Many people are against beauty pageants, because people think that pageants are sexist, critical and demeaning towards women. Do beauty contests still have their use in society? Yes, many candidates earn a lot by participating in competitions. Candidates of all ages and genders benefit from competitive examinations. “Three parents interviewed registered their children for competitions because they suffered from congenital malformations. “Her plastic surgeon thinks it's wonderful because he sees parents hiding their children with a facial defect,” according to a mother whose daughter has a cleft palate. “We’re not looking to compete or for her to win. We go to meet other children and parents. We don't want her to think she's different, that she's not beautiful. (Cromie). The main reason why people participate in competitions is the benefit of gaining confidence. (Shappert). Parents enter their children in competitions when they are young so that they can learn to be comfortable with who they are and meet many new people. (Cromie). The downside of placing a child in the world of pageantry is that it can become very expensive. Parents can spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars just on the dress, not including hair, nails, false teeth and coaching, if the parent wants to increase their chances of winning. (Cromie). Another disadvantage of involving young children or even young adults in competitions is that the idea of ​​winning may cross their minds. The competition may become too serious for them. On TV shows like Tots and Tiaras, children are often shown throwing tantrums when they don't win. Television programs broadcast on television are not always based on the truth. Businesses need to entertain people to keep them interested and inspire them to learn more. In order...... middle of paper...... and go no further than they did. (Palmero). Winners of the competitions take part in a year-long parade, showing off the title they so proudly won, while demonstrating the confidence, recognition and communication skills they have acquired. The purpose of beauty pageants is to discover one's personality, one's own strengths and weaknesses as a person, to gain confidence and increase one's self-esteem, and to prove to people that it is not impossible to have beauty and intelligence. Works Cited Cromie, William J. "The Whys and Wrongs of Beauty Pageants." News.harvard.edu. 2000-2014. Internet. April 30, 2014. Palmero, Paul “Are Beauty Pageants Still Serving Their Purpose? Lifestyle.inquirer.net. 2010-2014. Internet. April 30, 2014.Rhonda Shappert “What are the benefits of beauty pageants? » Win at traverspageantry.com 2010-2014. May 7. 2014. “Why Oppose Beauty Pageants.” Object.org.uk 2014. Web. May 06. 2014.