This topic has been plaguing my mind for a while now, so I thought I'd take a plunge at writing this article.
I've noticed that there seems to be a negative stigma attached to young girls involved in pageantry. It has become apparent that some individuals hold the false idea that if a girl is interested in her physical appearance, she has no intelligence. I hope this article is able to clarify and correct these misconstrued beliefs.
When I chose to get involved in pageantry, I received immediate backlash from a few people, both directly and indirectly, simply because of their prior perceptions of what pageant girls are like. The media has historically been known to produce unrealistic representations of females, and shows such as "Toddlers and Tiaras" do nothing for the situation by creating embellished versions of what pageant life is like. Rest assured, I do not bite my make-up artist, or rage at my hair stylist. I am not unconventionally rude to others, and I would like to think that my decision to compete hasn't completely eradicated all of my brain cells.
My decision to join the pageantry community was one that was made after much deliberation and thought. It was not a rash, overnight decision. In fact, I did my research before deciding to compete. There are so many different pageant "systems" out there. Three national/international systems are generally aired on television; Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Universe. The system I've involved myself in is the Miss International system. Instead of rewarding eating disorders and faux personalities, the Miss, Teen and Mrs. International pageants seek young girls and women that epitomize the words "beauty and brains."
Beauty is an abstract concept, and can mean different things to different people, but to ladies in the International system, it means being presentable on the outside, and even prettier on the inside. We do not partake in swimsuit competition, but rather a "fitness" section. The majority of our judging score is derived from our interview skills, as we have an offstage and onstage interview portion. Girls are encouraged to choose a "platform" or community service advocacy that speaks to volumes them.
People that have known me since I was young can attest to the fact that I've grown up with my nose in a book. Over the years, I've worked with various organizations to encourage literacy causes, and it was for these reasons that I chose my platform- Empowerment Through Education: Eradicating Illiteracy One Book at a Time.
Being a "public figure" has obviously opened doors that would have otherwise been locked, but it's done so much more than that for me.
There's something about the pageantry community that is familial. I've had the pleasure of meeting and becoming close to some of the kindest, smartest and most beautiful women I've ever met. Rachael, Vivian, Jahnavi, Rachel, Whitney and Anna, you've all been so kind and helpful to me, and I'm so blessed to have amazing ladies like y'all in my life.
Not only do you gain new friends and "big sisters," you're also pushed to be the best person that you can be-- physically and mentally. The entire process of preparing oneself for a pageant is one of personal growth if nothing else.
I hope that this article has been able to resolve conflicting thoughts regarding pageantry. I also hope that after reading this, everyone approaches others with a degree of respect and void of preliminary judgement.
Here's a challenge to you all-- make it your goal to smile at each person you pass tomorrow. If you're feeling extra motivated, you can even stop and compliment three people. Random acts of kindness can make this world a better place.
xoxo,
Your diva, Diya
I've noticed that there seems to be a negative stigma attached to young girls involved in pageantry. It has become apparent that some individuals hold the false idea that if a girl is interested in her physical appearance, she has no intelligence. I hope this article is able to clarify and correct these misconstrued beliefs.
When I chose to get involved in pageantry, I received immediate backlash from a few people, both directly and indirectly, simply because of their prior perceptions of what pageant girls are like. The media has historically been known to produce unrealistic representations of females, and shows such as "Toddlers and Tiaras" do nothing for the situation by creating embellished versions of what pageant life is like. Rest assured, I do not bite my make-up artist, or rage at my hair stylist. I am not unconventionally rude to others, and I would like to think that my decision to compete hasn't completely eradicated all of my brain cells.
My decision to join the pageantry community was one that was made after much deliberation and thought. It was not a rash, overnight decision. In fact, I did my research before deciding to compete. There are so many different pageant "systems" out there. Three national/international systems are generally aired on television; Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Universe. The system I've involved myself in is the Miss International system. Instead of rewarding eating disorders and faux personalities, the Miss, Teen and Mrs. International pageants seek young girls and women that epitomize the words "beauty and brains."
Beauty is an abstract concept, and can mean different things to different people, but to ladies in the International system, it means being presentable on the outside, and even prettier on the inside. We do not partake in swimsuit competition, but rather a "fitness" section. The majority of our judging score is derived from our interview skills, as we have an offstage and onstage interview portion. Girls are encouraged to choose a "platform" or community service advocacy that speaks to volumes them.
People that have known me since I was young can attest to the fact that I've grown up with my nose in a book. Over the years, I've worked with various organizations to encourage literacy causes, and it was for these reasons that I chose my platform- Empowerment Through Education: Eradicating Illiteracy One Book at a Time.
Being a "public figure" has obviously opened doors that would have otherwise been locked, but it's done so much more than that for me.
There's something about the pageantry community that is familial. I've had the pleasure of meeting and becoming close to some of the kindest, smartest and most beautiful women I've ever met. Rachael, Vivian, Jahnavi, Rachel, Whitney and Anna, you've all been so kind and helpful to me, and I'm so blessed to have amazing ladies like y'all in my life.
Not only do you gain new friends and "big sisters," you're also pushed to be the best person that you can be-- physically and mentally. The entire process of preparing oneself for a pageant is one of personal growth if nothing else.
I hope that this article has been able to resolve conflicting thoughts regarding pageantry. I also hope that after reading this, everyone approaches others with a degree of respect and void of preliminary judgement.
Here's a challenge to you all-- make it your goal to smile at each person you pass tomorrow. If you're feeling extra motivated, you can even stop and compliment three people. Random acts of kindness can make this world a better place.
xoxo,
Your diva, Diya