Beauty contests were first started over 50 years ago. The attitude towards them is very ambiguous. Some parents and organizers say that this type of competition develops the child, teaches him perseverance and self-confidence. Psychologists and educators are sounding the alarm that such events can negatively affect the unstable psyche of the child. Are they necessary - children's beauty contests?
In some countries, children's beauty contests are illegal. Cosmetics on children are also banned in Europe and their use is subject to penalties.
Why children's beauty contests are not needed?
The public, psychologists and educators are against these events. What are their arguments?
Psychologists say: when bringing children to such shows, parents think first of all about themselves, about unfulfilled plans and indulge their pride. In pursuit of satisfying their own ambitions, adults forget that not only the body is mutilated, but also the fragile child's psyche. Such early integration into show business will almost certainly end in a crippled fate.
It would be good for parents to look at the situation without pink glasses: 1 out of a thousand children are capable of withstanding childish pressure, not breaking down and achieving success in the modeling business. What will happen to your child and is it worth risking your child's future for the sake of a ghostly incomprehensible dream?
Any competition is always a competition. Not all children are ready for this. They experience anxiety, stress, fear not to meet the expectations of their parents. It seems to the child that the love of the parents will depend on his victory or defeat in the competition. The result of competition can be increased demonstrativeness or, on the contrary, shyness, withdrawal into oneself and fear of self-manifestation or resentment. The assessment of others can greatly affect a child's self-esteem, making it unstable.
The downside is that there are certain stereotypes and standards at beauty contests. But every child is an individual, not like anyone else. Every little girl needs to be told that she is beautiful, but not to trade in her beauty.
Moms and dads themselves do everything to eradicate everything that is childish in childhood as early as possible and immerse the child in adulthood, and then they panic about the early growing up of their child.
Children do not have an innate desire for comparison, this trait is instilled in them by their parents.
Also, psychologists are convinced that fixation on one's own beauty is extremely undesirable for the development of personality. An emphasis on appearance at such a young age will negatively affect the psyche and character of the young participants. The conviction is formed that appearance is a supervalue.
Due to such events, girls grow up early and look like vulgar women. Excessive sexuality of children can lead to very disastrous consequences. In 1996, a 6-year-old model girl, winner of many American beauty contests, was brutally murdered by a sex maniac. The culprit, a fan of young beauty, has not yet been found.
Participation in such contests can forever change the life priorities of children - the “distorting mirror effect” is triggered. Little girls get used to the image of a sexy adult woman - revealing outfits, high heels, false nails and eyelashes, and sometimes even breasts and buttocks. Some mothers think that the brighter their daughter's makeup in the competition, the more beautiful she is and the more chances of winning.
Not so long ago, the world community was excited by the news that the mother of an eight-year-old girl, for the sake of beauty contests, gave her Botox injections and waxing. As a result, the woman was deprived of her parental rights. But who got better from it? In any case, the child remained unhappy.
A word in defense
Participation in any competition, incl. and in beauty contests, teaches perseverance, hard work, self-confidence. Children have new friends and fear of the public disappears, which is useful both in school and in adulthood. Little girls learn from childhood to be real "ladies".
When holding children's beauty contests, the organizers make sure that no participant leaves without a title and an incentive prize, so that no one is left offended.
On the positive side, beauty contests are often conducted under the supervision of professional educators and psychologists. The child must be mentally prepared for both the first place and the last.
Parents decide for themselves whether or not beauty contests are needed for the child. Someone they benefit, someone - a crippled fate. It is always worth remembering that childhood is very fleeting and only you and your attitude towards the child will determine whether it will be happy!
