Are Beauty Pageants Derogatory to Women?

By Olivia Merrie Roldant

Beauty pageants have long been a topic of debate. Some see them as platforms for empowering women, while others argue they are outdated and objectifying. So, are beauty pageants derogatory to women? It depends on how we look at them.

On one hand, critics argue that beauty pageants reduce women to their appearance, promoting narrow beauty standards and reinforcing stereotypes. They often judge contestants based on physical looks, which can send harmful messages, especially to young girls. In this sense, pageants can be seen as reinforcing a culture where a woman’s value is linked to how she looks.

On the other hand, many modern pageants have evolved. They now emphasize intelligence, talent, social awareness, and leadership. Some contestants use the platform to raise their voices for causes, build careers, and inspire others. In this way, pageants can be empowering if they focus on the whole person, not just physical beauty.

Ultimately, the real question is: are women being given the choice and the agency to participate freely and on their own terms? If so, then it's not the pageant itself, but the values behind it that matter most.

By Olivia Merrie Roldant