Responsibilities are there…wearing a crown

I had numerous calls, and messages, from readers, expressing their concern as to what’s happening in our beauty pageant scene – after checking out my article, last Thursday: ‘Sri Lanka…the land of beauty pageants.’

Some even indicated that participants, at these so-called beauty pageants, give the impression that they themselves are not quite sure as to the correct title of the contest they participate in.

Obviously, this is the scenario now with beauty pageants popping up like mushrooms…in our scene.

And, it’s very obvious that some of the winners lack the necessary qualifications to represent Sri Lanka at an international event.

I wonder if our beauty pageant franchise holders are aware of the Role and Responsibility of a Title Holder of a Pageant! No, I don’t think so.

Most of our winners disappear, after a very short period, in the spotlight, while the franchise holders get busy planning out their next move (or contest).

The following guidelines must be adhered to when a queen is chosen…

Goodwill Ambassador

A title holder becomes associated with many organisations, especially the sponsors. And, as a Goodwill Ambassador, the main purpose should be to further an important social cause, using the popularity factor. Does this happen in our scene!

Fundraising

The magnetic personality (sadly lacking where some of our winners are concerned) of a title holder helps to attract people’s attention and to sensitise the public about targeted social problems. This, in turn, helps raise funds for the eradication of such social problems.

Speeches

As a title holder of a pageant, one of the skills, the queen should possess, is good communications skills. Most of her public appearances, as a Goodwill Ambassador, or at a fundraiser event, would require her to make a commendable speech about the cause she is supporting. She would be expected to promote the event, stating clearly why people should follow her example.

Role Model

A pageant title holder is not just an eminent person on special occasions. Apart from proving her intelligence, talent and pleasing personality as the winner, she is an advocate of social service. She has a huge moral responsibility and has to maintain a respectable character. A title holder is an image of a well-educated and successful personality.

Unfortunately, we have too many queens in the scene, these days, and they all seem to be concerned only about walking the ramp, parties, etc. Charity work is furthest away from their minds.

And, it’s at this point in time that our queens should be involved in charity work…lending a helping hand to ease the sufferings of the poor – children, especially.

The question being asked is whether these beauty pageants are money spinners for certain folks.

A veteran designer-cum-choreographer indicated that many individuals are trying to make a fast buck and ruining the setup.

He went on to say that the government should intervene and monitor the type of contestants that represent the country at beauty pageants.

“It has come to a sad plight of the caliber of beauty pageant winners we make today”, he added.

Just look at the Indians. Everyone is a potential winner at the big international events.

Will we ever have another Maureen Hingert in our midst? Dreams do come true, they say, so let’s keep our fingers crossed!

Right now, as I see it, these local beauty pageants are all a waste of time and money.