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Debate Info

40
67
Yes No
Debate Score:107
Arguments:49
Total Votes:129
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Argument Ratio

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 Yes (21)
 
 No (28)

Debate Creator

lhlnk(45) pic



Are beauty pageants a good thing?

Do you agree with beauty pagents?

Yes

Side Score: 40
VS.

No

Side Score: 67
3 points

I'm 22 and have been doing beauty pageants since I was 2 months old. My daughter also does pageants. She started when she was 1 1/2 months and now is 2. She loves it! THE DAY SHE TELLS ME "MOMMY, NO MORE" IT WILL BREAK MY HEART AND I WILL PROBABLY HAVE A HEART ATTACK, BUT SHE WON'T DO ANOTHER PAGENT.

Side: yes
Argento(512) Disputed
8 points

With all due respect, your daughter didn't "start" nothing at 1 1/2 months old. YOU started her in it. So when she was 1 1/2 months old you took her to a pageant and some "expert" looked at her among other kids and then decided which kid is the prettiest.

Bravo.

You've got a pretty kid. You should be so proud of your achievement!

A lot of parents introduce their kids to activities such as sports and various lessons when they are very little. But all those activities require some skill and the reward comes from hard work. And there is a progression of skill level.

What exactly is your daughter rewarded for?

I just don't get it. What is the skill she is meant to cultivate and be proud of? Walking and looking pretty?

The sheer fact that you say you will have a heart attack if she wants to stop, is evidence that this is more about you than it is about her.

Side: No
lhlnk(45) Disputed
3 points

My daughter is the one that chooses it. before ANY pageant, I ask her if she'd like to participate in it.

The reward:

She learns to choose things for herself

Most of the pageant money goes to her college

*We donate money to charities, cure finders, and animal rescue teams.

Side: yes
MKIced(2511) Disputed
4 points

I think your daughter is so cute!!! :)

But with all due respect, I don't think childhood is a time for pageants like this. I think the whole point of being a kid is to have fun- not adult fun with looking pretty and dressing up, but kid fun. When I was a kid, I liked to play outside and run around. We all just wanted to get dirty and forget our troubles. I see these pageants as something that could really stress your daughter out. Besides, at this age, no boy or girl should be judged and rated on his or her looks.

Side: No
2 points

Your mother put you there and now you're putting your daughter there. Neither of you had a choice in the matter. The fact that you've come to love it speaks more of habit than beauty or whatever the concern of the pageant is. What are your hopes and dreams for your daughter? That she is pretty, charming, walks well in heels and wears a swim suit to beat the band? Wow, I can't think of anything less worthwhile than something like this for a child. But then again I'm not a big beauty pageant person myself. I think they're ridiculous as a rule.

Side: No
3 points

Thank you everyone for answering. I will try to do less pageants 1-2 per month.

Although my husband is supporting my decision, Katelyn isn't so much. I will do less pageants though and do more child things with her. My husband says thanks. Katelyn hasn't warmed up to the idea, like I said before, but she will. I cant thank you guys enough for bringing me to the other side of the story. You guys are truly amazing.

THANK YOU!

PS what would make Katy realize that the best thing for her would be to cut down on pageants?

Side: yes
4 points

I would suggest dancing; tap dancing if she is active and ballet simply because a lot of little girls enjoy it. The recitals allow for her to get dressed up and pretty plus she gets some great costumes and meets many new friends. Plus it's also quite healthy and helps improve coordination.

Side: yes
3 points

I would suggest trying out new activities/hobbies she might enjoy. At her age, gymnastics is a fantastic activity, which gets her comfortable with moving her body in different ways and would set her up for a healthy, active lifestyle later on. Dance is also fun for children at her age. Above all, if she's not already part of one, I would suggest putting her in a preschool program (Not a daycare) so she can be around other children her age and learn the fundamentals that will set her up for academic success.

Side: yes
1 point

For someone who is breaking their neck thanking everyone let me ask...does that include the 21 people you've down voted in the last 6 days? Talk about disingenuous!!!

Side: No
2 points

Seriously, this lady is addicted and has a mental imbalance. Obviously, she is trying to put some guilt trip on us like we took something from her daughter! Gag! Look in the mirror...and stop programming your kid, let her think for herself!

Side: No
2 points

Absolutely, because it serves a great purpose of ogling at a beautiful body. And there's nothing wrong with that. Pageants have come a long way in terms of including bathing suit competition. Its done less tastefully than it used to be, but that is mostly a problem with choice of musical score, and lighting.

2009 Miss America Pageant - Swimsuit Competition
Side: yes
Cxcxcx Disputed
1 point

Of course it's gonna say that on YouTube if YOU HAVE IT BLOCKED. duh. The whole YouTube app is an adultish app if you block it it won't.let.you.on.

Side: No

Pageants are a good thing because like in sports, it displays the very best athletes, for as in pageants, it displays the beauty in women and even men in Body Building. It is competition by striving to be the best and beautiful.

Side: yes
LeRocky(28) Disputed
1 point

Pageants are not like sports at all, that analogy is badly chosen. Firstly, sports are healthy for the body, and don't harm one's personality and mindset. For sports, one eats healthy, trains hard, and sleeps healthy as well. One with an unhealthy diet and daily routine is bound to lose. However, when it comes to pageants, the women are required only to look "beautiful". Thus, a very little percentage pay attention to their health. In fact, their diets are unhealthy so as to get thinner bodies, for only a very few of them care about their health.

Second, beauty pageants are all about parading around women who fit society's societal standards and idealistic views of beauty. The competitors are rated by something they have had no say in, no studying or hard work could magically turn someone beautiful. No, these people were created beautiful, and so they grow up with their beauty being an achievement, rather than a gift. And, what happens when these "beautiful" ladies are no longer beautiful? When they get unavoidable wrinkles and saggy bodies? They are forgotten, cast aside. The spectators don't care about how kind the girl is, how giving and caring she is. No, all they care about is her outer appearance. It's exactly what we are trying not to have our kids care about, and yet these pageants are applauded. The idealistic view of beauty that we have today is the reason plastic surgeons are filthy rich, the reason attractive people are deemed estimable for no reason other than their outer appearance. If you'd look at the difference between movies in the fifties and movies now, you'd notice that attractive actors were scarce back then, something that isn't needed to make a good movie. Now, movies without attractive actors or actresses gain less money, statistically. Society is becoming more shallow, and we are doing nothing to cease this.

Thirdly, the fact that you compared pageants to body building competitions basically helps my point. Body builders concentrate on their outer appearance, on the look of their muscles rather than their actual ability, much like pageant competitors. If you would look at weightlifters, power lifters, or any men who work with heavy objects, you would notice their bodies look nothing like the bodies of bodybuilders. That's because that's how natural muscles are built, muscles made for strength. Body builders' main focus is the shape of the muscles, rather than their use.

Thank you for reading, and sorry for the length.

Side: No
2 points

YOUNG WINNERS OF BEAUTY PAGEANTS GET SCHOLARSHIP MONEY AND, IF THEY USE THE MONEY RIGHT, CAN BE ROLE MODELS FOR OTHER PEOPLE.

Side: yes
2 points

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Side: yes
1 point

She does have a choice in beauty pageants. look at mu picture she's GORGEOUS! She loves pageants, and that's why she does it. She is 2 and has over 100 trophies and tiaras. She loves her trophies, and that is why we put her in 1 or more pageants per week. Pageants are expensive, but we want to see her happy. She chooses it, not me. I put her in pageants when she was 1 1/2 months old because she was beautiful and loved to look at my pageant crowns. She won EVERY pageant she got in and I do it for her smile! She has a pageant coach that she loves, and she has so much fun doing pageants and practicing for pageants. Now see it from her side:

me:

KATELYN, DO YOU LIKE PAGEANTS

katy / katelyn

YES MOMMY !

me

WHY DO YOU LIKE PAGEANTS?

katy

WE GET TO DRESS UP AND PRACTICE WITH MAIDYN (her pageant coach) AND PUT ON MAKE-UP AND SPRAY TAN AND LOOK GOOD. WE GET TO GO SHOPPING IN L.A OR BEVY HILL (beverly hills)

me

WHAT ARE YOU?

katy

ALL ABOUT THE GLITZ AND GLAM

BLAZE

A NATURAL IN PAGEANTS

EXPERT IN BEAUTY

(she winks)

So you can see she loves what she does.

Side: yes
Spoonerism(831) Disputed
6 points

Wow.

I am pretty sure you've just validated my point. Why does she like pageants? Because they let her "look good" And how does she think she should go about that? Spray tan and make-up and expensive clothes. And what is she all about? Glitz and glam.

I have taught preschool for 5 years, and do you know what MOST kids her age are "all about"? Fun. No glitz, no glam. They don't care when they spill fingerpaint all over their clothes, because they've not been taught yet that the material possession of clothing matters. They don't feel any pressure to be beautiful, and yet they still are. I don't mean any offense here, but all toddlers are beautiful. With or without spray tans and makeup.

This is frustrating.

Side: No
iamdavidh(4856) Disputed
5 points

Your poor child doesn't know any better. All of them say they like it until they're old enough to think about it, then half call it traumatic. You like it, she senses that, she acts accordingly.

But it's a little kid, there's 0 reason on earth for her to be all dolled up like that whether she likes it or not. If you like beauty pageants, you go do one, fine, you're an adult. But why subject your child to this? If you find another hobby for her, I gaurantee she'll like it just as much, and won't have pervs watching her all the time.

Well whatever, it's not my kid. But reallly, I mean seriously, who the hell do you think watches or cares about little kid pageants except the parents of the little kids?

No normal adult cares how cute your daughter is unless they're a relative or have something wrong with them.

And you can play dress up with her at home if you really want.

Side: No

I support you totally David and others who think this is not a good thing. The person who is putting this debate up has only been here for four days and already has down voted people who disagree with her over 20 times. This is not a good thing! You've asked the question and you're getting the answers. Just because you don't like them is NO reason to down vote so many people. I've told you in another debate that this amounts to karma bombing which is not the right way to go here. Every time you down vote you are are taking a point away from yourself by doing so. Read the portion on down voting here on CD and you'll soon discover what and when to down vote.

Side: No
2 points

If your daughter is in one - two pageants a week, she hardly knows anything else since she's been doing it since age 1 1/2 months and she's only two now. It's kind of difficult to 'see' this from her side since it is so slanted in one direction.

Side: No
1 point

why not compete there is a chance to meet new friends and impress the crowd. You can win so many difrent prizes including schlorships and monet,savingbonds.. it all depends on the pagentsMost of the participating children in the pageant like it because they like to get dressed up and feel like a princess, and the fuss of the crowd. Sometimes beauty contest are a part of academics, helping kids boost their intelligence and confidence. People feel valued and appreciated when they receive recognition for their hard work .When winning they are recognized and they can be put in papers, on T.V. and on magazines making them famous. Winners can be awarded crowns, trophies sashes, crowning pins, savings bonds, money, toys, iPod, television and more the list goes on depending on pageant. Winners are awarded scholarships and the shows organized for charity service develop a sense of responsibility for the children some pageants are organized for charity and that develop a sense of responsibility for them. Every competitor has their own special value, that makes them unique. Pageants are a god way to develop a future, because for many children and younger adults it is a way to win scholarships,money or just to ne a role model for other younger ladies.

Side: yes
1 point

The purposes of pageants are for recognition, personal development, communication skills, and confidence and are better at handling stress, pressure and disappointment. Handling stress, pressure, and disappointment are a part of everyday life, your attitude and thoughts around these reactions can either move you forward or knock you down, pageants are a good example of how o handle things. The children’s pageant teaches the children that there will always be someone better.

Side: yes
1 point

and its prooven that only ten percent or less suffer from anorexia from pagents

Side: yes
1 point

it teaches the child how to look glamourous at an early age

Side: yes
1 point

beauty pageant increases ones self confidence.my opponents told that the white skin of beauty peageants are judged in the competition but in the competition question are asked by the judges to know theintelligence

Side: Yes
1 point

Beauty pageants are a good thing because they teach girls real life skills. Like that you don't always win, confidence, it gets rid of stage fright, it makes girls feel pretty, and it lets them show off talent. It also can get girls money and maybe a scholarship. To me girls should start off young.

Side: Yes

A beauty pageant is a good thing it that it promotes women competing with each other for scholarships and it gives a beautiful gal the confidence that the world will recognize her beauty.

Side: Yes
1 point

I'm doing a debate in school as to why beauty pageants are good. Would you list reasons as why it's good?

Side: Yes
4 points

Beauty pageants reward no real skill or achievement other than being attractive. These contests reinforce the idea that women should be primarily valued for their looks.

Arguments can (and I'm sure will) be made that pageants are not solely based on appearance, and sometimes incorporate other competitive portions such as personality, talent, and interview, but regardless of how poised, well-spoken, educated, and talented a woman might be, if she is unattractive, she is not going to win.

Pageants are merely money-making enterprises that prey on women's vanity.

Side: No
nagtroll(275) Disputed
2 points

Well, some women are primarily valued for their appearance, at least for their day job. If an underwear model can make some easy money lounging around on cushions or on the sand in some tropical paradise, it would be stupid of her not to. Sure she could get a 9 to 5 job or a corporate job, or make her own business. But really, if shes hot and smart she can do both. Look at Heidi Klum, she is a business woman with her own line of items. She is smart and beautiful. Sometimes you can have it all.

Side: yes
wolfbite(432) Disputed
1 point

I would not say that there is no achievement in them, while looks are hereditary the people in the pageant must still go through a lot of hard work in order to stay in shape to keep that beauty.

As for it being unfair for an unattractive woman not being to win it, seeing as intelligence is mostly inherited wouldn't that mean it is also unfair to judge a person based on smart they are?

Side: yes
Spoonerism(831) Disputed
2 points

seeing as intelligence is mostly inherited wouldn't that mean it is also unfair to judge a person based on smart they are? I didn't say that an intelligent woman who was unattractive would be unable to win a pageant. Rather, I stated that a poised, well-spoken, educated, and talented unattractive woman would be unable to win. Being intelligent does not necessitate that you will also be talented, poised, and well-spoken.

the people in the pageant must still go through a lot of hard work in order to stay in shape to keep that beauty. Beauty is something that people do not go through "a lot of hard work" to acheive. Unless you consider wearing makeup, getting your hair teased, and wearing fake teeth to be "hard work".

Furthermore, your disputed argument fails to address the impact on society of the idea that the cultural ideal of beauty is to be valued above other attributes. It's a damaging idea because there are far more important attributes to be honored in people than beauty.

What have beautiful people done for us? Given us something to masturbate to? On the other hand, what have intelligent people done for us? Created almost everything we value and use today. So whether or not the attribute under consideration is hereditary, what matters is how important that attribute is in terms of contributions to society.

Side: No
Cxcxcx Disputed
0 points

Well, if she's attractive at least she can land herself a good husband. 😉

Side: Yes
1 point

No way. Beauty pageants are all about HOW they look, WHAT they've done, and not WHO they are. It sets up little girls to go through life thinking people will only like/approve of them if they're beautiful and accomplished. It sets up grown women to cling to the idea that their self worth is based on looks and talent.

Side: No
1 point

I am honestly very neutral to this subject, but I will say I do believe the beauty pageants can tell girls that they should centralize beauty. Unfortunately some of the girls feel like they MUST compete to appease their parents and they think they can get by in life on looks alone. This is not the case all the time but when it is, it is rather sad. I have seen and heard of women who dress their daughters in false straight teeth, wigs, fake eyelashes, etc. and all I can think is "It's simply horrible" because from an early age you are telling the girls "no you are not beautiful enough.". I know some of the girls love dressing up and putting on a show for everyone which is fine, but they should have other activities such as playing violin, writing, painting, hell even fencing. I just do not believe being "pretty" should be rewarded because people need other skills. Answering generic questions and having mediocre talents does not help in the real world. I just do not believe looks are to be valued so highly because in the end they fade away to dust and ash. Plus some nasty little girls can win some of those pageants, such as my little cousins. The youngest who still compete is a nasty little thing who puts on her sweet act on stage. When their are pageants to judge character or actual skill than I will be ok with also having the beauty pageants.

Something that's always bothered me is in this day and age we do not know when a pedophile is at some of those pageants

This was a VERY disorganized rant thank you and despite my past statements good luck to pageanties =)

Side: No
1 point

No! it makes females be even more catty and mean! not only does it cause unnecessary competition on top of all the other competition that is already between them. females fight over everything.

Side: No
1 point

You are all losers for thinking that beauty pageants are harmful

Side: No
1 point

I'm not for blanket statements, but after reading through some of your arguments, I'm going to say no for how you're doing them.

1. A baby at 1 1/2 months old looking at your tiaras isn't thinking "oh I want to do a peagent and have a tiara too!" they aren't thinking at all really, just being attracted to sparkley things.

2. If an older toddler wants to be in a peagent, then ok, but they should be natural ones that don't allow all the make-up/ fake tanning and teeth and such.

3. There are a lot of things that would allow her to dress up and look pretty without being fake. (as someone has already mentioned.)

Please, think about what you are really teaching her, that she has to be pretty in order to win in life, that she must look the part at all times, that she has to impress others with her actions. What is going to happen to her self-esteem the first time she fails at any one of these things? If nothing else it should be balanced with another activity that focuses on those things that matter such as intelligence, kindness etc.

Side: No
1 point

Beauty pageants are a good thing because they teach girls real life skills. Like that you don't always win, confidence, it gets rid of stage fright, it makes girls feel pretty, and it lets them show off talent. it also can get girls money and maybe a scholarship. To me girls should start off young.

Side: No
1 point

BECAUSE A BEAUTY PAGEANT CAN DECREASE A PERSONS SELF ESTEEM BECAUSE IF THEY DO NOT WIN THEY TEND TO THINK THEY ARE NOT BEAUTIFUL ENOUGH OR BEAUTIFUL AT ALL SO HELL NO

Side: No
0 points

Not really. They should encompass more areas than just beauty. And besides, what looks beautiful to me might not be beautiful to you. How can I judge who is beautiful and who is not without being biased?

Side: No