Beauty Pageants and the Psychological Effects on Children
Karren
Casey Karren
Lynn Taylor
English 1010
23 November 2013
Psychological Effects on Children in Beauty Pageants
In todays society we want the best, the biggest, the fastest, and the most adorable. Parents all over the world place their kids in pageants not knowing the real danger it holds on the child’s psyche.
To give you a clear look in beauty pageants and the extreme dangers it hold on your child’s upbringing. From the known “Princess Syndrome”, self esteem, and eating disorders. And many other psychological problems. Not only is this sport or competition, aimed towards children, but parents as well. Parents going out of there way to make sure their child is the best, and most beautiful. Children are the fastest growing segment of the beauty pageant market. Attracting an estimated 3 million children a year. But dose playing dress up on stage hold more danger to the development and the right teaching to our children’s way of life? Do beauty pageants serve any purpose in society? Few organized child activities spawn as much heated debate as child beauty pageants, it strikes a nerve with some parents and by standers that children should not parade around in clothing and makeup that is not age appropriate (Agadoni).
Karren 2
If we allow our kids to do such things like wearing makeup, and dressing in provocative clothing at a young age, what are we teaching our children? Psychologist and Tv talk show host Phil McGraw told pageant moms. “That they need to explain to their children that a beauty pageant is a fantasy not real life”. This is excellent advice and something that needs to be fallowed. If we tell our children that this is just a fantasy they will learn that its just for fun, not a daily routine.
“Children might be more concerned with developing their looks than with developing their internal selves” (McGraw). Children can easily believe after competing in pageants that they should concentrate on external and superficial aspects of beauty instead of developing internal values of caring for others and a love of learning. Not only do children measure their self-worth by their looks, but they are in for a downfall if they don’t stay as pretty when they grown up. It is hard to say what will happen to your body as you grow. You might develop acne, or your figure might not develop into what you imagined it would be.
Experts agree that participation in some activities that focus on physical appearance mostly beauty pageants. But at an early age it can influence teen or adult self-esteem, body issues, and self-worth. After a child “retires” form the pageant scene it is not uncommon that they struggle with perfection, dieting, eating disorders, and body image problems that will carry on into adulthood. This is simply known as the “Princess Syndrome”: It is a fair tale unrealistic expectations to be thin, physically beautiful, and perfect. This is the heart of some disordered, eating behaviors, and body dissatisfaction.
This is what our children are learning while competing in beauty pageants.
Karren 3
Adults need to be aware of the potential long term impact that beauty pageants hold. Intense participation in activities that spotlight physical appearance instills the idea that beauty and charm are the keys to success. Many of the young women with eating disorders were trained at an early age to value physical perfection, thinness, athletic prowess and attractiveness. When it comes to performing education takes a backseat (Cartwright P.h.D).
As a result, child performers may believe that parental and or adult love and approval are based on how well they look or how well they ignite the stage with their presence. Long practice sessions are normal for these young kids and may interfere with social activities like sleep, eating, playing with friends, and homework. “What they are learning basically is that they have one characteristic which is of total primary importance, and that is their body and their attractiveness,” (Brown). Another concern is that contests may breed narcissism. These kids might put to much emphasis on physical attractiveness as they form relationships with others . Self love and value is critical for a child’s development. Pageants have changed over the years, with children going further and further to look more attractive. Going as far as getting tans, wearing wigs, even wearing false teeth to hide their baby ones.
In addition to the child development and image concerns there are financial issues surrounding beauty pageants. The run for crowns, and cash can cost thousands of dollars. Entry fees range from 10 dollars to 200 dollars, dresses can cost up to 5000 dollars with most averaging 1000 or so. At the highest level contestants are required to wear multiple outfits appropriate for the categories that doesn’t include coaches,
Karren 4
modeling lessons, makeup and travel adding up to an enormous price tag. This amount of pressure on parents may lead to financial problems and in some cases divorce. When parents become overly invested in the child’s success, it may more difficult to pull back and listen or see the true being nature of the harm it’s doing to your child.
Lisa J. Rapport, a psychology professor at Wayne State University in Detroit studied 74 former young performers in television an film. She found that mothers who served as managers were likely to have far less stable and positive relationships with their children than with mothers who kept business separate. When asked most parents said that their child wanted to be in pageants just like boys wanting to play football, or baseball. Pageant proponents say the contest offers the children many benefits. In addition to giving their child the chance to earn college scholarships, modeling contracts, and cash, parents of beauty queens claim it boosts their children’s self-esteem, builds self-confidence and forges lasting friendships.
For pageant judge Holly Tevan, pageants are a wonderful way for a family to spend quality time together. Her own children used pageants earnings to help pay for their college education. It is not uncommon for parents, especially those of young athletes, to exhibit what is known as “Achievement by Proxy”. In which they experience pride and joy through their child’s achievements but still recognize a child’s imitations.
“Achievement by Proxy Distortion” however, occurs when parents struggle to differentiate between their own needs and their child’s needs, and in order achieve what they perceive as success, they may engage in risky behaviors, objectification or even abuse. “If we can understand why parents are doing what they’re doing, then we can start addressing the problem,” (Cartwight). I think if the public understands why the parents are doing that then they won’t pay as much attention to these pageants, and putting our kids in danger. As parents we need to teach our kids the true value of beauty through natural ways. And that pageants are just for fun, our children need to have a real understanding of whats make believe and real life.
Casey Karren
Lynn Taylor
English 1010
23 November 2013
Psychological Effects on Children in Beauty Pageants
In todays society we want the best, the biggest, the fastest, and the most adorable. Parents all over the world place their kids in pageants not knowing the real danger it holds on the child’s psyche.
To give you a clear look in beauty pageants and the extreme dangers it hold on your child’s upbringing. From the known “Princess Syndrome”, self esteem, and eating disorders. And many other psychological problems. Not only is this sport or competition, aimed towards children, but parents as well. Parents going out of there way to make sure their child is the best, and most beautiful. Children are the fastest growing segment of the beauty pageant market. Attracting an estimated 3 million children a year. But dose playing dress up on stage hold more danger to the development and the right teaching to our children’s way of life? Do beauty pageants serve any purpose in society? Few organized child activities spawn as much heated debate as child beauty pageants, it strikes a nerve with some parents and by standers that children should not parade around in clothing and makeup that is not age appropriate (Agadoni).
Karren 2
If we allow our kids to do such things like wearing makeup, and dressing in provocative clothing at a young age, what are we teaching our children? Psychologist and Tv talk show host Phil McGraw told pageant moms. “That they need to explain to their children that a beauty pageant is a fantasy not real life”. This is excellent advice and something that needs to be fallowed. If we tell our children that this is just a fantasy they will learn that its just for fun, not a daily routine.
“Children might be more concerned with developing their looks than with developing their internal selves” (McGraw). Children can easily believe after competing in pageants that they should concentrate on external and superficial aspects of beauty instead of developing internal values of caring for others and a love of learning. Not only do children measure their self-worth by their looks, but they are in for a downfall if they don’t stay as pretty when they grown up. It is hard to say what will happen to your body as you grow. You might develop acne, or your figure might not develop into what you imagined it would be.
Experts agree that participation in some activities that focus on physical appearance mostly beauty pageants. But at an early age it can influence teen or adult self-esteem, body issues, and self-worth. After a child “retires” form the pageant scene it is not uncommon that they struggle with perfection, dieting, eating disorders, and body image problems that will carry on into adulthood. This is simply known as the “Princess Syndrome”: It is a fair tale unrealistic expectations to be thin, physically beautiful, and perfect. This is the heart of some disordered, eating behaviors, and body dissatisfaction.
This is what our children are learning while competing in beauty pageants.
Karren 3
Adults need to be aware of the potential long term impact that beauty pageants hold. Intense participation in activities that spotlight physical appearance instills the idea that beauty and charm are the keys to success. Many of the young women with eating disorders were trained at an early age to value physical perfection, thinness, athletic prowess and attractiveness. When it comes to performing education takes a backseat (Cartwright P.h.D).
As a result, child performers may believe that parental and or adult love and approval are based on how well they look or how well they ignite the stage with their presence. Long practice sessions are normal for these young kids and may interfere with social activities like sleep, eating, playing with friends, and homework. “What they are learning basically is that they have one characteristic which is of total primary importance, and that is their body and their attractiveness,” (Brown). Another concern is that contests may breed narcissism. These kids might put to much emphasis on physical attractiveness as they form relationships with others . Self love and value is critical for a child’s development. Pageants have changed over the years, with children going further and further to look more attractive. Going as far as getting tans, wearing wigs, even wearing false teeth to hide their baby ones.
In addition to the child development and image concerns there are financial issues surrounding beauty pageants. The run for crowns, and cash can cost thousands of dollars. Entry fees range from 10 dollars to 200 dollars, dresses can cost up to 5000 dollars with most averaging 1000 or so. At the highest level contestants are required to wear multiple outfits appropriate for the categories that doesn’t include coaches,
Karren 4
modeling lessons, makeup and travel adding up to an enormous price tag. This amount of pressure on parents may lead to financial problems and in some cases divorce. When parents become overly invested in the child’s success, it may more difficult to pull back and listen or see the true being nature of the harm it’s doing to your child.
Lisa J. Rapport, a psychology professor at Wayne State University in Detroit studied 74 former young performers in television an film. She found that mothers who served as managers were likely to have far less stable and positive relationships with their children than with mothers who kept business separate. When asked most parents said that their child wanted to be in pageants just like boys wanting to play football, or baseball. Pageant proponents say the contest offers the children many benefits. In addition to giving their child the chance to earn college scholarships, modeling contracts, and cash, parents of beauty queens claim it boosts their children’s self-esteem, builds self-confidence and forges lasting friendships.
For pageant judge Holly Tevan, pageants are a wonderful way for a family to spend quality time together. Her own children used pageants earnings to help pay for their college education. It is not uncommon for parents, especially those of young athletes, to exhibit what is known as “Achievement by Proxy”. In which they experience pride and joy through their child’s achievements but still recognize a child’s imitations.
“Achievement by Proxy Distortion” however, occurs when parents struggle to differentiate between their own needs and their child’s needs, and in order achieve what they perceive as success, they may engage in risky behaviors, objectification or even abuse. “If we can understand why parents are doing what they’re doing, then we can start addressing the problem,” (Cartwight). I think if the public understands why the parents are doing that then they won’t pay as much attention to these pageants, and putting our kids in danger. As parents we need to teach our kids the true value of beauty through natural ways. And that pageants are just for fun, our children need to have a real understanding of whats make believe and real life.