Can Miss Universe Singapore’s expanded criteria make it a more inclusive pageant?

But colour me wary. The development of conditions” to preserve the show inclusive”, according to the press release, feels like little more than lip services.

SHOULD WE JUST GET RID OF Contests? &nbsp, &nbsp,

To be clear, I do n’t think the revised version of Miss Universe Singapore will be more than a checkbox exercise because there will be more contestants who may not fit the traditional pageant mold.

Anyone who has felt discriminated against due to visible traits, from disability to ethnicity, knows that diversity does n’t always mean inclusivity. The first ensures that your view is valued and integrated in that area while the latter guarantees that you get exposure to spaces you’re typically excluded from. &nbsp,

In the past, boldly transgender, gay, and bisexual women from other nations have represented the United States, but none have triumphed. Plus, the law that allowed parents, married, or pregnant women to engage had already been instituted by the Miss Universe Organization last month, with Miss Colombia 2023 being the first mom to thrive. &nbsp,

I do n’t think we should expect a truly inclusive idea of beauty on every level, despite Miss Universe Singapore’s new criteria making it possible for more diverse contestants.

Maybe a more extreme option would be to do away with ceremonies completely- the less-than-desirable effects that appearance-based competitions have on younger women, from their self-esteem to mental heath, is well-documented.

Charm AS VIRTUE&nbsp,

That said, there’s no denying that being considered pleasing to the eye does make life much easier. Also, just being part of an acclaimed show, even at a regional level, can be a stepping stone for women to further different ambitions. &nbsp,

For example, popular local actress Rebecca Lim, who placed in the top five of Miss Universe Singapore 2005, credited the pageant for “opening the door to stardom”, the press release stated. &nbsp,

Prior to the appointment of former Nominated Member of Parliament ( NMP ) Eunice Olsen in 2004, she had a significant amount of public support and recognition with her TV hosting and winning Miss Universe Singapore 2000. &nbsp,