World, Writing, Wealth discussion

We are about to host the 70th Ms. Universe. Some say it’s anachronistic, objectifying, and so on, others say it’s a successful commercial show with 600 000 000 spectators worldwide. Can ppl compete in beauty or is it a no go in 21-st century? Where do you stand?

I'll be sorry to see it go, Nik.

A little known fact amongst the goodreads community is that I used to be a male model. Unfortunately, my teeth started falling out through too many cigarettes and sweeties (I gave up both a while back) and my hair started receeding too, so I had to change career.

Would Mis be willing to post a picture of herself in a fur coat, short skirt and cossack hat to celebrate female beauty before Ms World comes to an end?

Beau wrote: "...my teeth started falling out through too many cigarettes and sweeties (I gave up both a while back) and my hair started receeding too, so I had to change career...."

Vaccine fixes that, so you can be back in biz in no time. Stay safe, stay handsome!

The adage: Beauty lies within the eye of the beholder is an undeniable fact. One's perception of what is beautiful is directly impactef by one's cultural and philosophical influences, as well as social attitudes and personal life experiences.

At 74 years of age, I still find my head turns and eyes focus upon an attractive woman I may see. Personally, I am a leg man. I am probably one of the few males who always lowered my eyes and found myself focused upon actress/singer, Dolly Parton's shapely legs rather than the rather obvious assets located a bit higher on her anatomy.

Political correctness has encouraged renouncing and eliminating activities or promotions that appear to emphasize the physical attributes of women. If one agrees, then don't watch or support beauty pageants. If one does not, then enjoy.

As the French saying goes: Men and women are different! "Vive la difference!"

Nik, what do you mean "vaccines fix that"? Fix what? If there's a vaccine for bad teeth, I want to know:-) I'm looking at some expensive crowns in the near future.

I didn't even know there was still a Ms Universe pageant. But who cares? If people want to compete and people want to watch, good for them. Personally, I think imperfect looking people can be beautiful when you get to know them. Beautiful people are everywhere.

Scout wrote: "Nik, what do you mean "vaccines fix that"? Fix what? If there's a vaccine for bad teeth, I want to know:-) I'm looking at some expensive crowns in the near future...."

I wish there was one. It was a tailormade remedy for Beau only, who knows how the vaccine could affect him? :)

Quick! Vaccinate him while he is not looking and find out :-) If you leave it to Beau you will die wondering :-)

I am a hopeless liar because I've been cursed/ blessed (whatever you want to call it) with a conscience.

I might be good looking (the grey person with the book isn't actually a photo) but have to admit, in a moment of high jinx, after consuming several drinks, I posted an untruth (alright, a downright lie) about having been a male model :(

There, I feel better now but come on, guys, you didn't think I was being serious, did you?

As for this bad teeth stuff - I do not have bad teeth! I might have lost one or two over the years but you can't tell when I smile and those that I have left are strong and gleaming white. I am not Austin Powers! Lol ;)

Ian, I go to the dentist every 6 months so no vaccine required. As for a vaccine for hair loss, no thanks. When I started losing it, I made sure to always get it cut short because less is more under those circumstances. It's great no longer needing a hair brush :)

Beau wrote: "...As for this bad teeth stuff - I do not have bad teeth! I might have lost one or two over the years but you can't tell when I smile and those that I have left are strong and gleaming white...."

Instead of tiring us with lengthy description, you can just upload a profile pic with a toothy smile :)

Congrats to Harnaaz for this universal success! https://indianexpress.com/article/lif...

She's a cracker isn't she, Nik?

I had a photo up when I had the full account, so you know what I look like. I'll do so again if I decide to fill the forms in again but, being an old school chap, I don't bother taking selfies, etc, so am short on supply at the mo :)

I am 5 ft. 6 in. tall, wear glasses, and, at best, would be described as average looking. However, I did experience an 8-year perioid (1968 thru 1976) as a professional Country musician (guitar/bass/singing), during which, for some reason, attractive women, who would have politely (or not so politely) brushed me off had I approached them as a customer at the bar, somehow viewed me as miracuously tall, charming, and good looking.

That said; I somehow convinced a lovely, wonderful lady to marry me in 1970. She stuck with me, through good times and bad, for 35 1/2 years, providing me with 5 wonderful children, who have in-turn provided me with 4 fantastic grandchildren.

Life is good!

Jim, the more I hear from you the more I like you :)

I just had a look at your profile picture (hope you don't think that's spooky ;)) and you are a very handsome chap. You've got a bit of a Johnny Cash look about you.

Your marriage sounds like it was absolutely idyllic and has produced something absolutely priceless - your wonderful children and grandchildren. Good on you.

By the way, your back story reminds me of a funny interview in the UK. Our most celebrated magician was somebody called Paul Daniels. He had a much younger and incredibly attractive wife, called Debbie McGee. She appeared on a chat show and was interviewed by a popular TV figure of the time, called Mrs Merton

Mrs Merton asked Debbie, 'What first attracted you to the millionaire, Paul Daniels?' Lol!

Just had one more look - I won't do it again - and I also think you resemble a young Edward Woodward.

Beau wrote: "Jim, the more I hear from you the more I like you :)

I just had a look at your profile picture (hope you don't think that's spooky ;)) and you are a very handsome chap. You've got a bit of a Johnn..."

Beau,

Your reference to Mrs. Merton's inquiry as to what caused the lovely Debbie McGee to initially be attracted to millionaire, Paul Daniels, is enlightening. It is amazing how just a few millian dollars/pounds can enhance the magnetic personality of a person.

Found it.
https://youtu.be/Lj-9lSEBBm0

Ah, the power of money. Nothing like a big pile of filthy lucre to make all of your failings disappear, cosmetic, moral, and others too.

Oh, well done, J! Just watched it for first time in years. Excellent!

Mrs Merton was a great character. She was a massive hit and the woman who played her, Caroline Aherne, was a comedy genius. Regrettably, she died well before her time but is fondly remembered by everyone I know.

Why, Mel & Don seemed pure love, while Harry clearly went after the money in Meg, the divorced Vlad should appear more with women in public lest some funny thoughts start to creep in, and then there is Emmanuel…. :)
According to fiction and movies trillionaires should be much younger. Forbes must be wrong

I think it's objectifying as long as the object is not to highlight the most intelligent and talented among an international group of women, but the most tall, slim, pretty 18-26 year old among a group of other tall, slim, pretty 18-26 year olds. Oh, wait - is it another "scholarship pageant?"
600,000 worldwide is nothing as an audience. And Miss U isn't alone in struggling to find viewers - pageants and awards shows are all losing viewership. Back in the day, when everyone had 3 main network channels, maybe PBS on the TV, it was "event television." Now you have a billion channels, competition from podcasts, YouTube, social media and they've all gotten to be anticlimactic. In fact, I didn't even know it was on television until two days later.

Barbara wrote: "I think it's objectifying..."

Yeah, I thought the opinions might differ. They claim to have the TV audience of 600 mil not thousands worldwide. Not a small number. It had 2.7 mil viewers on FOX this year, that is not too many indeed

I'm with Barbara in that I didn't actually know it still existed until Nik posted the link, so its profile in the UK has also fallen dramatically.

I also believe that most women reach their peak, in terms of beauty, in their 40s, not late teens or 20s. Just my opinion, of course.

My opinion s that irrespective of its faults, it can't be worse than much of what calls itself "reality TV".

74 years of life experiences have brought me to the conclusion that most women are beautiful; especially those who think they are not. The same observation applies to people in general - male as well as female.

I agree with Ian about reality TV, especially when it involves celebrities, although did once see a decent programme called Survivor - UK version, of course.

Your last post was nicely put, Jim.

Barbara wrote: "I think it's objectifying as long as the object is not to highlight the most intelligent and talented among an international group of women, but the most tall, slim, pretty 18-26 year old among a g..."

Is it objectification? Sure.

Do women do the same thing to attractive men? Yep.

The prevalence of one perspective over the other is a function of which side spends more money, not moral standing.

I just found out they had the Miss America pageant not long ago. Never heard about it, didn't know when or if it was on TV. Sort of confirmed my idea that these pageants, as far as a "show" goes are pretty much outdated.

It will be outdated when no one's able to make money from it.

good point, Scout

You might not know, but the pageants still happen regularly, now a Czech lady winning Miss World 2024: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/09/st...
Not yet transgendered :)

I'm not interested in a ladies beauty pageant in which there is a non-zero chance that one of the contestants will say, "... When I was a little boy in..."