Objectifying Young Girls is Never Okay

Background
Beauty pageants became a part of American society during the 1920s. They started out as a way to bring tourist to Atlantic City. Adult beauty pageants were first to be televised in the 1950s. Child beauty pageants came on the scene around the 1960s. The pageants were designed to help boost children’s self-esteem and confidence. Child beauty pageants consist of modeling sportswear, evening gowns, dance, and talent. Depending on the type of pageant, the girls may be seen wearing fancy hairstyles and a lot of makeup. These children are judged on the idea of becoming the “complete package.” This includes looks, capability, poise, perfection, and confidence. In 1996, JonBenet Ramsey, six year old a beauty pageant queen, was killed in her family home. To this day, the case has never been solved, this lead to much criticism towards the pageants. Critics began to question the parent’s involvement and the well-being of the children. Dan Rather was scrutinized for showing tapes of JonBenet Ramsey, calling them “kiddie porn.” Nowadays, shows like TLC’s “Toddlers and Tiaras” and “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” show girls in tiny clothes and dancing provocatively. Which sets a bad example for other young girls watching. Pageants have become more televised than they were in the 1960s. These children need someone to stand up for them. They cannot speak for themselves.
(Question) Do you think that child beauty pageants should be banned in the United States? Currently, child beauty pageants are allowed and accepted in this country. France has already put a stop to the pageants, preventing children under the age of sixteen to participate. The United States should follow Frances’s example. Parents tend to use their children as a personal ban...

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