Kate Shindle - Miss America: More Than a Beauty Queen?

This article discusses the many factors of being a beauty queen. Many seem to think that the only thing you have to do to become miss USA is be pretty and look good in a swimsuit. Shindle points out that image is a definite part of obtaining and holding a title, but it is not the only thing that is important. "As Miss America in 1998, I helped raise an estimated $20 million to $30 million for HIV/AIDS organizations worldwide, lobbied legislators for more funding and better health-education programs for those who were infected, and served as a moderator at the 12th World AIDS Conferene in Geneva." Obviously, Shindle did more that just sit there and look pretty. She made a difference by raising money for an issue that effects many people today. What Shindle is concerned about is that Miss America's image does not include that today. She notes that many people think of Miss America as unintelligent, and that the only reason why she is Miss America is because of her image. "Administrators at one highly ranked university canceled an appearance, claiming that Miss America couldn't possibly have anything in common with their students." If I were Shindle, I would be very offended by this statement. Yes, being Miss USA includes looking good. But that is not the entire package. I think what Shindle is trying to get across is that the organization does not represent what it is supposed to represent. It sort of disregaurds the education and intelligence that the woman has, and puts forth the image. Shindle seems ashamed that the organization represents such a shallow image, and she beleives that it has changed since she was Miss USA. I think that if I had held a title and accomplished all of the things Shindle has accomplished, then I would be frustrated in seeing that the organization does not recognize these accomplishments as much as they should. She states that "I will be even prouder when the Miss America Organization defines its mission and lives up to its potential." I think that Shindle really just wants the organization to be recognized as it should be - not superficial, but something that benefits others and includes women who are valued not just for their looks, but for their intelligence and accomplishments as well. Something that proves that "the pagenat is the nation's largest provider of women's scholarships, and encourages thousands of young women to take leadership roles in their communities."