We mentioned this back in May (see the article entitled “God Bless the USA”), but because we really like the photos, and because of the current round of criticism of the Miss Universe photo shoots, we think it should be revisited.
In 1952, the winner of the Miss America Pageant refused to be photographed in a swimsuit. The pageant sponsor, Catalina, who designed the swimsuits for the competition, pulled their support and decided to host their own pageant. The Miss USA Beauty Pageant was born.
Unlike the rival Miss America contest, there is no talent portion of the pageant for Miss USA. Contestants are judged in swimsuit, evening gown and interview categories. Since 1952, the pageant has been owned by various companies, and in 1996, it was purchased by the current owner, Donald Trump.
It would seem that the pageant is realigning their image this year. The official photoshoot for all contestants has traditionally featured swimwear.
This year, all contestants were photographed in provocative poses, on a big bed, in sexy lingerie. Over all, we applauded this idea. We envisioned these as the ideal American Girls…today’s pin up pictures on army foot lockers and barracks walls.
The next step for the reigning Miss USA and other national winners from around the world, is the Miss Universe Pageant. This week, the beauties are in Las Vegas gearing up for the big contest. Again, there is a traditional photo shoot that has always featured swimwear. The difference, this year, is that the contestants were asked “What they felt comfortable with.” Rima Fakih, Miss USA 2010, replied that she “feels comfortable with beauty.” Although many contestants chose to keep their clothes on, a number of them, including Miss USA, posed topless or in body paint for the official photo shoot on August 12. According to Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Latoya Woods, “You know that saying, ‘Bad publicity is good publicity?’ It’s going to be good!”