In the evolving landscape of beauty pageants, the role of swimsuits has become a topic of heated debate. While some
pageants, like Miss Universe, Miss International, Miss Earth, and Miss USA, still incorporate bikinis as part of their competitions, others, such as the Miss America Organization, have made significant changes by dropping the swimsuit segment altogether. This shift aims to prioritize “ambition” and “talent” over physical appearance, reflecting broader societal changes in how we perceive beauty and achievement.
The history of beauty pageants is deeply intertwined with the swimsuit competition. The origins of this practice can be traced back to the mid-19th century when P.T. Barnum attempted to launch a contest that judged women based on appearance. Although public protests led to the contest being altered to focus on photographs, the idea persisted, eventually leading to the first Inter-City Beauty pageant in 1921, which later became known as Miss America. Initially, participants were judged on their appearance in bathing suits, a practice that continued for decades.
Throughout the 20th century, the swimsuit competition evolved alongside changing fashion trends and societal norms. From the conservative bathing suits of the early 1900s to the more revealing bikinis of the 1960s, the segment became a staple of pageantry, symbolizing both physical fitness and beauty. However, as cultural attitudes shifted, so did the perception of the swimsuit competition. By 1997, bikinis were officially allowed in Miss America, albeit with restrictions, and the segment was rebranded as the “Lifestyle and Fitness” portion in 2001.
Despite these changes, the swimsuit competition has remained controversial. Critics argue that it objectifies women and detracts from the more substantive aspects of the competition, such as talent and intelligence. In response to these concerns and the broader #MeToo movement, the Miss America Organization announced in 2018 that it would eliminate the swimsuit segment, aiming to modernize the pageant and make it more inclusive.
However, this decision was met with mixed reactions. Some pageant participants and state organizations expressed dissatisfaction, feeling that the change undermined a long-standing tradition. The controversy highlighted deeper issues within the pageant community, including allegations of mismanagement and a lack of transparency from the Miss America leadership. This unrest culminated in calls for the resignation of key figures, including Gretchen Carlson, the then-chair of the Miss America board.
The debate over the relevance of swimsuits in pageantry extends beyond Miss America. In a recent Instagram poll conducted by The Queen Beauty Network, 60% of respondents believed that swimwear modeling is important to a pageant, while 40% disagreed. This division reflects the ongoing conversation about the role of physical appearance in competitions that increasingly emphasize empowerment and diversity.
Industry experts and pageant directors also weigh in on the issue. Ekta Saini, National Director of Miss World America,
acknowledges the importance of swimwear modeling in showcasing personal discipline and dedication to fitness. She suggests that while fitness should be prioritized, pageants could consider making the swimwear segment optional to accommodate different perspectives.
Laura Clark, National Director of Miss Earth USA, supports the inclusion of swimwear, viewing it as an opportunity for contestants to demonstrate their hard work and inspire others to pursue health and fitness. She emphasizes that pageant participants should be role models of health, happiness, and hard work both on and off the stage.
Dani Walker, Owner of Pageant Access, highlights the entertainment value of the swimsuit competition. She believes that it provides a dynamic contrast to the more formal evening gown segment, allowing contestants to showcase different aspects of their personalities. Despite criticisms, Walker argues that both fans and participants continue to enjoy this part of the competition.
As the pageant industry continues to evolve, the future of the swimsuit competition remains uncertain. While some organizations move towards a more inclusive and talent-focused model, others maintain that the swimwear segment is an integral part of the pageant experience. Ultimately, the relevance of swimsuits in pageantry will depend on how these events balance tradition with modern values, ensuring that they remain a platform for empowerment and positive representation.
Comments