Why Parents choose to put their children in Pageants?
Q: Why would parents enter their children into superficial pageant? What does it teach their children about their self-image?
A: Parents chose to enter their children into pageants for many reasons. Although some may have superficial intentions, not all of them do. Anna Berry of Littleton, Colorado, let her daughter Ashley start competing in natural pageants at 10 years old. Ashley completely fell in love with competing and now at 13 years old, she is "the most well-poised, outspoken young lady you will
meet" (Morgan). Ashley is a national spokesperson for an anti-bullying campaign. Thanks to pageants, Ashley has transformed from a "shy, quiet girl who didn't like speaking in front of people" into an outgoing and confident girl who even writes articles for BYOU 'Be Your Own You' Self-Esteem Magazine for Girls" (kidsareheros.org).
A: Parents chose to enter their children into pageants for many reasons. Although some may have superficial intentions, not all of them do. Anna Berry of Littleton, Colorado, let her daughter Ashley start competing in natural pageants at 10 years old. Ashley completely fell in love with competing and now at 13 years old, she is "the most well-poised, outspoken young lady you will
meet" (Morgan). Ashley is a national spokesperson for an anti-bullying campaign. Thanks to pageants, Ashley has transformed from a "shy, quiet girl who didn't like speaking in front of people" into an outgoing and confident girl who even writes articles for BYOU 'Be Your Own You' Self-Esteem Magazine for Girls" (kidsareheros.org).
"I understand why public perspective tends to be so negative about the competitions, because they are little girls. I wish the public saw more about the experience we get," Anna Berry said. "Pageants (Ashley) does are geared toward making her a better person and giving to the community, and can help her receive scholarship money. We take it very seriously, but she's a kid outside of that."
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865567070/Toddlers-and-Tears-A-positive-look-at-child-beauty-pageants.html?pg=all
http://www.kidsareheroes.org/heroes/Ashley-Berry.htm
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865567070/Toddlers-and-Tears-A-positive-look-at-child-beauty-pageants.html?pg=all
http://www.kidsareheroes.org/heroes/Ashley-Berry.htm
Q: Pageants are inappropriate for children to participate in. Why do parents dress their innocent children up and make them look like skanks?
A: Parents can lack common sense when choosing their child's outfits. Wendy Dickey, mother of 3 year old Paisley dressed her daughter up as Julia Robert's character from the movie "Pretty Woman" Paisley’s mother Wendy told TMZ, “Everyone in the room was laughing hysterically. It was meant to be funny, not sexual at all” (Macatee). Many parents that chose to put their children in competitive beauty pageants don’t mean to sexualize their child. They believe their child’s outfit is just like any other costume and don’t think about the effects of placing their child in the outfit. Those who watched the Toddlers & Tiaras episode with Paisley found her outfit hilarious, while others who just saw the pictures online and read the bias articles were completely disgusted. Pageant parents explain the outfits on stage do not represent their child on an everyday basis. Mothers are not intentionally trying to expose their children (Brockman). “’I take my kid to church every week,’” says Wendy Dickey. “I’m raising my child just as well as any mother does.”
A: Parents can lack common sense when choosing their child's outfits. Wendy Dickey, mother of 3 year old Paisley dressed her daughter up as Julia Robert's character from the movie "Pretty Woman" Paisley’s mother Wendy told TMZ, “Everyone in the room was laughing hysterically. It was meant to be funny, not sexual at all” (Macatee). Many parents that chose to put their children in competitive beauty pageants don’t mean to sexualize their child. They believe their child’s outfit is just like any other costume and don’t think about the effects of placing their child in the outfit. Those who watched the Toddlers & Tiaras episode with Paisley found her outfit hilarious, while others who just saw the pictures online and read the bias articles were completely disgusted. Pageant parents explain the outfits on stage do not represent their child on an everyday basis. Mothers are not intentionally trying to expose their children (Brockman). “’I take my kid to church every week,’” says Wendy Dickey. “I’m raising my child just as well as any mother does.”