Opinions Pageant competition can be used as “tool” By LaVerna Fountain The Miss America Pageant and the Miss U.S.A. Pageant have been called everything from a sex ist show to sanctioned prejudice. But what are those pageants real ly all about and is it fair to join the two together when making generalities? The Miss America Pageant can be used as a tool by women to further their education. The em phasis is placed on talent and the prizes awarded have reached over two million dollars in scholarships on the local, state, and national levels each year. Over 70,000 women enter the competition each year in four phases of competition; talent, in terview, eve- ning gown, and swimsuit. A well rounded scope of each competitor is presented. Miss U.S.A., however, is a pageant that emphasizes physical beauty as opposed to talent. The prizes are more luxurious and consist of things such as jewelry, wardrobe collections, cash and automobiles. Education through scholarships is nonexistent. MUSIC BOX 3917 Jonestown Road Harrisburg, Pa. 17109 WE’RE EASY TO GET TO BUT HARD TO FIND MUSIC BOX TO STATE STREET Exit 30W to 3917 Jonestown Road Harrisburg, PA 17109 fc*. 'to ■! : ir I^lmM rrfrtl ,*Ma Phone: 717-652-3550 * Jasaai! ac^o TURN LETT A? flintlock as” I ,*,*, 1 ,: ,| A-1 1f ] A*7*JiliT7irV r gVififrfyr -Mclntosh -Denon "full maintenance/service laboratory •Harman Kardon -Grado Laboaratories -Mirage Acoustics fUtuUty SlfWiCt My sister, a former Miss Penn sylvania/U.S.A. contestant, Yvonne Thompson said, “As a Black woman competing in the pageant, I was very much aware of the fact that beauty was in the eye of the judges. Black women have a unique beauty with a distinct difference than white women who compete, yet it is very difficult for people to recognize and accept this beauty. Thus, it is difficult for Black women to win in a competition when it is based on physical There is little argument that the Miss U.S.A. pageant is based on physical beauty and cannot, therefore, be objective. qualities.” There is little argument that the Miss U.S.A. pageant is based on physical beauty and cannot., therefore, be objective. The COLONIAL f** - 1 PARK ENTER ON EAST SIDE OF THE BUILDING FOLLOW THE ORANGE ARROWS □ UNION DEPOSIT SHOPPING CENTER TOHERSHE TO HIGHSPIRE / SERVICES A -free stylus inspection •room equalization •component analysis world, too, is based on a physical through personal interviews get a deeper understanding of the per son who will represent America. Contrary to the bias competi tion, the Miss America Pageant can and does examine talents and beauty as shown in job inter views, and other areas of the work force that must meet and deal with the public. A person is more likely to be hired if he or she looks good. In this form of competition, Black women have a better chance to present a positive image and be crowned Miss America. Unfortunately, the stereotypes of the White Miss America and White Miss U.S.A. may actually have discouraged many Black women from entering the Miss America Pageant. Are the pageants sexist? That, too, is in the eyes of the beholder. For the thousands of women who enter the contests each year, it is a stepping stone to a better future. For others, it is an exploitation of the female physique and once again points to the women as a sex symbol. Whether to participate in the Miss America Pageant in hopes &-HAUL Move-it-yourself and save U-HAUL has everything for Moving and Storage DON’T MOVE WHAT YOU DON’T NEED. Moving things you don’t need increases the cost of moving things you do. One good way to get rid of excess is to run an ad in the local papers. RESERVE U-HAUL EQUIPMENT. To assure availability of the trailer or truck you’ll need, call or stop by a week or so in advance of your move. Page 8 of furthering your education, to participate in the Miss U.S.A. Pageant to promote your physical beauty or not to compete at all, must be decided in your own mind guided by your own conscience. PCaq&ti Present Noel Coward** wacky Comedy MAY 17-JUNES DINING AVAILABLE IN OUR CARRIAGE ROOM OR FAIRFIELD HALL BUFFET Rt. 174, Box 7, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 Call (717)258-6120 for Reservations -U-Haul saves you money --U-Haul fits your schedule -U-Haul is convenient -U-Haul is the mover’s choice TRUCKS, TRAILERS, HITCHES & TOW BARS, CAR-TOP CARRIERS, PROFESSIONAL AIDS FOR YOUR MOVE.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers