Brain Snacks: Tasty Tidbits of Knowledge
The Miss America pageant started in 1921 as a way to entice tourists to Atlantic City, New Jersey. We guess the boardwalk wasn't enough? (Source)
Until 1948, Miss America was crowned while wearing her swimsuit. Reporters actually protested when crowning-wear was switched to evening gowns. (Source)
Like Petra, transgender women have actually fought to compete in several beauty pageants. Most recently, 2012 Miss Universe Canada contestant Jenna Talackova got Miss Universe to change their rules and allow transgender women to compete. Girl's a fighter. (Source)
In France, child beauty pageants are a straight-up no-no. The Senate banned beauty pageants for girls under sixteen in 2013. Sounds like a recipe for self-confidence. (Source)