A Look Back With Doug: 1995 Miss America Swimsuit Decision

Today's Look back takes us to 1995, when the Miss America Swimsuit Competition was voted on to stay or go during the show. Today's look back is rather fitting, since this last weekend the Miss America was on.

The Miss America program has been around since the 1920s.  This program is about promoting platforms, gaining confidence, showcasing talent, public speaking, health and much more. It is said that the Miss America is the ideal woman in each of these components. While there is not a doubt that a lot has changed since the 1920s when Miss America first started, there has been many who wanted change. The swimsuit competition is something that is always talked about. I can face the reality that swimsuits are a lot more revealing than the days of old, but it does show off the health side of young women, however when I was a judge it made up one of the lowest percentage of points to make a woman the next Miss America, Miss Missouri, Miss West Central Missouri, etc.

I remember judging and serving as the emcee for this time frame and it is one of the fastest sections of a show, but yet the most talked about. Just do a quick google search of Miss America and you're bound to see tons of links to the swimsuit section. It is no wonder it was voted to stay in 1995 and hasn't changed since. The Miss America has changed a lot to make sure the swimsuit portion isn't about who looks the greatest in the string bikini. I even applaud Miss Idaho, Sierra Sandison, on wearing the insulin pump during the competition to inspire others with diabetes that it's ok. I even like her facebook post that she had,

I would never have dreamt of posting a swimsuit picture on social media, but diabetics from all over the country have been asking to see me and my insulin pump on the ‪#‎MissIdaho2014‬ stage. Honestly, it is terrifying walking out on stage in a swimsuit, let alone attached to a medical device. My message to everyone, diabetic or not, is that we all have something that doesn't "measure up" to the beauty standards set by the media--and that is okay! It does not make you any less beautiful. We also all have obstacles, challenges, and trials. Diabetes turned my life upside down when I was first diagnosed. Don't let your challenge hold you back or slow you down. Use it to, not only empower yourself and grow as an individual, but to serve and influence other people as well.

I will say while it may be the most talked about portion, I was glad to be a part of the program and gained the understanding that it is much more than a beauty pageant, but I am glad it stayed in. You might check in with me when my daughter comes to that age, my opinion may change then.