Miss America

Along with lots of other women across the country, I watched Miss America with great expectations and much anticipation.  There are many women who believe that Miss America is outdated and just another to way to objectify women.  I am not one of those women.  Do I think they could reign it in some? Absolutely.  However, I am a total fan of the amount of scholarships that are given and the amount of money and time spent on raising awareness for charitable organizations.

But, last night I did not see the Miss America Organization that I grew up respecting.  Here's a list of reasons...

1. There was entirely too much product placement.  Those Sketchers were ugly.  I do not want Brooke Burke's Body workout.  I watch enough ABC shows.  These are just a few of the plugs made on last night's airing.  It was ridiculous.

2.  Miss America 2012 got jipped.  She had one minute to make her walk and play her plug about the year as Miss America.  No interview.  Not even on stage until the end of the program! The girl probably worked her butt off.  Let her enjoy her last night as Miss America.  Geez.

3. Those bathing suits.  I understand bikinis are a part of American culture, but seriously.  They could use a little more fabric.  Keep it classy.

4. Talent.  Oh my.  Some had it.  Some were trying really hard.

5.  I was somewhat happier about the judges this year, rather than previous years.  However, there can be some variety- Entertainers, Entrepreneurs, Politicians, Noted Authors, etc.  They should be judges because they are experts in their fields, not because they get a boost to their careers or other ABC shows.

6. The opening outfits were awful.

7.  Girls work their butts off to make it to Miss America.  Some want to change the world, while others want some fame.  Either way, they still have to put in time, money and hard work into making it where they do.  They deserve a pat on the back, and some carbs.  I don't think the organization gives them enough credit.

8.  If Miss America is an ambassador for multiple groups, those interview questions needed a little more depth.  Gun Control was a great and relevant topic.  Reality TV and Honey Boo Boo? Not so much.  There are far more important issues- Sex Trafficking, the Economy, International Affairs and the list goes on.  People are hurting and struggling in this country.  Miss America should be educated enough to answer questions about what is happening and show compassion.

9.  Don't let America vote.  They almost never make it to the next round and that's just torture. Be nice.

10.  Most little girls dream of being Miss America, but they shouldn't see it as the ultimate goal.  It should be the stepping stone for accomplishing things us regular people can't.  It should be the stage that allows them to make a difference.

Overall, I love the good that the Miss America Organization is able to do.  However, they shouldn't sacrifice legitimacy for better ratings.

Tell me what you think.  How did you feel about last night?