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The Miss America pageant is far from flawless—she’s a reflection of humanity, evolving just like we all do. On September 8th, the Miss America Organization marked its centennial anniversary, celebrating a century of influence on American culture.
Through the years, Miss America has both challenged and changed beauty standards. What began as a swimsuit competition in Atlantic City has transformed into a program that awards over $5 million in scholarships to women across the nation each year. Despite criticisms, including those from John Oliver, Miss America remains one of the leading scholarship providers for women and girls in the U.S.
The participants in the Miss America competitions are accomplished individuals: doctors, lawyers, educators, healthcare professionals, veterans, and public servants. More importantly, those who engage in local and state competitions often excel in their respective fields.
However, the legacy of Miss America is a mixed bag of highs and lows.
Highs and Lows of Miss America
High: The pageant originated as a showcase of modern bathing beauties in an era when women were restricted from showing their knees. When Margaret Gorman was crowned as the first “Miss America,” her attire symbolized the emergence of a new, modern American woman.
Low: From 1941 to 1967, the pageant was under the strict control of Lenora Slaughter, whose rules included a discriminatory clause stating that contestants must be of “good health and of the white race,” perpetuating racist practices for decades.
High: The introduction of scholarships in 1945 allowed Miss America to become a leading provider of educational funding for women.
Low: It wasn’t until 1970 that a Black woman, Cheryl Brown from Iowa, won a state title and made it to the national competition. Vanessa Williams would later become the first Black Miss America in 1984, only to relinquish her crown due to the publication of private photos.
High: In 1989, Miss America adopted a national platform for contestants to advocate for community issues, shifting the perception of the titleholder from a mere public figure to an advocate for change.
Low: Recently, the organization faced backlash during the #MeToo movement for the treatment of its titleholders.
Miss America’s history is a tapestry woven with both significant achievements and painful missteps. Despite the challenges, I am grateful for my experience within this system. As a child, I never envisioned myself as a beauty queen. My earliest memory related to the pageant was watching Ericka Dunlap, the first Black Miss Florida, interview with Oprah after her victory in 2004. I saw a reflection of myself in her, yet I still struggled to see myself as beautiful enough to compete.
It took years for me to change that perspective, but when I finally did, I realized that Miss America is more about competing with your best self than simply a beauty contest. The experience provided me with invaluable tools to amplify my voice and advocate for causes like female empowerment, financial literacy, and self-esteem.
But I must also acknowledge the negative experiences I faced. I was told my features didn’t conform to traditional beauty standards. Many might wonder why I chose to participate despite that feedback. The reality is that racial barriers exist in all aspects of American life, and competing in Miss America opened my eyes to these truths.
Today, I find myself navigating a complex landscape of beliefs around social justice. My support for the Miss America system may seem conflicted to some, but to me, it embodies the essence of America—an ongoing journey of growth and learning, often marked by setbacks that pave the way for progress.
I am optimistic about the changes within the Miss America organization in recent years, including the crowning of three women of color and a renewed commitment to inclusivity and body positivity. While challenges remain, it is essential to celebrate these advancements. As Vanessa Williams once said, “For better or worse, Miss America will always be a part of me.”
Cheers to 100 years, Miss America. Here’s to the next century of evolution and progress.
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In summary, the Miss America pageant’s legacy is a complex interplay of progress and setbacks, much like American society itself. It offers valuable lessons in resilience, advocacy, and the ongoing quest for inclusivity and representation.