Sounds Like A Cult The Cult of Beauty Pageants
Mar 7, 2023
The podcast delves into the world of beauty pageants and questions their cult-like characteristics, exploring the pressure to conform to beauty standards and the impact on self-esteem. It examines the origins of pageants, their relationship with the patriarchy, and the controversial involvement of Donald Trump. The financial and time commitments, as well as the sexualization of young girls, are also discussed. The podcast highlights the connection between child and adult pageants and expresses disapproval towards the former.
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Isa's Childhood Pageant Story
- Isa Medina shares a personal story about receiving pageant invitations as a child and feeling she wasn't "hot enough".
- She recalls her middle school best friend's brief but confident participation in a local pageant.
Women Run Yet Uphold Patriarchy
- Most participants and judges in beauty pageants are women, despite their patriarchal roots.
- Women often perpetuate beauty norms initially set by men, especially through societal and industry pressures.
Conformity and Stereotypes in Pageants
- Beauty pageants require conformity to community standards that escalate with each competition level.
- Contestants become exaggerated stereotypes of themselves, similar to an earnest form of drag performance.