Natalie - it's so interesting to read your point of view on the subject as it relates to your younger self. Coming from India that has had her fair share of Miss Universes and Miss Worlds in the last two decades, I too was following these pageants as a young, impressionable girl. To the extent that I took part in them in my city. Beauty with Brains was the tag line back then. I was above average-height, an athlete to the core with a lean body. I have to think about it a little more but I am not sure if I was already confident about myself and therefore was able to participate in fashions shows and pageants or did participating in these shows add to my confidence? I can believe you when you say the girls are groomed for this endeavor as it is the same in India.

Thank you for writing about this as I am going to reflect on my experiences and try to find my stance on this topic.