They prance across stage like exotic dancers amidst a crowd of screaming fans, and wear bikinis or other promiscuous outfits. These women are not professionals. In fact, most of them still use booster seats and rely heavily on their parents.
This group of girls, with ages ranging from 2 to 6 years old, gives the best insight into the world of child pageantry, and based on the viewership of shows such as TLC’s “Toddlers and Tiaras,” America approves.
On average, each episode attracts a whopping 1.2 millions viewers per episode, and its most renowned contestant, Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson from Georgia, has accumulated over 10 million views on YouTube.
Despite its obvious popularity, the practice of child pageantry must stop. Many people, such as senior Alyssa Phelps, recognize the exploitation of young children that “Toddlers and Tiaras” endorses, yet they continue to watch a train wreck develop in front of their eyes.
“I do enjoy the show,” Phelps said. “But it’s like every other reality show: it’s full of crazy people.”
Much like fathers trying to relive their ‘glory days’ through their younger sons, the mothers of child pageant stars also live vicariously through their young and impressionable daughters. These children are tools, like Barbie dolls, through which mothers reap notoriety and self-validation.
Because these girls compete at such young ages, they have never known a life outside of pageantry and hardly know the damage that is being done to them. Pageants ingrain the idea into their minds that beauty is the only significant trait one can possess, but it is such thoughts that can lead to crippling depressions and constant dissatisfaction with their bodies.
“It’s teaching girls that looks are the only thing that matter, and it shouldn’t be like that,” Phelps said.
Beauty competitions can even affect a girl’s sexuality as they grow older. By making the connection between using suggestive gestures and getting attention, they will grow up to view sexuality as an act or routine as opposed to a display of passion and feelings.
Researchers on the topic believe that, on the most benign level, children are harmed because participating in pageants requires a great time commitment, and in doing so, they are missing out on building relationship with friends, participating in sports and receiving a primary education. On the most basic level, child pageantry robs children of their childhoods.
Child pageantry even ingrains injurious ideals into the minds of these young competitors. They begin to learn that natural beauty will only get them so far in life; that their worth and self-esteem are directly based off of being the prettiest girl in the room. Their understanding becomes that looks outweigh attributes such as intelligence, resourcefulness, creativity or cunning.
Some supporters of “Toddlers and Tiaras” see the show as an early inroad to Hollywood and success. But, sadly for these girls, producers don’t like models who are trained to be fake.
This horrifying trend must be stopped. A boycott should be placed on shows like “Toddlers and Tiaras,” and a push must be made for legislation that bans such abusive behavior. Simply watching the show only perpetuates this negative trend, and it must stop.
