Stew and I attended last nights Miss Pomona Scholarship Pageant, as did our Mayor, most members of the Council, a couple members of the school board, loads of proud families, and at least one couple shopping for a caterer.
After enjoying good eats from the buffet line, we listened to rockin' speeches given by the three finalists about the history and future of Pomona. After each speech, the Mistress of Ceremonies offered reflections and insights about the pageant.
During one such reflection, she commented that David Allen had asked her if the pageant was sexist. She said no, and offered the following two lines of evidence in support of her position:
1. Pageants have been around for a long, long, long, long time. [Ah yes, now I understand why unequal pay for equal work is also not sexist. Huh?]
2. Boys could answer these questions, too. [Right. So why don't we invite them to do so? Surely the young men of Pomona would also like to compete for scholarship money.]
I have no idea how either of these points connect with the issue of sexism. Perhaps someone out there can enlighten me. While you're at it, what do you think about the idea of Mister Pomona Scholarship event? Or maybe even an inclusive, less gender dichotomized event?
There were a couple other cringe moments during the pageant, but mostly the event was a lovely celebration of the achievements and promise of the young women of Pomona. Thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible! And, a truly heart felt thank you to the 22 contestants who stand as the jewels in Pomona's crown. You impress and inspire.
Now, how do we go about booking the Queen and her court for community events?
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8 comments:
If you were really paying attention to what the amazing young ladies had to say, then maybe you would have taken their advice. They were promoting a positive image of Pomona. It bothers me that you would start your post about a good thing and then ruin it with unnecessary criticism.
I actually found Pride's observations to be exceedingly positive. Yes, she was somewhat critical of the response to David Allen's question, but the 'take home' message for me was a congrats to all the participants and the volunteers who made it happen.
I agree with Ed. Pride's message was one that good things are happening in Pomona.
Some people seem think that this is a blog that should ONLY cheer lead for the city.
The Miss Pomona Pageant was a wonderful celebration of all that is good in our city, starting with our youth, the promise of our future. Thank you DPOA, co-chairs Mickey Gallivan and Lorena Matarrita - very well done. Keep up the good work, you are on the leading edge of changing our community for the better and highlighting the positive side of Pomona.
With that said, one thought on the sexism comments. My feeling is that since our city is based on the image of a woman, a goddess, then it is only right that we be represented by a woman as our "Face" to the public.
I do like the idea, however, of an opportunity for young men to shine in Pomona, Lord knows we could use a few more good male role models. Perhaps crown a young man who has turned his life around, said no to peer pressure and leads the campaign for a wholesome family friendly town. Problem is coming up with an appropriate name for the scholarship program. Not those silly, yet creative, ones I heard floating around at the pageant!!
Very well said Anonymous. It is very true, our City gets its name from the Goddess of Fruit, Pomona. It only makes sense to continue the tradition of the Miss Pomona Pageant and to give the young ladies of Pomona the opportunity to become a "Modern Goddess" in our City. The 2010 court deserve to be rewarded for their hard work in school, their dedicated hours within our community, and for helping us making Pomona a better place.
Mind that, this is a pageant upon young women leading to be role models in our community and in academics. One should not merely ruin an event and celebration of honest hard work with sexism. Besides, would not this be a "revolutionary" pageant - focusing on womanly role models, rather than looks!?!? Hmmm... Indeed, put your money where your mouth is.
Mind that, this is a pageant upon young women leading to be role models in our community and in academics. One should not merely ruin an event and celebration of honest hard work with sexism. Besides, would not this be a "revolutionary" pageant - focusing on womanly role models, rather than looks!?!? Hmmm... Indeed, put your money where your mouth is.
Thank you 'Anonymous':
"My feeling is that since our city is based on the image of a woman, a goddess, then it is only right that we be represented by a woman as our "Face" to the public."
I don't think this event is sexist at all. There are many scholarships that have different qualification guidelines. This just happens to be open to females only... with out silly swimsuits competitions! Brownie points to 'Disgruntled' also!
Great event 'Pageant Committee Member', co-chairs and other organizers!
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