Another blog post for my French class about child pageantry and how it has been banned in France.

~Last week , the French Sénat adopted a bill that would ban beauty pageants for participants under 16.  Given the popularity of shows like Toddlers and Tiaras in the US, what contrasts can you draw between US and French culture? What does the decision say about French attitudes RE: childhood, the role of government, and gender?~

I think it is sad to have young girls entered in pageants. Let me reiterate that further, I think it is sad that female minors, girls under the age of sixteen, are subjected to all manners surrounded by child pageantry. I do not find it glamorous at all. They endure so much stress during competition. Not to mention, having to don so much makeup and hairspray and inappropriate clothing not suited for their age. Girls before the age of fifteen should not even wear makeup; they are beautiful enough without it. Actually, all females are beautiful without makeup.

Pageantry and the stress behind it only show the little girls that this is the only way they will ever be truly beautiful. Some parents are harsh to their daughter’s when competing, especially when they do not win. Restricted diets, and routine of show, dance, and performance are not something a child should endure when they are growing up. It can all add up to harm their mental psyche. A child should enjoy their childhood, or at least have one.

The BBC news reports that France has put a ban on beauty pageants for girls under the age of sixteen. France also put a ban on child size adult clothing, such as padded bras and high heeled shoes.

According to USA Today, “beauty pageants promote the hyper-sexualization of minors.” USA Today goes on to say that it is not just the pageants that are to be blamed, but the parents as well, as they support and encourage the sexualization of their child. Makeup and inappropriate clothing, such as padded bras and tight fitting clothing should not be worn by minors. It can even explicit them to child predators. It can even go as far as what happened to Jon Benet Ramsey.

Will child pageantry be banned here in the United States?  Should it? What are your thoughts?