PRETTY HURTS!! PRETTY WOUNDS

Beauty pageants have often been criticized for their impact on young women’s self-esteem, body image, and overall mental health. The pressure to conform to narrow standards of beauty can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and even eating disorders. Below are some case studies that illustrate how beauty pageants can adversely affect the lives of young women.

1. The Case of Rebecca Black

Rebecca Black gained notoriety as a teenager with her viral song “Friday.” However, her experience in the public eye was marred by bullying and intense scrutiny over her appearance. Although not directly related to beauty pageants, her story reflects the broader culture surrounding youth and beauty standards that pageants often perpetuate. The relentless criticism she faced led to severe emotional distress and impacted her mental health significantly.

2. The Experience of a Miss Teen USA Contestant

A contestant from Miss Teen USA shared her struggles with body image after participating in the competition. Despite being celebrated for her looks during the event, she later revealed that the experience left her feeling inadequate and pressured to maintain an unrealistic physique. This pressure resulted in disordered eating habits and a long-term battle with self-acceptance. Her story highlights how pageantry can create an environment where young women feel they must constantly strive for perfection.

3. The Impact on Racialized Contestants

Young women of color often face additional challenges in beauty pageants due to colorism and cultural biases within these competitions. A study focusing on contestants from diverse backgrounds found that many felt they had to alter their appearance—such as lightening their skin or changing their hair—to fit into conventional beauty standards promoted by pageants. This led to feelings of alienation and identity crises among participants who struggled between embracing their natural selves and conforming to imposed ideals.

4. The Story of a Former Pageant Queen

A former beauty queen recounted her journey through various competitions, revealing how the experience took a toll on her mental health. Initially excited about the glamour associated with pageantry, she soon found herself battling anxiety and depression due to constant comparisons with other contestants and societal expectations regarding femininity and attractiveness. After stepping away from the scene, she focused on rebuilding her self-esteem but acknowledged that the scars from those experiences lingered.

5. The Psychological Toll on Young Girls

Research has shown that participation in beauty pageants can lead to increased levels of stress among young girls, particularly concerning their physical appearance. A longitudinal study indicated that girls involved in such competitions reported higher instances of body dissatisfaction compared to those who did not participate in pageantry. This dissatisfaction often translates into harmful behaviors like dieting or excessive exercise aimed at achieving an idealized body type.

Jaanong, in summary, while beauty pageants may present opportunities for recognition and success, they can also have detrimental effects on young women’s lives by fostering unhealthy comparisons, promoting unrealistic beauty standards, and leading to significant psychological distress.

Donald Molosi is writer and executive Producer of “Partly Cloudy & Hot,” a film starring Kaone Kario and Zenzo Ngqobe.