Miss Congeniality Rhetoric

Pageants are often viewed as contests strictly based on outer beauty, with the underlying goal of objectifying women. Through the analysis of the film Miss Congeniality, and the Miss America system of pageantry, I would like to express the the influential and positive way in which rhetoric is used in pageantry. The rhetoric of pageantry is very distinct due to the way contestants and titleholders (winners) must communicate during and after a pageant. A few of the main goals of pageantry include impacting the lives around you and being a role model to all. The crown is more than a shiny hat, but rather a microphone used to make a difference. In the 2000 film, Miss Congeniality, an FBI agent, played by Sandra Bullock, must go undercover as a contestant for the Miss United States pageant in order to prevent a bomb threat. At the beginning of

Titleholders use their titles in order to promote their own platforms and be a role model. The duties that come with the crown include school tours, local news interviews, volunteer work at multiple organizations, and other appearances within the community. While touring schools the titleholders emphasize issues such as anti-bullying, anti drug/alcohol use, safe driving, positive self image, and volunteerism. It is rather easy to establish that all of these topics spoken by these women are capable of positively influencing the soul. By being honored to wear the crown also comes with the honor to be a positive influence on others lives.
The rhetoric of pageantry is one like no other in that way that contestants and titleholders are held to a high standard of communication and versatility to all situations. Throughout competing in pageantry I have gained oratory skills and pageant based rhetoric to enhance my own character, and provide greater meaning to the lives around