Interesting piece today about a new beauty pageant coming to the UK. Called Miss Mini Princess UK. The site can be found here, as to be expected pink and super sparkly all the way.
What is perhaps more frustrating is the nature of this competition. Rounds that focus on clothing and appearance with just 90 seconds, yes 90 seconds, given to talent. A ratio of 3:1 in terms of appearance to skill. Press reports, as linked on the @NrthntsFeminist twitter page show that parents talk of it boosting confidence. But as a feminist I find it odd that you would believe that by having to parade and perform and be judged on your appearance, and your appearance conforming to a socially accepted norm of 'beauty', would boost a child's confidence. If you don't win your age group would you be forever wondering how you could look better or whether you should have worn a different outfit? Where then do you go next for the next pageant? Does it begin a cycle of possible body loathing or negative self-image? Do you feel the need to spend more on clothes, make-up, treatments etc?
If you don't win a tennis match or an art competition you know that you can brush up (no pun intended!) on your skills or work on your talent. There is something to practice and perfect. But if we are entering a competition based solely on our looks then what at the end are we left to work on? As a 'loser' are we left feeling we need to change something? As a 'winner' are we left with the knowledge that this is perfect and we must work to maintain this? Either way it doesn't sound like a fun mindset to be getting in to.
Will post in further depth about this topic later with greater research, just some musings while I remember them!
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