thoughts on the news of the day: beauty queens

hmmm…..       

            Miss America 2011 was crowned last night.  A 17 year old young lady named Teresa Scanlan from Nebraska won the contest in a rapid and focused airing on television yesterday.

            Now it’s just another 2 hour reality contest, but I remember when it was an evening long EVENT.   Always held in mid-September, it came about the same time as the new television shows and new cars. All of us little girls held our breath that night, waiting for the announcement of who would win the crown.  We had slumber parties and dressed up, inventing our own contests to see who would get to walk down the runway to the tune of “There she is, Miss America” always sung by Bert Parks.

            It never occurred to us that it might be accused of being superficial and exploitative of women.  No, we just thought that it was cool that someone young and pretty would be recognized for their talent and their beauty.  After all, boys had their football, why couldn’t we have a contest, too.  Today is different; women have so many other avenues of recognition that putting on a swimsuit and being judged seems almost archaic.

            Thank goodness for all those who forged a path for those of us who came later.  Whether it be doctor or lawyer, minister or even beauty queen, we can be grateful to all the women before us for the beauty, the grace and the brains that they possess and were confident enough to use.  Thank you Miss Americas and thank you Bert Parks!

            hmmm…..