PERCEPTION

Delegates train and compete in beauty pageants for years before ever winning the crown.

Most titleholders have never competed in the pageant system before being crowned. For example most recently, Denise Quiñones, Miss Universe 2001 and Hilary Cruz, Miss Teen USA 2007, have never competed in pageants before winning their state and then national crowns! In addition, state titleholders such as Vanessa VonBehren, Miss Minnesota Teen USA 2007, Robyn Johnson, Miss Wyoming USA 2007, Alexis LeVan, Miss South Dakota USA 2006, Alexandra Hoffman, Miss South Dakota Teen USA 2006, Andrea Parliament, Miss South Dakota USA 2004, Jessica Dereschuk, Miss Minnesota USA 2004, Nicole Cuppy, Miss South Dakota Teen USA 2003, and Allison Arling, Miss Minnesota Teen USA 2004 had never compete in a pageant before they won their state titles.

PERCEPTION

A beautiful woman can be created! Delegates competing in pageants are encouraged to undergo or have undergone cosmetic surgery.

REALITY

The majority of our delegates have not surgically altered themselves. In fact, at the international level many countries, including Sweden, France and Israel, have banned plastic surgery from their events completely. We do not encourage or endorse any kind of unnecessary surgery. As a matter of fact, there are no height, weight or measurement restrictions for any of our competitions. However, we must also respect our delegates’ individual rights to choose for themselves what makes them feel most confident and comfortable.

PERCEPTION

Beauty Queens all want “world peace”, and don’t have any understanding of current events and issues affecting the world.

REALITY

The Miss Universe Organization has targeted three issues and aligned them with each of our titleholders to maximize fundraising and educational effects. For example, every MISS USA lends her support as an advocate for breast and ovarian cancer research. She works with organizations, such as American Cancer Society, The Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fun, the City of Hope, Gilda’s Club, the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations, National Breast Cancer Coalition, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the TJ Martell Foundation, as a goodwill ambassador, educating women on early detection of these deadly diseases. Each MISS UNIVERSE works to see the end of the global AIDS epidemic with organizations such as AmFAR, The Center For Disease Control and the Harvard AIDS Institute. MISS UNIVERSE also works with the United Nations’ Face-to-Face International, to insure that women everywhere can exercise their basic rights to equal education and employment, equal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and freedom from discrimination and violence.

MISS TEEN USA works with organizations such as SHiNE (Seeking Harmony in Neighborhoods Everywhere), PAX: Real Solutions to Gun Violence and MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving) to instigate change.

Recent examples include: Mpule Kwelagobe, MISS UNIVERSE 2000, created a not-for-profit foundation during her reign which funded and built a 400 bed pediatric AIDS hospital and orphanage in her native Botswana – one of the African nations hardest hit by the disease. After earning her law degree, Wendy Fitzwilliam, MISS UNIVERSE 1998, Created the Hibiscus Foundation for children stricken by HIV/AIDS in her native Trinidad/Tobago, where there is a hospital wing named after her and dedicated to her work. Michelle McLean, MISS UNIVERSE 1992, established a charitable trust with her prize money to aid the children of her homeland, Namibia, and has worked the Dr. Christiaan Barnard to develop an international heart transplant foundation. Wendy Dascomb, MISS USA 1969, developed a ground breaking therapeutic equestrian riding program and center for accident victims and the physically challenged. Lynnette Cole, MISS USA 2000, works as a bi-partisan lobbyist in Washington, D.C., for the Congressional Coalition for Adoption. Charlotte Lopez, MISS TEEN USA 1993, penned a book bringing national attention to the foster-care system.

PERCEPTION

After giving up their crown, titleholders fade away, and their “fifteen minutes of fame” is abruptly over.

REALITY

Former titleholders continue to make great strides in their communities and the nation through their chosen professions or philanthropic work. Whether they choose careers in the medical, legal, business, civic, political, entertainment arenas, or choose motherhood our titleholders continue their legacy of empowerment and activism throughout their lives.

PERCEPTION

Beauty Pageants support the exploitation of women.

REALITY

Some delegates choose to participate to continue with their college careers. Others enter for the career opportunities, and still more participate simply because they see the competition as a means to escape their small towns or to build their selfesteem/confidence. The reasons vary as much as the personalities of the women who enter. These competitions provide the access, means and guidance to help delegates maximize their strengths and achieve their professional and personal goals. Our judging system awards points based equally on personal interview, style (evening gown) and fitness (swim suit). Additionally, consideration is placed on self-confidence, poise, public speaking skills, knowledge of current events and personality.

© Future Productions, LLC & Miss Universe, L.P., LLLP