I did many pageants and modeled through high school and can tell you I benefited from both. I think it's easy to stand in judgement of those of us who have chosen/choose to participate in such events. Pageants today are much different then when I was participating (the make-up, fake hair, etc. wasn't that big when I was in them) but the scholarships, experiences and skills learned are the same.
I disagree with saying parents are compensating for their childhood by putting their kids into pageants. I don't understand that statement. Why is it okay to put your child in a beautiful kid contest and not a pageant.. what's the difference?
Trust me, pageants aren't the only industry making young girls think their appearance is what is important... turn on the tv, flip through the magazines, watch a movie, look at Barbie.. our society is obsessed with beauty, being thin, looking young and that is not a result of the pageant industry.
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