Should We Still Have Beauty Pageants?

1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with these essential questions: Is it OK to judge someone based on their looks? Do beauty pageants objectify or empower women?

2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions:

• What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue is whether we should still hold beauty pageants in the U.S. This debate is timely because, as attitudes about women’s roles in society continue to change, many have questioned the relevance of beauty contests.)

• Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (Hilary Levey Friedman and Kimberly A. Hamlin are professors of subjects that include the study of women’s traditional roles in society.) 

• Analyze Friedman’s view. (Friedman argues in favor of beauty pageants. She points out that pageants give some women educational opportunities and a venue to pursue political action. She also argues that pageants should be allowed to exist as long as women want to compete.) 

• Analyze Hamlin’s view. (Hamlin argues against pageants. She argues that they exist to encourage women to conform to what society deems as acceptable and to reward women who do. She believes that, because there are now so many other ways for women to be seen and heard, beauty pageants are no longer necessary.)

4. Writing Prompt
In an essay, evaluate one of the debaters’ arguments. Assess whether the reasoning is valid and whether it’s supported with evidence. Point out biases or missing information.

5. Classroom Debate
Should we still have beauty pageants? Have students use the authors’ ideas, as well as their own, in a debate. 

6. Vote
Go online to vote in Upfront’s poll—and see how students across the country voted.