7 Reasons that prove beauty pageants are still sexist

Say what you want, but there’s a reason why they’re called beauty pageants in the first place and that’s because the majority of the criticism and judgement these women receive, is based on how they look. It's sad but true reality.

If you pay attention, the only time beauty pageant contestants speak is when they are asked a question. The majority of the show features women walking up and down a stage, posing, smiling, and waving. Silencing women is as sexiest as it gets.

Beauty pageants perpetuate a harmful message to women and young girls, that you have to have a certain type of beauty to achieve true success. It's wrong on so many levels.

Sure, there are women of color but ever noticed how similar a lot of the girls look? I’m talking no curvy girls, no girls with scars or disabilities, or even curly hair girls. The majority of the contestants still have European-like facial features, slim bodies, big boobs, and long straight hair.

Most women don’t wear this much hairspray, extensions, falsies, or makeup in real life. Let’s get some real, natural-looking women in here. Beauty doesn’t have to always mean glammed up.

Seeing a stage filled with tall, thin women when you’re a short, curvy girl can have a negative impact on your self-esteem.

I’d love to see the day I can watch a beauty pageant and see them talk about things like the fight against Planned Parenthood, abortion, the gender wage gap, and other important women’s issues. We’ve seen them talk about it in small doses but never full blown.