Opinions about who's the prettiest aside, I found Yahoo's slideshow coverage of the 2010 Miss World Competition fascinating. Click through the pictures here while paying close attention to the captions.
Just a few observations / things to think about:
- In picture 2, you can see girls of many different appearances. However, the "tall and slender" body type idealized in America and much of the West seems universal in all contestants pictured here. What does that say about the cultural/media influence of the West and the potential dominance of the beauty ideals it exports? Again, I didn't see all contestants, but somehow I doubt many of the confident "Coca-Cola" or "Fanta" shape girls from the article we read in class are in this contest.
- In picture 17, last year's Miss World Kaiane Aldorino hugs the new Miss World. But curiously, her nationality is not identified.
- In picture 24, we see several contestants lined up and clapping, but only Miss Finland is identified. Why did the other models in this picture, especially given that Miss Finland is way in the back? Could they be from nations the mainstream media consider "less important"? Picture 25 does this too.
- Many of the photos feature the contestants experiencing Chinese culture or bonding with each other. In this sense, could the Miss World competition be viewed as a positive fosterer of intercultural exchange? Do you think the girls' experiences are too isolated to make a difference (ie, only in nice hotels with tour guides) or do you think that the international nature of the competition (ie, they get the opportunity to bond with young women from countless nationalities) will inspire them to be ambassadors of tolerance and intercultural connectedness in their communities? And on a semi-unrelated note, do you find these competitions sexist and outdated or empowering like the women in the Coca-Cola article said?
Interesting thoughts!
In response to the tall and slender body type, I think this is the way Western beauty pageants will always be. This body type is considered beautiful throughout the media, movies, magazines, etc- Why wouldn't pageants be the same? I do not agree that these events are empowering for women because they are judged based on their looks- the most beautiful woman might not win but we certainly won't see short heavier set women in the runnings. The only way these would empower women is by representing the many faces of beauty and offering women choices amount their appearances. I don't mean blonde or brunette, but an alternative to a shape that isn't cookie cutter, a bright white smile, expensive dresses, and long hair. I understand that these may be characteristics of the beauty pageant culture but officials should then re-evaluate what their purpose is. Do they want women to compete to see who can conform the best or are these events meant to empower? I don't think showing super skinny women in beauty pageants gives young girls the right impression. The Coca-cola article gave a different perspective because the women in pageants in Belize had much healthier shapes and helped girls feel good about themselves so they would not turn to eating disorders.
ReplyDeleteTo shift gears to intercultural exchange.I think the women build friendships with each other as result of their shared experiences but I find it hard to believe they come into contact with many locals on their tourist excursions. I don't want to generalize but I don't think many contestants have the desire to advocate intercultural connectedness because they have been bred their entire lives to win pageants for their city or country and that is their entire focus.
Well, said! i personally agree with you, Brit.
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