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Beauty pageants more than skin deep, former winners say
Many people cynically say that beauty pageants are nothing more than a sexist showcase to flaunt women’s physical attributes and that their time has passed
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any people cynically say that beauty pageants are nothing more than a sexist showcase to flaunt women’s physical attributes and that their time has passed. They may not be entirely true. If so, what are the real benefits of this kind of competition?
People across the globe will follow live updates as 83 contestants compete in the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant final at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 23.
According to the Miss Universe organizers, the contestants will compete in three categories — swimsuit, evening gown and interview — in front of a panel of judges that includes illusionist Criss Angel, actor/producer William Baldwin, Oscar nominee/actor Chazz Palminteri, singer/actress Chynna Phillips, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Seymour and supermodel Niki Taylor.
National interests are represented by Qory Sandioriva, the 19-year-old who was crowned Putri Indonesia 2009. This is the fifth year Indonesia has sent a representative since Artika Sari Devi competed in 2005.
Artika left for the 2005 Miss Universe contest in Bangkok, Thailand, amid debate over the propriety of joining the beauty contest. Those who opposed her participation contended the contest was against the nation’s moral values.
The government banned Indonesian women from competing in such competitions during the Soeharto era, saying that beauty contests, which includes the swimsuit category, were inappropriate for Indonesians, not only because of religious values but also from a cultural perspective.
Alya Rohali, Putri Indonesia 1996, attended the Miss Universe event as an observer because of strong public resistance to the contest at the time. Even so, her attendance still sparked protests at home.
Artika took part in the swimsuit parade in 2005 wearing a one-piece bathing suit instead of a bikini.
Artika has repeatedly said that the Miss Universe contest was a great way for the world to learn more about Indonesia.
“It is such a rare opportunity to meet and get to know contestants from so many countries with their many different ethnicities and cultures,” the law graduate said.
Artika surprisingly made it to the top 15 in the contest, the highest position ever achieved by an Indonesian contestant. This year, Qory expects to repeat her predecessor’s success.
“I am hoping I will do better than Artika Sari Devi. Mbak Artika ended up in the top 15. Hopefully, I can reach the top 10 or top five,” Qory said.
Beauty contests have been a global phenomenon for decades, and also in Indonesia. Here, the competitions include Putri Indonesia, Miss Indonesia, Abang None and contests organized by local magazines, such as Wajah Femina (Face of Femina) and Gadis Sampul (Gadis’ Cover Girl).
Indonesia has also sent delegations to a number of international contests, such as Miss World and Miss ASEAN.
What exactly are the benefits for the contestants, beyond helping young girls gain fame and earn money quickly?
“The purpose of the Putri Indonesia contest is to provide an opportunity for Indonesian women to develop their skills and capabilities, presenting their best for this country,” Ahmad R. Subing, public relations officer for the Putri Indonesia Foundation, told The Jakarta Post recently.
The Putri Indonesia Foundation has organized the Putri Indonesia pageant since 1992, holding auditions in regions across the country. The winner of the competition represents Indonesia in the Miss Universe contest.
In 2005, local TV network RCTI began a similar event called Miss Indonesia, which sends the winner to the Miss World contest.
Miss Indonesia finalists seem to have no worries about with their future careers because once they are chosen as finalists they automatically become part of an agency called Star Media Nusantara (SMN).
“SMN will take care of their careers. The winners are provided special contracts with SMN,” RCTI marketing communications officer Tania Lengkana said.
“Finalists also receive training on manners, modeling and public speaking at the Star Harvest Academy.”
Nadine Chandrawinata, who represented Indonesia in the 2006 Miss Universe contest in Los Angeles, and took second place for the Best National Costume and Friendship Award, said her participation in the international contest gave her opportunities to promote the nation.
“My participation in the beauty contests has affected my career.
It’s been like my stepping stone to reaching my goals. Since I like diving, my focus is more on the marine sector,” said the 26-year-old, who is now known for her conservation campaign.
“If I were not chosen as Putri Indonesia or sent to the Miss Universe contest, people would not listen to me. But now I see people tend to appreciate my words.”
The World Wide Fund for Nature designated her as its marine conservation ambassador, while Wakatobi regency in Southeast Sulawesi province has appointed her its eco-tourism ambassador. Along with singer Maia Estianty, Nadine was also named a foster mother for the Sumatran elephant.
Even critics would have to concede that beauty pageants have become one way to boost the careers of many young women, not only in the entertainment industry, but also in other fields.
Putri Indonesia 2001 Angelina Sondakh, for instance, has become a member of the House of Representatives. Her successor, Melanie Putria, has been a TV presenter, while Artika herself has starred in films like Planet Mars and Opera Jawa and Roman Picisan (Silly Romance).
Miss Indonesia 2010 Asyifa Latief said she decided to take part in the pageant because she believed it would lead to more promising opportunities.
Personal development, communication skills and handling pressure are some of the benefits she gained from participating in pageants.
“I’ve learned so much from the contest, including how to control my emotions and how to handle various personalities. This has been an amazing experience,” said Syifa, who is studying accounting at Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung, West Java.
Syifa added that she also got the chance to help others. In the coming year she will take part in a series of social activities, such as teaching children in the Kartini Foundation, she said.
Syifa, 21, has also sealed a contract to star in a vitamin supplement commercial and soon will receive a scholarship.
She wants to change the stereotype about pageants and their contestants.
“Many people say that beauty contestants have no brains. Why don’t we change this stigma? Can’t we say a beauty pageant promotes a smart woman? I received the scholarship not only because of my achievement as Miss Indonesia, but also for my good grades,” she said.
