On Sunday, January 25, the 63rd annual Miss Universe Pageant was held in Doral, USA. We have all heard about Miss Universe – it’s the most anticipated and coveted beauty title worldwide, with millions of viewers tuning in each year to see who will be awarded this prestigious crown. It was taken home this year by Miss Columbia, 22 year old Paulina.
The first thing that comes up as a topic of discussion when talking about the Miss Universe pageant are the nerve-racking final questions that are asked of the top 5. Miss USA, Miss Jamaica, Miss Netherlands, Miss Columbia, and Miss Ukraine all had to step up and answer tricky, controversial questions in hopes to be named Miss Universe 2014. It seemed that this year’s questions stumped the top 5. None of them directly answered their question, and all gave short and vague answers. It’s important for Miss Universe to have the ability to think on her feet, and to communicate her thoughts effectively. Though we can’t be too judgmental; it must be hard to answer questions about global terrorism, violence towards women, and equal rights among the sexes while being stared down by not only a panel of judges, but millions of viewers worldwide. But it was funny to hear a stereotypical “world peace” answer. Click here to watch the top five question and answer portion of the night.
Additionally, many viewers were saying that Miss Jamaica, 22 year old Kaci Fennell, was ‘robbed’ of the crown. Her Caribbean beauty and striking confidence won the heart of many viewers. However, there was shock (and even booing!) as they watched her win only 4th runner up. Not only was the crowd appalled, but so was social media. Fennell’s name and the hashtag #MissJamaicaShouldHaveWon was a trending hashtag on Twitter shortly after Paulina’s crowning. Miss Jamaica was indeed unique amongst the rest of the competitors, giving a daring answer of “Bob Marley” when asked what her country’s greatest contribution to the world was. Was her refreshing but unconventional candor the precise reason why she didn’t win? I guess we’ll never know. Either way, she shined on stage and truly portrayed Miss Universe’s motto – Confidently Beautiful. Click here to watch the top 5 getting crowned! (Can you hear the sound of the shocked crowd when Jamaica is called?)
The contestants really outdid themselves this year during the national costume segment of the show. Our very own Miss Canada, 27 year old Chanel Beckenlehner, had a costume that went viral. Embracing the true Canadian spirit, she definitely showed the world our national culture that is hockey. (Note: that scoreboard IS attached to her). If the world didn’t know how much hockey means to us Canadians, they sure do now… Beckenlehner was basically a walking Canadian stereotype. She might as well have entered onstage riding a moose.
Needless to say, beauty pageants are incredibly entertaining to watch. Though, they do generally hold a lot of controversy (see John Oliver’s opinion on the Miss America pageant).
Having competed in a beauty pageant myself, I’ve been on both sides of the spectrum. From the outside, beauty pageant do look quite superficial, with a majority of the show highlighting the women’s outer beauty. However, I know how much work and preparation it takes to compete. It is not easy, I’ll tell you that. You don’t win a crown by being the most beautiful (who can really judge that, anyway?). The crown is given to a well-rounded woman: someone with shining confidence in her skin, dedication to reach her personal goals, a passion for community service, and a desire to be an inspirational role model to others. Contestants of beauty pageants are intelligent, well-mannered and cultured. Beauty and brains. Now, child pageants on the other hand are a completely different story. I don’t think Honey Boo Boo would be able to answer a question about global terrorism. But then again, I could be wrong.
Regarding some people’s views about pageants being sexist or objectifying women, I believe that to be an outdated concept. Walking on stage in a bikini during a pageant isn’t meant to sexualize the contestants, but rather for them to show off a well-kept outer appearance and the important of physical fitness and healthy living. It is not about who is the thinnest, tallest or most proportioned, but rather who can walk on stage in front of a crowd and be proud of the skin they’re in. Confidence is key. It all goes back to being a role model for others. After Miss Universe, or something like the Victoria Secret Fashion Show, I see countless of tweets from motivated girls wanting to get into shape.
Paulina Vega seems to embody what Miss Universe stands for, and I’m excited to see what she will do during her reign. At the end of the day, the Miss Universe contestants worked extremely hard and gave it all they got. To me, they’re all winners.
Sources:
– http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-miss-universe-winner-20150125-story.html