Swimsuit Contest Unravels Fashion And Beauty!

By: Sam Curtis


You may think that the swimsuit contest is harmless enough, or you may be one of the many who believe the contest profits from the exploitation of women. The fact is that they are a successful way of promoting events. The view put forward by the organizers is that the swimsuit contest offers a perfect opportunity for a person's physical fitness, poise and posture to be judged.

In America the swimsuit contest is as American as homemade apple pie. Often the swimsuit contest is a stand alone event where contestants are judged solely on their physical appearance. The swimsuit contest is also held as an integral part of the large beauty pageants where contestants are judged in several other areas, each being allocated a separate score.

There are many strong critics of the swimsuit contest, there always has been, and no doubt they will always remain. Their objection stems from the belief that these contests send out a completely wrong message to society. This is that beauty is the single most important quality that a girl can have.

In a world where sex and beauty sells as never before, it is easy to see why the swimsuit contest has so many enemies. Eating and emotional disorders are just two of the many problems our young girls are facing often because of low self esteem. Perfect bodies and Hollywood good looks are the exception in our society and should not be used as a yardstick in determining one's self worth.

The swimsuit contest is still a very controversial issue in such pageants as Miss Universe and Miss America. Even though it has lost its prominence as far as judging goes, it is still regarded as an essential component of both contests. One has to wonder if this has not happened because of pressure from certain sections of the public. For example, evening wear is now awarded more marks than the swimsuit contest in the Miss America pageant.

Because of the concern that a number of people have over the relevancy of a swimsuit contest in such pageants, a phone poll was conducted to determine public opinion. A huge 87 percent of people who were phoned voted in favour of retaining this part in these major contests.

The swimsuit contest does however provide a stage for many models to gain exposure and subsequently launch their careers. Swimwear models are much sought after and are an integral part of the fashion industry. Many super models began their international careers on the swimsuit contest catwalk wearing their high-heels and their bikini.

The swimsuit contest has been around for close to a century now, and even though it is now generally accepted in Western countries it still receives much criticism. Originally it was totally forbidden by the middle class who saw it as a manifestation of low moral values. Its acceptance was however enhanced greatly during the Second World War, when beauty queens were recruited to entertain the troops and to promote the sale of American bonds.

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Information about the Author:

In her swimsuit contest times, Sam Curtis gained many prizes. Today, her website VogueSwimwear.org brings the hot and beautiful swimwear to women and men alike.
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