In the realm of beauty pageants, the narrative of body image and societal expectations has been a recurring theme. Several Miss Universe contestants have faced public scrutiny and mockery due to their weight, challenging traditional beauty standards and advocating for body positivity.
Siera Bearchell: Advocating Self-Love Amid Criticism
Siera Bearchell, crowned Miss Universe Canada in 2016, faced significant body shaming during her participation in the Miss Universe 2016 pageant. Despite her achievement, critics targeted her for a perceived weight gain, questioning her suitability as a beauty queen. Bearchell responded by emphasizing self-love and challenging narrow beauty standards. She stated, “I am secure and that’s what makes me beautiful.” Her stance resonated globally, sparking conversations about body image and the pressures faced by women in the public eye.
Alicia Machado: From Miss Universe to Body Positivity Advocate
Alicia Machado, who won the Miss Universe title in 1996, also endured public scrutiny regarding her weight. During her reign, she faced criticism and pressure to lose weight, leading to a highly publicized gym session organized by pageant officials. This experience highlighted the intense pressure beauty queens often face to conform to specific body standards. Machado later used her platform to advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance, becoming a prominent voice against body shaming in the entertainment industry.
Jade Dipka Garrett: Breaking Barriers as a Plus-Size Contestant
In a more recent example, Jade Dipka Garrett made history as the first plus-size contestant to participate in the Miss Universe pageant, representing Nepal in 2023. Her groundbreaking participation and advancement to the semi-finals were lauded as significant steps toward inclusivity. However, Garrett faced harsh criticism on social media for her fashion choices, with trolls accusing her of seeking attention and labeling her as “desperate.” Despite the negativity, Garrett continues to promote self-confidence and body positivity, sharing uplifting content on her social media platforms and encouraging others to embrace their bodies regardless of size.
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig: A Victory Amidst Evolving Beauty Standards
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig’s win as Miss Universe 2024 sparked significant social media reactions, primarily due to her being a biological woman following the pageant’s recent inclusion of transgender contestants. In recent years, the Miss Universe pageant has embraced diversity, allowing plus-size and transgender women to compete. Theilvig’s victory was met with mixed reactions, reflecting the evolving discourse on beauty standards and inclusivity in pageantry.
Challenging Traditional Beauty Standards
These instances underscore a broader movement within the beauty industry to challenge and redefine traditional beauty standards. Contestants like Bearchell, Machado, Garrett, and Theilvig have used their platforms to advocate for inclusivity, self-love, and the acceptance of diverse body types. Their experiences highlight the ongoing struggle against societal pressures and the importance of representation in media and pageantry.
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Perceptions
Social media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions of beauty. While it offers a platform for positive messages and support, it also exposes individuals to heightened scrutiny and criticism. The experiences of these Miss Universe contestants illustrate the double-edged nature of social media, where empowerment and body positivity coexist with trolling and body shaming. Navigating this landscape requires resilience and a steadfast commitment to promoting healthy and inclusive narratives.
Conclusion
The journeys of these Miss Universe contestants reflect a shifting paradigm in beauty pageants and society at large. By confronting criticism and advocating for broader definitions of beauty, they contribute to a more inclusive and accepting world. Their stories serve as reminders of the importance of self-acceptance and the ongoing effort to challenge and expand societal norms surrounding beauty and body image.
