Why Zendaya judging Miss America might just be the best thing to ever happen to pageants
Let’s talk beauty pageant stereotypes. When you think “Miss America,” what images come to mind? It’s easy to associate pageantry with white teeth, small waists, shiny hair, swimsuits, ball gowns, and that really particular princess wave – but the women competing for titles like Miss America are so, so much more. They are well-educated scholars, disciplined athletes, and advocates for charity. And yes, most of them are really good at that wave, probably from years of practicing.
This year, Miss America is taking an awesome step toward breaking free of pageant stereotypes by including pop star, Zendaya, on their panel of judges. It was recently announced that the 18-year-old would join Paralympic bronze medallist (and fellow contestant on Dancing With the Stars) Amy Purdy, author Chris Kyle, and country music singer Brett Eldredge as a judge for the competition as it celebrates its 95th anniversary in September.
Zendaya will make the perfect Miss America judge because she has never been shy about publically crushing the media’s harmful stereotypes of women. Back in February, when E! correspondent Giuliana Rancic made a derogatory, pretty much racist comment about the hairstyle that Zendaya was working at the Oscars, the teen made an incredibly eloquent statement on Instagram. She pointed out that Giuliana’s criticism of her hair – specifically, G saying that it probably smelled like weed — was not only offensive as an individual incident, but that it perpetuated a bigger problematic stereotype in society as a whole.
It’s clear that Zendaya has her eye on the big picture for women. She wants to put an end to hurtful labels that the media puts on ladies, especially regarding their appearance. Miss America might invoke images of perfect smiles and poofy dresses, but as a judge, Zendaya is totally going to see beyond the sparkles and pageantry.
In a statement about joining the panel of judges, the singer stressed that she sees the Miss America competition as a celebration of strong women and is excited to highlight the participants’ talent and advocacy.
In preparation for the 2016 Miss America Competition, which will take place in Atlantic City on September 13, I highly suggest everyone – contestants and audience members alike – to watch and then rewatch Zendaya’s on-point advice about beauty. Basically, as she says, “Do you, boo boo. Be happy.”
Now THAT is a reason to princess wave.
