Can Miss America Survive? Ryan John

I think that if half of the "hit" shows on television can survive the ratings game, there is no reason why the Miss America Pageant cant make a comeback.  In our  information overload, media obsessed time, some good old fashioned buzz surrounding the event can certainly boost ratings.  Now the problem is, it seems to take the wrong kind of buzz to get people talking enough to tune in and watch.  The Carrie Prejean moment of 2009 was pretty interesting I thought.  But the only reason it generated so much controversy was because how traditionally cookie cutter it's use to being.  It needs more honesty...more rawness, and less pleasantries.  Why can a show like Charm School , or Tool Academy be successful?  Because it shows people at, in my opinion their worst.

The Miss America Pageant has too much of a wholesome, old fashioned congenial approach.  It's just not exposing enough and that's what people want to see.  It's unfortunate though.  I think Miss America contestants are pretty admirable role models for young girls.  Sure, the fundamental prerequisite is their attractiveness, but they tend to use it wisely.  Typically they get involved in their communities while working up the beauty pageant ranks and they have to hone one or more talents other than a walk and bathing suit presentation.  Now, of course I know this all so they can win the pageant, but it's way more respectable than how many other people use their looks. 

It's sad that the only way I can think to drum up ratings for this tradition is to contaminate it with controversy, but there has got to be marketing executives out there who can think of  a healthy positive something.   Maybe they need a Simon Cowell.  Or, more importantly, perhaps its the girls these pageants attract in the first place.  Maybe they need smart, well informed, honest and opinionated girls who stand for something and are willing to express it to America.  Kind of like Prejean.  And the smart, well informed, honest and opinionated Americans can have someone to root for.  Maybe then we'll tune in.