In a surprising move, the Miss Teen USA pageant has announced it will no longer feature a swimsuit competition, opting instead for an athletic wear segment. Contestants will now strut their stuff in trendy yoga pants, a shift that aims to celebrate young women’s strength and confidence in a more “constructive” manner.
Paula Shugart, the president of the Miss Universe Organization, shared in a memo that this decision is part of a broader cultural change that acknowledges and empowers active young women. “Our hope is that this decision will help all of Miss Teen USA’s fans recognize these young women for the strong, inspiring individuals they are,” Shugart stated.
While the concept of “athleisure” is meant to promote a healthier image, it’s worth asking if swapping swimsuits for form-fitting leggings and sports bras is truly a significant change. The pageant has a long history of judging girls based on their looks in revealing outfits, so this transition may feel more like a surface-level adjustment than a complete overhaul.
Katherine Lane, the reigning Miss Teen USA, expressed her support for the change, noting her own background in sports and how athletic wear represents the lives many young women lead. “This new direction is a great way to celebrate the active lives that so many young women live,” she told reporters.
Although this does not completely remove the focus on appearance, it does encourage a shift in thinking about what these contestants can achieve, rather than merely presenting them as objects to be admired. If this new approach can foster discussions around their talents and strengths, then it could be a small step in the right direction.
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In summary, while Miss Teen USA’s decision to replace the swimsuit competition with athletic wear is a step towards a more empowering image for young women, it still raises questions about the underlying culture of beauty pageants and their focus on appearance.