What's the point of beauty contests...oops...I mean pageants?  Supporters say that pageants such as Miss USA and Miss Teen USA aren't only focused on looks.  They involve well-rounded young ladies who are intelligent and ambitious, and that pageants should be seen as more of a scholarship program.  Some would make you think a beauty pageant is akin to being named a Rhodes Scholar.  Fortunately, the typical person understands the truth.  It's a way to parade some hot chicks around around in a socially appropriate way.  We're not staring at the hottie, we're looking at the bright young woman in the bikini who hopes to cure cancer, adopt 15 children from third-world countries, get her PhD, and bring about world peace!  If you think I'm wrong about my view, check out the clip below.  If pageants were  really about anything other than look, this chick would have never made it.   Miss Teen South Carolina must have made her state proud!



I would have followed up the answer with another question: "Please spell the word 'Map'.  We'll give you a hint.  It begins with an 'M' and ends with a 'P'.  You have 15 minutes to provide your answer".  It's too bad the contestants don't get challenging questions like that.