Child Beauty Pageant or Child Exploitation

Child Beauty Pageant or Child Exploitation
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Child Beauty Pageant or Child Exploitation
In the 1920s, beauty pageants gained prominence and became part of the American society (Nussbaum, 2000). However, it is after half a century after the spread of beauty pageants in the country that the children pageants began to take root due to the increased popularity of adult beauty pageants. The children were judged on the basis of individual looks, the ability to pose, perfection and confidence that is "the perfect package" according to the judges (McBenet n.d).
However, while this was acceptable in the past, today the involvement of children in beauty pageants raises mixed reactions. For example, the supporters argue that it is by engaging these young children in pageants they are helping the child learn to walk on the runway and hence gain much knowledge about modeling. The child can therefore, learn and later benefit from modeling. Gurbenatis (2010) provides an example of Barbizon (Gubernatis, 2010). Moreover, they argue that since there are tough contestants, the child has to walk on the runway and showcase her "complete package" that is her looks, personality and confidence while wearing different attires. During these pageants, the girls’ looks are the central focus and, therefore, the girl is well-groomed with makeup and other accessories. Therefore, the girl gains vital lessons on discipline, patience, and confidence at a very young age (Michelle, 2012).
In addition, these individuals argue that winning these pageants comes with many rewards. Apart from the trophy and bragging rights acquired by the child and parent, the children often get a cash prize reward and in some instances scholarships. Therefore, this platform might help the child attain his/her goals (McBenet, n.d). While backstage, they engage in play with each other. This is crucial in improving the social skills as they learn interacting with other and in some cases form lifelong friendships. The proponents further argue that participating in a pageant results into the development of a positive self-image and self-esteem (Willett, 2010).
Finally, within the modern society, the children are increasingly closed off when compared to the past due to the modern technology. Developing an outgoing spirit is essential as a personality trait in attaining crowning positions in these pageants. Therefore, the children are constantly trained on how to smile, and this helps the children breakaway from technological dependence to communicate (Inbar, 2013).
The above arguments provide a positive picture of the pageants, however, the real picture and effect that these pageants have on the children is devastating. It is a clear illustration of the child abuse and exploitation that is prevalent and being supported and conducted by even the children’s parents.
The true objective of the beauty pageants is not to build the child’s confidence or for social i...