Beauty Pageant Impact Beyond Prize Money

When it comes to beauty pageants, there is a lot more to consider than just the prize money. These events can have a lasting impact on the lives of contestants, even after they have left the stage. From a personal perspective, a title and the prestige that accompanies it can lead to opportunities in modeling and acting that can be financially lucrative.

However, the industry is not without its critics, who have long argued that beauty pageants perpetuate harmful ideals of beauty by crowning tall, thin, young women as the pinnacle of femininity. They have also been accused of sexual objectification and dehumanizing females.

But despite the controversy, many contestants and their organisations have used pageantry to raise awareness of issues and causes while raising billions for charities and non-profits. Pageants have also been the site of some poignant tragedies, like the suicide of Miss Universe winner Cheslie Kryst in January last year.

With a recent focus on inclusivity, diversity, and authenticity, it seems as though there is a new generation of contestants who are using their titles as platforms for positive change. Levey Friedman, who was crowned Miss Asia Pacific in 2016, says that the industry is shifting towards more “be yourself, be perfectly imperfect, all these sort of catchphrases” — and that is making her feel more empowered as she competes.