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Factual: Health & Wellbeing

How major news stories are affecting the lives of people around the world

Bringing together people from around the world to discuss how major news stories are affecting their lives.

BBC OS Conversations: Beauty pageants

Factual

Beauty pageants

24/05/2024 GMT

BBC World Service - BBC OS Conversations, Beauty pageants

Contestants, judges and an organiser on the stereotypes and positive experiences

Contestants, judges and an organiser on the stereotypes and positive experiences.

In the United States, questions are being asked after two beauty queens, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, stepped down in as many weeks. The sudden and controversial resignations have put the spotlight on a global, multi-million dollar business.
 
With focus on one part of the pageant industry, we get a broader overview of what it is like to take part with former winners from Germany, Finland and Nigeria. 
 
“There’s a lot of pressure in the modelling industry about looking a certain way and maintaining a certain weight and body size,” says Miss Universe Nigeria, Michel Ihezue. 
 
“I wanted to branch out and do something that I felt would have more impact on myself and people around me. So not just being pretty, but also having a voice.”
 
Host James Reynolds also hears from two pageant judges and an organiser based in Dubai on how protections are put in place for those taking part.
 
Plus, former Miss Great Britain Amy Meisak and her mother Laurie discuss how she persuaded her mum to enter her first contest at the age of 55. For Amy, it has increased her opportunities, though at first not everyone understood.
 
“I had quite a lot of people at my work making fun of me,” said Amy. “You know, ‘What is all this kind of Barbie doll stuff?’; ‘Is it a cry for attention?’ There’s such a negative stereotype. It’s so much more than a glittery crown.”
 
A Boffin Media production in partnership with the BBC OS team.

(Photo: Former former Miss Great Britain Amy Meisak and her mother Laurie. Credit: Amy Meisak)

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