PAGEANTS

Recently I have been addicted to the tv show "Toddlers in Tiaras" even though it makes me sick to watch I somehow cannot get enough. I think that is the problem with America, either we find the idea of pageants a good idea, thinking the girls are perfect and beautiful, or we find the idea morally wrong especially for the advocacy of independent and confident women, but either way are fascinated and drawn into viewing. It made me sick to watch those toddlers in tiaras, some girls only 4 years old, dressed as women, fake teeth, pounds of makeup and comparing themselves to other 4 year olds! I can't even begin to imagine how those toddlers will treat fellow girls in 5, 10, or 15 years. Spending their whole lives constantly trying to be better than other women. This is so detrimental to the idea of potential feminism progression in the world. Women will only be able to progress and succeed with the help of other women building up each other. 

After browsing the Miss Teen America 2013 webpage I found the pageant rules and regulations:

1. Entrants must be born female, single, never married, nor given birth to a child.
2. Entrants must be of good health and moral character

 One may wonder what constitutes good health and moral character. After looking at pageant photos I have found good health and moral character to include: big hair, 100-120 pounds, white straight teeth, height of 5'4"-5'7", predominately Caucasian, with a glowing fake tan. Although that may not actually be the case to comply with pageant regulations any young girl or woman may find this to be the recipe to be a perfect girl, when the majority of girls will never be able to fit all those characteristics it leaves them feeling inadequate and worthless.

Introduction

I joined the class late!  

I know we are way past introductions but still, I will post something about myself in this first post.  

I'm 26, I grew up in Snohomish, Washington.  It's cold and rainy but I love the culture there.  I have been attending USU for a few years now and found that I learn much better in online classes and I can live wherever I want!  I really love that part.  I don't have the finances to be somewhere exotic but I currently live in Austin, Texas.  Last year I moved to San Diego and in about two weeks I'll be in Long Beach.  I move around with my younger sister, Annie.  She loves the Ocean too much to live away from it so we have to go back.  I am a freelance graphic designer and love to write folk music.  

I thought this class looked interesting because of the subject.  I feel very strongly about gender and the equality of all people so I feel like I would have a lot of opinion to give and a lot of things to learn as well.  I love looking at different perspectives because I feel that it is vital in learning about your own perspectives.  

I look forward to reading the blogs and discussions!