More than a Beauty Pageant
While many claim that Miss Universe is mainly a representation of national pride and celebration of beauty, I would argue that for the Philippines, it brings a sense of victory and voice that sets apart a colonized history of deprivation of Filipino indigenous character, aesthetic, and beauty. Thus, Miss Universe brings forth the ability to equalize and share the stage with other countries, reclaiming the true beauty of the Philippines.
Throughout the years of American influence of colonization, one of the many imprints the United States has left on the Philippines is beauty pageants. The idea of competing for beauty, social standard, and the art of pageantry has truly risen to popularity throughout Philippine culture. From a war torn country of colonized efforts from both Spain and America, and only winning true independence in 1946, colonization has truly deprived the nation of veracious representation and celebration of culture itself. Thus, Miss Universe brings forth an opportunity to celebrate a unique culture that is not looked down upon as exotic or alienated, but beautiful and honored. From the audience of Filipinos waving gigantic national flags, to the millions of people that simply tune in, the act of courage to compete to represent Filipinos everywhere is both witnessed and loved. For they are not only fighting for their nation, but the representation and deep history behind it, to display not only “dirty laundry” of a tragic history, but the success and beauty that arise from that. This has truly made a difference in how Filipinos compete, watch, and take part in the Miss Universe competition, because it is no longer a simple beauty pageant, but an indirect way reclaiming the lost years of deprived elegance and grace.
Moreover, many contestants themselves believe that their form of competing represents a new wave of fighting and representation that transcends a past history of violence and ruling. This representation doesn’t rely on an outcry of violence, but an outcry of the people and it’s supporters. These extremely nationalistic views of Miss Universe takes it above the strata of mere beauty and showcase of culture, but a cultural celebration of Filipino norms and values.
