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The word " Beauty " in relationship with any pageant turns me away. From baby pageants to the Miss America pageant, no part of any pageants should be based on beauty. That's sending the wrong message, real beauty comes from within, not the outer appearance.

Do we want our young daughters growing up thinking that outer beauty is everything and that they need to look like Barbie in order to fit into todays society. I think not.

And what about our sons, we love to show them off too as much as our daughters, but do you want them called pretty or beautiful? I prefer the title " Handsome little Devil ". We want em to be boys, lets not send any sissy messages here..

I realize that most people that are traveling from state to state with their child entering every pageant they come across will argue that they're not Beauty Pageants. That they teach children poise, confidence, they can win scholarships, or the pageants based on personality. Well, I have to say they have me fooled on that one, don't "down syndrome" children have personalities, can't they learn poise, confidence and win scholarships. If these pageants aren't based on outer beauty, then its too bad handicapped children are missing out. And that their parents aren't encouraged to participate in these childhood pageants.

Having said that, I don't have any problems with programs for children that are based on personality, or talent...So many small children today are very outgoing little people. If you want a pageant, Great, lets fix up a stage, give kids a mic, put on some hippy hippy shake music and that little one, will show you some unrehearsed, natural comical talent that will have you roaring with laughter. No fancy outfits thats uncomfortable, no caked on make-up that hurts their tender faces when we're trying to wash it off after a pageant, just a child being a child having fun, wearing play clothes..The more they hear their parents laugh the more they want to entertain...Let them win " Best in Show " trophies. Throw in scholarships and cash prizes.

Learn more about this author, Carolyn Lanier.
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