The Effects Pageants Have on Children.
What are the consequences that are followed by children competing in pageants? Many believe pageants have a negative effect on the competitors. Some say the girls are missing out on there childhoods, and pageants are placing too much pressure on little girls to be perfect.
As a fourteen-year veteran I am appalled at the negative comments made about pageants by people who have no affiliation with any pageant system. Beauty pageants, just as any other competition requires hard work, self-discipline, determination, and practice. In all forms of competition there is a winner and a loser if not it would not be labeled a competition. Critics normally do not understand that there is more to a beauty pageant than just outer beauty. .
One article implied that "pageant girls" are missing out on activities that most their age participate in. The activities ranged from playing wi9th other children to eating candy on holidays. (Abc news) The author failed to do research before writing this statement. The majority of these girls lead very normal lives. Although the children have to practice for their competitions, they play and have fun. No different from children who play sports or instruments. The author failed to mention most of the girls love every aspect of pageants. Pageants girls are willing to sacrifice certain things to do well.
Other allegations being made are that these girls grow up to have self-esteem problems, along with their conception of the real world being obscured. Some allegations are that the girls will grow up to believe their appearances must be flawless in order to succeed in life. In the words of Ravayana a sixteen- year old that has been competing since she could walk, " Now don't get me wrong here. I have my bad days, times when I look in the mirror and am like Ew! I get bloated and break out, and have days when I refuse to be seen without a hat on, or heaven forbid a swimsuit.