Eriza Mukatora

 Controversy often surrounds both adult and children pageants. Many people feel that pageants unfairly exploit women. Some people think that there are some benefits I chose this topic because of a personal interest in it. As a woman, I want to have society value my contributions, not just my personal appearance.  Pageants send the message that a woman’s primary value lies in her outward appearance. It is the same in children’s pageants that mostly involve little girls. Some psychologists believe these pageants can damage a child’s self image and self worth.  Am going to primarily focused on child beauty pageants since this is where most of the current controversy seems to be focused.  I feel that a lot of problems can develop when small children are taught to dress up and mimic adults. I also think that the adult pageants are offensive because they focus mostly on beauty rather than inner qualities.

 Beauty pageants became part of the American society in the 1920's.  Child beauty pageants began in the 1960's.  The children are judged based on individuality in looks, capability, poise, perfection and confidence

 A beauty pageant helps one to overcome stage fright and build self confidence; it also gives one a platform to speak her mind and the prize money of the beauty pageants generally come as scholarships which can be used for further studies.

 The parent’s of the pageant child force their children to practice for hours  Lots of parents only enter their daughter in this contests to win prizes and money  Mothers directly contribute to the sexualisation by entering their daughters to engage in behaviors associated with sexiness

 Forced to grow up way too fast by their lives dominated by competitions  Put under extreme pressure, endure criticism, failure and exhaustion  Growing up is complicated enough fear for their safety and wellbeing

 0UAk

 Although, changes to child beauty pageants are far from totally reality, there can be sublet changes if parents and the beauty pageants agencies take full responsibility for providing a safe and courteous environment for their children.  children should be allowed to be children, rather than being premature adult.  I feel that beauty pageants should have age limit