Has The Time Come To Discontinue The Miss America Pageant?

I think it is a great pageant. It has been around for years and has been very successful. Everyone has an opinion, but I don't see the harm in continuing it.

I think the opportunities for scholarships, and community service are important. I do not like that they are made "objects" through the swimsuit part of the contest.

Wow, yeah.. get rid of it all together.. no wonder we have such body image issues in our teen girls today..

We has women have come so far .I believe that there are so many other ways we can express our self's and built our self esteem then being apart of a pageant.

I absolutely think it should stop. I remember growing up with a best friend who was constantly entering beauty pageants and I had no self esteem for a long time because I couldn't measure up to her looks. Not that I'm ugly, but I would never have won a contest. I would get so mad because she would talk about her platforms (one of which was self esteem in girls) and think how hypocritical that someone who participates in contests that judge almost solely on looks would go around promoting how important is it that girls have good self esteem and are taken seriously for things like brains, athletic talent, musical gifts, etc. I am furious that all beauty pageants exist. I realize this makes me sound like a jaded old hag - I am not...I have a very happy life, but it makes me so sad that girls all over are judged so much are their looks and it isn't right. Beauty pageants hardwire that idea into our kids' consciences even more.

Yes, I think it should be discontinued.

I say if it's important to those women leave it alone. I might not watch or enjoy it but thats my choice. This is what they chose to do. Too many things are taken away from people just because others don't like it.

I think the pageant aspect with all the parading around on stage should stop but the scholarship program should change. It should be offered to women who need it and plan to use it to better this world - and their looks should not be a factor.

There is no harm. These woman are able to earn money, exposure, etc. To further their career goals. More power to them if they are beautiful, smart, and eager to enter!

I see no problem with it for those who are interested in watching, though it probably isn't the greatest for the self-esteem of women and young girls to have so much focus be on outward appearances.

I do not necessarily think it should die, but it could use a face lift! I think if they focused on empowering women it could be awesome. How about having a woman host the show and doing video of the amazing things these women have accomplished, less emphasis on the beauty and more on woman power :)

I think it is time to get rid of this. I am not a fan of beauty pageants. Beauty is a HIGHLY subjective thing to begin with. I also think it is awful for women around the world to see these women and feel that they could never be in that position because they do not meet all of this criteria. I do not even know the purpose of having this pageant really. What are they even representing in America? I really think it is outdated and has no room in society anymore.

Why in the heck would you want to end it? I think it is a part of American culture and it should remain. The contestants know what they are getting into when they join a pagent, I think they are great.

It's silly, outdated and a bit sexist, but pretty harmless. I don't watch it, but if the ratings are there, and people still want it, I guess it should continue for a while longer. Some of the lessons taught, such as portraying positivity, and keeping cool under fire and public speaking are good for girls, though the emphasis on the so-called perfect body isn't.

I'd be more comfortable with it, and possibly encourage my daughters to watch, if they got rid of the swimsuit competition.