Semester Final Project

Beauty Queens Have No Limits
by: Pritika Das 

Based on the concept of the “male gaze” and Berger’s analysis, I have analyzed modern day media, and its depiction of women. I focused my research on beauty pageants and contests that young children, specifically young women participate in. There are several controversial issues that beauty pageants have on the younger generations. Some of the well-known contests such as Miss World and Miss USA have induced the television and media industry to bring out programs such as Miss Teen USA, and Toddlers & Tiaras, to showcase similar pageantry “ideals.” These television shows, specifically Toddlers & Tiaras have faced criticism from viewers due to the content being aired. The contestants from the ages of 4-6 years old are being made to appear in much older attire. For example, they have no limits on make-up, hair extensions, and clothes. There is virtually no difference between their face, and one of a plastic doll. Here is a video that showcases an insight to the show Toddlers & Tiaras, through an on-screen interview of one of the participants. Through my research I have concluded that society, including the parents of young women pageantry contestants should not encourage and promote such depiction because it leads to negative effects in their emotional and psychological development. Women in pageants are consistently speculated and are forced to appear in the “perfect” form at all times.

For a more in depth analysis of the effects that pageantry has on the younger generations, as well as on the women who have already experienced the ups and downs of fame, please take the time to read my research paper.

The Judgment of Paris by Rubens 1577-1640

         

Works Cited:

Berger, John. “Ways of Seeing.” Article. Print.

"Child Beauty Pageants: Read the Warning Label." Mom Logic:What Moms Are Talking About. N.p., 1 Apr. 2009. Web. 20 Nov. 2012.

Cavendish, Marshall. Sex and Society. Vol. 1. N.p.: Marshall Cavendish, 2009. Print.

EPM Communications. "Young Girls Equate Sexy with Pretty." Marketing to Women (7 Nov. 2012): n. pag. Contemporary Women Issues. Gale Research Group, 7 Nov. 2012. Web. 26 Nov. 2012.

Gleick, Elizabeth. "Playing at Pageants." Time Magazine. N.p., 24 June 2011. Web. 16 Nov. 2012.

Healthy Women. "Eating Disorders." Women Health Updates (Sept. 2011): n. pag. Contemporary Women Issues. Gale Research Group, Sept. 2011. Web. 27 Nov. 2012.

Schlutz, Kristen, and Ann Murphy. "Beauty Pageants Draw Children and Criticism." ABC Good Morning America. N.p., 26 Feb. 2012. Web. 19 Nov. 2012.

"The Five Big Controversies to Hit Toddlers and Tiaras." N.p., 17 Sept. 2012. Web. 22 Nov. 2012.