty smile, all about the environment, model of a princess/innocence just to name a few. But I can't help and think how much the world we live in has changed from just the pretty country club daughters doing pageants, I mean look at honey boo boo for goodness sake. I believe that the pageant life should change and mold with the culture change. I only know a few if any women that are pageant age that don't have a tattoo of some kind in this day and age.
When it comes to transgenders I believe that 9 times out of 10 a woman that has gone threw some kind of transgender transformation have been threw intensive therapy and have been cleared to have those transformations. I also believe that part of being in a pageant is to gain self esteem and to have self confidence, if any one of those women that have made a successful transformation have the confidence and drive to make it far in these pageants I believe she has a right to tell their story and to be a great example in their communities that if you believe in yourself and stay true to yourself you can make your dreams come true. That being said I'm not sure if I fully understand/ believe in transgender transformations, but it is not something I had to go through and to judge someone for accomplishing their dreams and being true to themselves just because I don't understand it is not the way that I do things, and it makes me sad for this country if we have a society that judges people like that.
Staci M. 47 It’s been so discouraging in the past when I watched these pageants to see how "beauty" was scored on and how it all seemed to be such a fake process. I am really excited that the pageants have been shook up a bit with different kinds of beauty. I really think it would be great to see more beautiful woman with different looks then the same old Barbie doll perfection. I would actually watch the show if I knew women with tattoos and piercings etc. were going up against the “norm” pageants contestants’. Who are they to say what beauty is or is not? They need to get new scoring criteria because society’s views on what beautiful is constantly changes. They need to change with it.
ReplyDeleteCassaundra W. 46
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about beauty pageants I can't help but think of the pretty blonde social butterfly. I think that there are a lot of stereotypes that go with beauty pageants. Blonde hair, big boobs, pretty smile, all about the environment, model of a princess/innocence just to name a few. But I can't help and think how much the world we live in has changed from just the pretty country club daughters doing pageants, I mean look at honey boo boo for goodness sake. I believe that the pageant life should change and mold with the culture change. I only know a few if any women that are pageant age that don't have a tattoo of some kind in this day and age.
When it comes to transgenders I believe that 9 times out of 10 a woman that has gone threw some kind of transgender transformation have been threw intensive therapy and have been cleared to have those transformations. I also believe that part of being in a pageant is to gain self esteem and to have self confidence, if any one of those women that have made a successful transformation have the confidence and drive to make it far in these pageants I believe she has a right to tell their story and to be a great example in their communities that if you believe in yourself and stay true to yourself you can make your dreams come true. That being said I'm not sure if I fully understand/ believe in transgender transformations, but it is not something I had to go through and to judge someone for accomplishing their dreams and being true to themselves just because I don't understand it is not the way that I do things, and it makes me sad for this country if we have a society that judges people like that.
Cassaundra W. 46
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about beauty pageants I can't help but think of the pretty blonde social butterfly. I think that there are a lot of stereotypes that go with beauty pageants. Blonde hair, big boobs, pretty smile, all about the environment, model of a princess/innocence just to name a few. But I can't help and think how much the world we live in has changed from just the pretty country club daughters doing pageants, I mean look at honey boo boo for goodness sake. I believe that the pageant life should change and mold with the culture change. I only know a few if any women that are pageant age that don't have a tattoo of some kind in this day and age.
When it comes to transgenders I believe that 9 times out of 10 a woman that has gone threw some kind of transgender transformation have been threw intensive therapy and have been cleared to have those transformations. I also believe that part of being in a pageant is to gain self esteem and to have self confidence, if any one of those women that have made a successful transformation have the confidence and drive to make it far in these pageants I believe she has a right to tell their story and to be a great example in their communities that if you believe in yourself and stay true to yourself you can make your dreams come true. That being said I'm not sure if I fully understand/ believe in transgender transformations, but it is not something I had to go through and to judge someone for accomplishing their dreams and being true to themselves just because I don't understand it is not the way that I do things, and it makes me sad for this country if we have a society that judges people like that.
Staci M. 47 in response to Danielle T. 47 I so couldn’t agree more with you on this. Especially because of what you have experienced with your own personal life. There is so many people out there who feel they are not beautiful because of what we see on television and esp. in pageants like these. People no matter what gender or "markings" they have, that make them different in some way should totally be up there in the already “established” pageants to at least show our youth that beauty comes in many forms. To be beautiful example’s on believing in yourself and your individual beauty. It’s just such a shame people don't look passed what they think is acceptable beauty and just except everyone.
ReplyDeleteMarcus Quinn 55 I have never been to a pageant nor know the rules one must meet to qualify as a winner. To me I feel like violating norms such as tattoos is not as big of a deal and should be over looked. People shouldn't live their lives without getting a tattoo because they wont be allowed into a pageant. I understand if it is inappropriate or in a location that is blatantly obvious but she should not have been punished or looked at any differently because of her tattoo. Before I begin about the transgender I have nothing against any of these people but personally I think it is not fair and un ethical for a transsexual to compete in a female competition. I'm not saying they cant be in pageants! but they shouldn't compete against the opposite sex. They should have their own pageant. As far as some of the other things covered in this article I think the medias idea of what is beautiful is twisted sideways. They are too concerned with people following guidelines that you don't truly see who that person is. In response to the comment above I agree with body alterations not being allowed in pageants. What you are looking for is natural beauty. Not beautiful people cover with medias glorified idea of beauty.
ReplyDeleteI feel as thought transgender women have just as much right to compete as any other women. Rather the operation they had was a nose job, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or gender reassignment surgery it is still am medical procedure that you had to done to alter your appearance. I feel as thought if you are going to not allow one type of surgery then you should not allow any. If you are going to shun that then in my option all the women should be all natural without the help of a surgeon making it a even playing field.
ReplyDeleteMadlyn M.47 I feel completely different about letting a transgender "woman" in a pageant. In our traditional ones anyway. I'm not saying don't change your sex if you truly feel you have to but I dont think that it's right to try to involve yourself in the same activities as the other young women. I just think this is very different than just a breast augmentation, you are completely changing the sex of a person.
DeleteStephanie F. 47
ReplyDeleteI think that just because someone has made a physical change to their body they should not be treated with less respect or differently. Body modifications are only skin deep. On the inside we are all human and we all have different stories and backgrounds. Someone who is transgender may feel that they were just born in the wrong body. Someone who has had cosmetic surgery may have had struggles emotionally with what they decided to change. Any tattoos or piercings may be of significant or sentimental to the wearer, such as a memorial to a lost loved one or the birth date of their child.
Stephanie F. 47 In response to Anna S.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your response. Humans have the right to do what we please with our bodies. I think that this is a basic human right and shouldn't be taken from us for any reason. Nor do i think people should be discriminated or disrespected for the choices that they have made with their bodies.
Flo K.47
ReplyDeleteI believe that we cannot stop change from taking place in this life we live today. We have freedom to do whatever we want with our bodies. Having tattoos is okay but a transgender in a beauty pageant is awkward. I think there should be a separate transgender beauty pageant. However, posting hateful comments is wrong. These people have worked hard to be on national stage and they need to be respected regardless of their choices.
Ilisha W. 47 in response to Flo K. 47
DeleteAgreed. It is very awkward for how our next generation will understand our culturally accepted activities. Especially nationally observed events.
Ilisha W. 47
ReplyDeleteThis topic is very culturally sensitive in our country. I believe that these new exceptions are a bit forward for the level of comfort that our country has in this regard. I also think that this is setting a awkward example for the youth in this country. Is it really ok to implement these changes in our pageants and contests in reference to how children will eventually perceive this sort of activity?
I believe that the norms of a beauty pageant should just be natural and be them. I think that beauty pageants today are more based on what the "perfect girl" should look like and act rather then a real girl. Casual wear should be something they would wear on a daily basis, their walks and poses more natural and less robotic, and their hair and makeup not be too fake. Also, they should overall be a good person and something younger people can look up to.
ReplyDeleteAnsley L. 47
ReplyDeleteAnsley L. 47 In response to Jazzmin B. 41
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. I think anyone should be able to be in beauty pageants. No matter what or who they are.
I don't see the problem with Transgenders and tattoos in pageants, most of the women who participate in them have had so much surgery done to change their appearance that they are completely different. Most beauty pageants are for either women or men, not mix; considering that, what constitutes a women, her physical body, or her mentality to believe she is a women. Take Chelsea Manning for example, we all know physically that she is a man, yet most of the population now refers to Chelsea as a women. How can we call a known man a woman, but not let them participate in events strictly for women? Tattoos should be even less of a problem, tattoos today are so mainstream that everybody has a few friends with them. It's a form of art used to express yourself or to just stand out, but it's also an alteration to the body, it should be seen no different than plastic surgery. So, I think pageants should either ban all body modifications and only let completely natural women or men participate; or the much more acceptable option of letting anybody participate, no matter their modifications or physical gender. In my opinion, people are moving towards a more open-minded mind set, and with that the norms that are acceptable today are drastically different than they were 20+ years ago, I also think this trend will continue without losing momentum.
ReplyDeleteKayley F.
ReplyDeleteWhen talking about the norms of pageants it's apparent that transgenders and tattoos are not in the running. I am not putting my personal opinion on this topic at all, but just listing off the norms of pageants. When people talk about pageants things that will come up are swimsuits, gowns, cheesy smiles, talent, big hair, and most importantly clean cut. The WOMEN (key word women) in pageants are seen as "perfect" and girls around the world want to look like them. Having tattoos is seen as an unnecessary marking of the body and that makes whomever is wearing the tattoo "imperfect".
Charles D. 46 In response to Kayley F. We have young women watching these participates in beauty pageants which are intelligence and character. I think there are enough negativism in our country today. Tattooes are unnecessary marking of the body.
DeleteBrittany S. 46
ReplyDeleteWhat is deemed beautiful differs for every person, so I really do not see why someone who has had cosmetic surgery, someone who colors her hair or a woman who is transgender should be denied participation in a beauty pageant. I think it is a sign of our society becoming more accepting and open-minded, however, there will always be hateful people who want to bring others down and now they do that on social media. I do think that intelligence should be considered more in these pageants however. I have seen plenty of horrible answers during the interview portions that were cringe-worthy (e.g. 2007 Miss Teen USA “such as”). So maybe they should focus on that just a little bit more.
Brittany S. 46 in response to Rec Evans
ReplyDeleteI see many people praising natural beauty, however where is the line drawn as far as natural beauty is concerned. Make-up is not natural, it was designed to hide flaws, exaggerate features, and contour the face. What about push up bras, teeth whitening or Spanx, all of these things change the appearance of the natural human body. If we were to ban cosmetic surgery, why would it be okay to allow other forms of alteration?
Emily S. 81
ReplyDeleteBeauty pageants are meant to be a way for woman to put their best foot forward. In today's culture, make up, hair dying, and acrylic nails are all things women do on a daily basis. They are just not being judged for how well they look with those things. So I see nothing wrong with the way pageant girls look in today's contests, such as Miss America. There ARE natural beauty pageants where excessive make up is not allowed and the clothes are not all glitzed up. Now, I do think tattoos should be allowed in all forms of beauty pageants. The same for plastic surgery. Everyone has a right to do with their body whatever they desire. Tattoos are a huge part of our culture and it shouldn't be seen as bad looking for a woman to have them in a pageant, because lets face it, most everybody has one. Though I have nothing against those who choose to become transgender, I have to say I don't like the idea of them participating in beauty pageants. I just think contestants should be born female. I also have to point out that many classmates have said that pageant girls should be all natural. Well being a transgender is not "natural" to me.
Madlyn M.47
ReplyDeleteI dont think that tatoos are a problem in pageants for me anyway. I see it as a way to express yourself. However I dont think that transgender contestants should be allowed. That type of surgery is a far cry from a nose job or breast augmentation. I think changing your sex is going a bit to far to be able to compete in our traditional pageants. If transgenders want to compete then they should have their own pageant.
Taylor Lilley
ReplyDeleteI think that if women want to have tattoos and participate in beauty pageants then they should be allowed. Tattoos, piercing, and make up are all types of artificial beauty. On the other hand, i feel that if you are born a man and later turned into a woman, you should not be allowed to participate.
Jennifer O. 46
ReplyDeleteJust like with many other traditions, pageants should evolve with the times and norms of the current day. Tattoos are becoming less taboo and sanctioned, and can be quite beautiful. Typically, before a person gets a tattoo, they chose carefully and slowly, because they know that it is permanent. Therefore it is usually very meaningful to the person, and pageants should not be disrespectful to those women. Artificial hair color and plastic/cosmetic surgery has been probably been done for years, but if pageant starts discounting one particular surgery or hair color, they might as well ban them all because picking on particular ones is like discrimination. Those two already seem like norms in pageants. As far as intelligence goes, I feel as though the most prestigious pageants with adult women should have the women at least graduate high school. The women should represent their community/state/country respectfully and be a good role model to potential future candidates and to other citizens.
Transgender women should be allowed to participate. Once they have their surgery, they are physically a woman and probably have mentally felt like one before the surgery. It seems like a common theme in transgender people is that they feel like they were just born in the wrong body. Having them in a completely separate competition comes across as discrimination to me, and further alienates them from society.
Charles D, 46.
ReplyDeleteI have seen beauty pageants in my life. There have been some crazy ideas involved in those pageants, such as, outspoken participate on human issues that can effect the world. We have some young women who wants to be admired for their beauty. Tattoos and body piercing should not be allowed in beauty pageants in my opinion. I think if you are a male please don't try to pass for a female. It doesn't work in some societies, especially in beauty pageants where all women are participates.
Misty G, 46 If other genders want to be in pageants then they need to have there own. I know over the years things have changed but this can only confuse kids. I think if you start saying you can't have or do this in order to be in a pageants you need to be clear across the board you can't allow some things and not others.
ReplyDeleteMisty G, 46 in response to Taylor Lilley, If you start letting people with tattoos you may have people fake a tattoo to help them and it not be the real thing.
ReplyDeleteOlivia G.
ReplyDeleteFrom homecoming queen to Miss America, I feel either instance should keep up with the times as we progress day by day, year by year. Beauty pageants are about putting your best self forward whether that involves having extensions, hair dye, fake nails, or cosmetic surgery. These are already fairly normal within beauty pageants today and are used to complete the entire look/package to put your best self forward. Tattoos on the other hand have become very normal within today's society but not in beauty pageants. A woman should not be judged on the ink of her skin but for who she is and what she stands for. A woman with tattoos in a beauty pageant should become a norm because behind most tattoos lies a deeper meaning, a reason on why that tattoo ended up on her skin in the first place. Transgenders and Transsexuals should be allowed to enter a beauty pageant. They are trying to live their lives and be the person they have always been or have always wanted to be. How could that not be inspiring, overcoming the odds of it not being normal and living your life they way you have always imagined. Its about being a good person, knowing what you stand for and what you do not, your morals and integrity, intelligence, and most of all confidence and positive self image. Tattoos or no tattoos, transgender or transsexual does not matter and as we progress these should all become norms in the end.
Anthony R.47 in response to Olivia G.
DeleteI agree with Mrs Olivia. The key is that culture is ever changing and it moves in a fast pace if I may add. The physical attributes on an individual do not necessarily indicate the type of person that individual is. As one of the greatest historically quotes states, "You can not judge a book by its cover" and on that note, I rest my case.
Anthony R. 47
ReplyDeleteI would like to start by stating how stunned I was after viewing the pictures of the transgender contestants. It was then when something clicked to me, a beauty pageant is not about questioning gender more so its about the beauty of the individual. people are missing the point; the individuals depicted in those three pictures are beautiful. The United states being build on values of equality and individualism, it is safe to say that such circumstance should not come as a shock to the masses. Especially since the first amendment is the freedom to express oneself, I am pretty sure transgender individuals figuratively speaking are included in this clause. The masses need to learn to move with the quickly changing culture, if someone lags behind their mind will be closed for the remainder of their life. in this train of thought, a transgender individual in a beauty pageant should be a norm in our society.
Lindsey H. 47
ReplyDeleteI for once don't really know how I feel about this topic. I am not really into pageants, so I believe that is why. I think that the women should be all natural to represent the everyday women. They are representing our city/state/country depending on the pageant. Well if that is the case wouldn't you want a worthy representative? Someone who is smart, pretty, caring. As far as allowing transgender women into the pageant, I don't know. I would think tradition says no, but our progressing society says yes. I do for sure believe that no matter what your opinion, you should not publicly "bash" someone for the way they look. Most women in today's society are insecure to some degree thanks to "models" of what they should look like, so they don't need reassurance of there insecurities. Plus it's just plain rude. Before you comment about someone stop and think how you would feel if someone said the same thing about you.
Lindsey H. 47 in response to Leah Botello 47.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your post. I think you make some really great points.
Rebecca B.
ReplyDeletePersonally I have never been to a pageant but from movies I've seen or programs on television it seems that pageants have been the same and followed by the same guidelines for years. I understand the world and styles have changed but it's also the fact that just because they have changed why change something else that has worked for such a long time just to mend to todays styles and differences. Although the change could be good because it adds some difference to the group of contestants. Its something that probably still go on with or without it.
Rebecca B. In response to Anthony R.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you have written that beauty has changed and that is now what beauty is. I do agree with what you said about what the country was built on and the first amendment but most people like the girls in the picture wether tattooed or transgender are still frowned upon in todays world by people that are from earlier generations. So they may be free to do and dress like what they want, but everyone else might not vote for them or see them as being just as beautiful as another.
Jacob J. 55
ReplyDeleteThe key to answering this question is knowing the term "beauty". Beauty pageants today are simply attractiveness contests. They have little to do with beauty because beauty is a combination of qualities that make someone pleasing to another. The norms that would be required for a true beauty contest would be looks, intelligence, a sense of humor, ethics, and other qualities that people would find beautiful.
Barbara P. 46 in response to Jacob J. 55
DeleteI agree, I love the idea of the beauty pageants having a winner with overall "beautiful" qualities such as intelligence and ethics. There is so much more to a person than just their looks and it should be emphasized more.
Jacob J. 55 in response to Rebecca B.
ReplyDeleteWhile I somewhat agree with what you are saying, I have to say that you did not really answer the question that was asked. You did write about how pageants are but you did not touch on the social norms that should be used for them.
Barbara P. 46
ReplyDeleteI believe that the most important norm for pageants like Miss America should be that the contestants are and were born female. I have nothing against those that were born male and changed their gender though. Those pageants were simply made for women. Unless the pageant is made for either female or males that consider themselves female. I also believe that they should have more emphasis on things other than image itself. Having an IQ test or careers that show emphasis on the mind or that better the world in some way or even those going to college and what they're going for can have more possibilities for those competing.
Barbara C. 47
ReplyDeleteI believe that the most important qualifications for pageants like Miss America should be that they are made for women, not just size zero women either. I do agree with Barbara P. as well, the contest was made for women, so I do think it should just be for women. It simply takes away from natural born women who may have since birth dreamed of doing a pageant, and is sad to think it is taken away from someone who was never a women to begin with. Not that I have anything against trans gender individuals, this is just my thought as a women who did pageants myself.
Amber H. 78
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly that transgendered women, women who have had cosmetic surgery, casual wear, etc should be allowed in pageants. Contests such as Miss America have been around for ages with very little change throughout the years. As people in society grow and develop, why shouldn't our beauty competitions? After all, it's just another form of entertainment. Most other entertainment mediums have changed with societal developments.
Amber H. 78 in response to Barbara P. 46
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've studied and heard, transgendered people believe themselves to be a woman/man at heart. Who are we to say they aren't? As for the IQ test subject, I think it would be refreshing to see an intelligent person up on the stage for a change. However, how many scholars do you really see spending their time practicing for beauty pageants? Not many from my experience. I believe that requiring an intelligence test to be permitted to participate will begin to narrow down the better options. The selection will begin to become less talented, less interested in the competition, and frankly less attractive. A woman's abilities can only be spread so many ways.
Jessica S.
ReplyDeleteI personally think that any post-op transgender should be allowed to enter beauty pageants. I mean there's a 16 year old boy who has a successful career as a female model in Russia for goodness sake. He just happens to have the perfect body for female modeling. So why on earth can't we at least allow post-op transgenders to compete in these pageants.
Michaela M.
ReplyDeleteI think that transgendered people should be allowed to do as they please. I mean, they are not hurting you or anything so why do you have to get all up in their business and say hey, you can or cannot do this because you weren't born a male/female. Would you want someone to tell you what you could or couldn't do. Take a step back and put yourself in their shoes. I think the IQ test would be amazing. Although, whose to say these girls wouldn't pass the IQ test? I do know some people who act stupid for the attention who are pretty. So then again, it might not change at all.
Shayaz A. 41
ReplyDeleteI think that transgendered women should be allowed to participate in beauty pageants. In today’s society, gay and transgendered individuals are becoming more acceptable and deserve equal rights. Cross dressers on the other hand are still men and should not be allowed in women’s beauty pageants. I think tattoos and piercings take away from natural beauty, something that beauty pageants represent.
If I were the judge at a beauty contest...I would give the highest grades for poise. If you are comfortable in your own skin, you are sexy as hell.
ReplyDeleteMarie Andree Jean-Francois
ReplyDeleteIn the sense of the term, a norm is something that is usual, typical or standard. If this kind of trend continues then their really shouldn't be norm in the future on this topic. The result is not harming of benefiting any specific community in any way as it is only promoting equality between different groups. The question whether tattoos are a factor and shouldn't be the norm is irrelevant due to the fact that it doesn't take away from any beauty that that person contains. The only norm that should be upheld is more like a rule, that women are to participate in pageants. Cross-dressing men are still men and that violates the rules of said contest.
Angela M. 47
ReplyDeleteI think that there are so many demands on women who are in pageants that if we keep women who also don't have tattoos out then we will definitely shorten the contestants. Tattoos are so prevalent in todays culture that they are normal part of our culture. I personally would not have a problem with a transgender person entering a pageant. I feel like if that person has the outer beauty to become a contestant then so be it but how do you define the rules. What I mean by that if part of the rules of the pageants state that you must be female then they either need to change the rules or transgender contestants should not enter.
Chelsea B. 47
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of beauty pageant I think natural beauty. I do not think that cosmetic surgery, to make yourself into something you think society wants you to be, should be allowed. I think a test that shows what you know about your city, state, country or whatever it is you are competing in should be included. If a woman would like to represent then she should be aware of the on-goings around her. Also, a casual wear contest could be added to show what an everyday person actually wears. I believe this would help the natural beauty aspect.
Chelsea B. in response to Madlyn M. 47
ReplyDeleteI agree with the tattoos being allowed, however, I do think that they should be tasteful and not something that is going to take over the natural beauty of a woman/girl.
N. Crooks
ReplyDeletePeople should not be attacked for their personal decisions. Beauty is skin deep to each his own. Beauty comes in all different shapes and sizes. The important thing is that the contestants should be positive role models to the ones looking up to them. Tattoos are the new norm. The world is forever changing. We have to embrace it. We are not going to accept every changes and that is ok.
Naomi A. 41
ReplyDeleteWell, to me, I think that the norm for a beauty pageant should be based of off natural beauty. I think that tattoos and cross dressing and such do not display one's natural beauty, butr, neither does all the make up the contestants wear. However, I DO NOT think that these things are deviant, nor do I think that they should not be allowed in a beauty pageant.
I feel that Beauty Pageants are traditionally a female competition. There should be some rules governing that and what should and shouldn't be aloud regardless of social norms. With the norms within society change that could bring about other pageants where cross dressers/transgenders could participate in. Other categories so everyone gets there chance. As for as homecoming queen and the like these are traditionally female rolls. I don't know if I feel comfortable allowing a male take these spots away (cause if they let men run for these we would totally win).
ReplyDeleteHannah Turk
ReplyDeleteTattoos, piercings and transgenders are becoming more and more normal as time goes on. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So therefore, what might not seem normal now, may be completely acceptable in 5 years. To me, winning a beauty pageant is more then being beautiful on the outside. It's more about being well rounded and confident. If an individual with tattoos, excessive piercings or is even a transgender wants to participate in these pageants and demonstrate these qualities, they should be allowed too.
Christopher C. 41
ReplyDeleteI think that pageants are about natural beauty myself. I've never watched one but I don't think a "ladyboy" would work very well. The reason behind this is the backlash that both the person trying to get in and the way society would almost diminish the allure of a pageant. But then again. Honey boo boo was accepted by society to some degree for her role in pageants.
Christina Cromer
ReplyDeleteExcept for the transgender thing I believe the norms and expectations of a beauty pageant are fine. I think tall, thin and pretty is how our society is perceived so why would we have Miss America represented any other way. A beauty pageant is something that isn't easy, if it were anyone could do it. Its something that is worked for, its just like any other passion someone could have.
Ben Gallimore
ReplyDeleteTo each is own. Times are changing my friend and it stops for no one. So all we can do as citizens is accept it when it comes. I think its a good thing people are starting to be themselves. No reason to avoid, its happening before our eyes whether we like it or not.
Mina S. 46
ReplyDeleteI really don't have a problem with transgenders participating in pageants. If they changed their gender and are looked at as a female, then I feel like they should be treated like females. I didn't really think there was a norm for beauty pageants. I thought it was about how to be able to make yourself stand out in the best way. I guess it is different having transgenders in pageants and it could take awhile to get use to it. The only way something would be out of the norm for me is if it was inappropriate.
Donavon W. 47
ReplyDeleteTo define beauty, is to attest to absolutes (in regards to truth). So it is hard to say what beauty actually is in a society that fundamentally denies any regard for an absolute truth of any kind. It is indeed said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But what if another disagrees with said beholder? Who then is to say what is truly beautiful? Thus, before we can have a discussion about beauty itself, we must clarify the grounds on which we articulate the discussion. That being said, the norms for a beauty pageant will (logically) simply be consistent with the culture's view of beauty. In a physical sense, this will vary from culture to culture.
Donavon W. 47 in response to Shayaz A. 41
ReplyDeleteI think I can generally see the point that you're making, but I'm interested in how you would define "natural" here. The terms themselves seem to be taken for granted.
I have never been concerned with pageants or beauty contests, just because they are not my cup of tea. Though if I had to pick some characteristics for a "normal" pageant contestant I would probably say no cosmetic surgery and an intelligence test should be given. If someone's beauty is only skin deep, then I do not see the need to celebrate them and have them represent their respected states. I believe as we move forward out standards of beauty will continue to change and evolve, but intelligence will always be a rare and respectable quality in the beautiful women in these contests.
ReplyDeleteKrista P. 47
ReplyDeleteI believe in allowing anyone to enter into these beauty pageants. Beauty is something that has been measured in these contests for decades. In the past it was an issue to wear a swim suit in these competitions let alone a two piece. Times change, rules change, and norms change. I don't think allowing someone post plastic surgery, with tattoos, hair color, nor transgender should be disqualified. Everyone makes changes to their own liking whether it's make-up, hair, or even the clothes they are wearing. I believe these pageants give younger people false images as to what they should look like anyways, thus allowing differences in my opinion does no more harm.
Krista p. 47 in response to Bill Gallimore 41
ReplyDeleteVery well written. You are absolutely correct in my opinion, times are changing and it doesn't stop for anyone. Even if changes are not accepted by one they will be accepted by others. CHANGE IS INEVITABLE, EXCEPT FROM A VENDING MACHINE.
Norma C.41
ReplyDeleteI agree times have changed, tattoos and surgery shouldn't be a reason for someone not to be able to enter a pageant. People makes changes to their appearance to feel better about themselves or maybe because they didn't like something about themselves and changed it to be able to enter a pageant. But I think some norms on beauty pageants should be based on intelligence, and drugs because some man or females use drugs like steroids to win contests.
A.Goodie 84-I agree with Christina D….regarding there is no worth or respect to the validity of beauty pageants anymore…..I don’t think folks should be bashed…this is the norm not saying I agree with it BUT this is the world we live in….Hateful messages leave to people killing themselves and I just don’t think folks opinions are worth a life…So if you don’t like what you see keep it to yourself because in this situation with LGBT is becoming a norm.
ReplyDelete