Miss America

If one were to categorize the ideal American woman, the one who is the best of the best, the finest representation of an American, who would she be?

Thanks to the Miss America pageant, we know.

Or do we?

The Miss America pageant, originating as a beauty contest in the early 1920s, is now the largest provider of college scholarships for women in all of America. Held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, this “scholarship competition” offers the largest financial opportunity for American females in the nation.

The winner must represent the epitome of the American woman.

So what does this look like?

The competition is based on five elements: the personal interview, talent, lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit, eveningwear, and the onstage question.

The ideal American woman, quite obviously, is well spoken, talented, fit, and articulate. In contrast, the ideal American woman does not have a speech impediment, can most definitely juggle with and has played a musical instrument from birth, looks great in a bikini, even better in a gown, and would never consider having a native language other than English.

What does it mean that 20% of the competition revolves around how the contestant looks in a dress, and only 5% is based on her response to an important current event?

Many times we question the American female stigma. We voice that we are more than just blonde hair and a pretty face.

Well, Miss America, what do we expect?