A famously known child beauty pageant is Honey Boo-Boo child.
After watching many documentaries on the lifestyle of an average child beauty pageant, I finally came across a video of 'Honey Boo-Boo child's' 'special go-go juice'
Here is the video:
This video shows us how many competitors are put through different forms of abuse just to give them that extra 'edge'. This mother knowingly puts a mix of energy drink and fizzy drink into her child, for no other purpose than to exploit her in front of millions of viewers, just think of the physical effects this drink is having on this poor young girl!
Martina Cartwright (2011) states that "Many experts
agree that participation in activities that focus on physical appearance at an
early age can influence teen and/or adult self-esteem, body image and
self-worth. Issues with self-identity
after a child "retires" from the pageant scene in her teens are not
uncommon. Struggles with perfection,
dieting, eating disorders and body image can take their toll in
adulthood."
Though I do acknowledge that not all participants are put through this kind of thing, I think the cons outweigh the pros, this is not only physical abuse, but also emotional abuse. If a child is put through this kind of pressure at such a young age, I can only imagine the effect it will have on them in the future, all the insecurities.
Pictured above is two year old Mia, this young competitor recently competed in a show. The shocking thing about her costume is the fact that this costume was made famous by Madonna in her 'Like a virgin' song when performed on tour. For those who don't know, for her performance, Madonna performed sexually crude acts wearing this gold cone bra. Is this really what we should be having our children dressed up as? This just goes to show how much we are sexualising our kids by putting them through such competition.
One last video for this post:
I don't think much needs to be said on this video. This video is proof that some mothers will ignore their own children's fears just to make sure they are the prettiest. The most shocking part of this video is the mother saying that she would of held down her daughter herself and torn off the wax strips.
Elsie i think your topic that you have chosen is great . I personally believe putting children through something they are forced to do is ridiculous which robs them their childhood. The link of Honey Boo Boo is a great source which gives your opinion on the matter a lot of back up and is very interesting to watch. A lot of people would disagree with your opinion because the child seems happy. Something to consider with your next blog could to perhaps identify how easily these children are persuaded to do these pageants. Every mother is their daughters role model from 0-5 and that is why these girls are so easily manipulated. Its just a thought, other than that great job, its obvious you have put a lot of time into your research :)
Valiant Elsie, taking one for the team! (I have heard of someone who watched a whole season of Honey Boo Boo in one sitting -- it was that or die of boredom, though, so I guess HBB was a reasonable alternative. By a slim margin.)
Your sincerity and honest emotions on the topic come through. But as Nick pointed out, a lot of people would disagree with your opinion. Did you find any studies on children who compete in beauty pageants -- their emotional well-being, how they compared to children of a similar age, the effects of participating in pageants on the children, etc.? Providing information from such and links will help support your arguments in the blog.
Elsie i think your topic that you have chosen is great . I personally believe putting children through something they are forced to do is ridiculous which robs them their childhood. The link of Honey Boo Boo is a great source which gives your opinion on the matter a lot of back up and is very interesting to watch. A lot of people would disagree with your opinion because the child seems happy. Something to consider with your next blog could to perhaps identify how easily these children are persuaded to do these pageants. Every mother is their daughters role model from 0-5 and that is why these girls are so easily manipulated. Its just a thought, other than that great job, its obvious you have put a lot of time into your research :)
ReplyDeleteValiant Elsie, taking one for the team! (I have heard of someone who watched a whole season of Honey Boo Boo in one sitting -- it was that or die of boredom, though, so I guess HBB was a reasonable alternative. By a slim margin.)
ReplyDeleteYour sincerity and honest emotions on the topic come through. But as Nick pointed out, a lot of people would disagree with your opinion. Did you find any studies on children who compete in beauty pageants -- their emotional well-being, how they compared to children of a similar age, the effects of participating in pageants on the children, etc.? Providing information from such and links will help support your arguments in the blog.