Beauty pageants – are they still relevant?
Call it a sport or recreation or even a career, beauty pageants have left a footprint on society, which has grown bolder over the decades. Good or bad, pageants are consistently getting the attention. Thando MaMbokazi Dlomo, the newly crowned Supreme Queen World 2024 queen, shares some advice based on her years of experience in pageants.
ONE can be forgiven for assuming that beauty pageants are all about make-up, swimsuits, glamorous dresses and mega prizes. Over the years, though, pageants have moved from the judging and ranking of beauty to assessing a contestant’s character and social intelligence. Participants are expected to improve people’s lives, be role models, contribute to the messages for a better world and partner with drivers of change as ambassadors.
Views may differ as to whether pageants have a place in modern society or not. Do they really empower the contestants? Is the coveted prize worth it?
Recently crowned Supreme Queen World 2024, Queen Thando MaMbokazi Dlomo has seen it all during her career in pageants. Her crowns and sash collection date back to the tender age of 14. Decades later, the strutting ramps have transformed.
“Pageants boost your confidence. Walking on stage takes guts as you put yourself on a pedestal. The pageant experience, if used wisely, can open opportunities for you to work in other sectors or run a business. Mentally, it allows women to feel good about themselves and celebrate their beauty and talents,” Dlomo says.
Also read: Thando’s journey to pageant queen
She encourages parents and guardians to explore this platform and use it to the benefit of a child while exercising caution. “Personal grooming at a young age is important. However, children should not be pushed into doing pageants. It should rise from his or her point of passion and interest.”
“There is too much pressure in pageants. Politics also come into play, and some pageant organisers are money-driven as opposed to empowering girls and women. Pageants are sometimes rigged. There is exploitation and disrespect which may dampen your spirit. It’s important for you to do research before entering a pageant,” she cautions.
Also read: When you push your child too hard and too much
Beauty pageants for men and women alike are making strides, but the families of contesting queens and kings have a significant role to play. These individuals require more than cheers and pats. A solid structure of emotional support is key. Pageants stand to be a make-or-break tool, especially in younger participants.
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