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For anyone who might not know; Donald Trump, the Marilyn Chambers of self-promotion, is the owner of the Miss USA Pageant. Carrie Prejean is the winner of Miss California and runner up to Miss USA. Miss Prejean was asked a question concerning the passage of a bill recognizing gay marriage and the answer she gave; that she personally, believed that marriage should be between a man and a woman is when all hell broke loose. The question was written and asked by openly gay celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and when he did not receive the answer he wanted has proceeded to insult, vilify and try to destroy Miss Prejean in the media. Those are just the basics; the story gets much more interesting the deeper you delve.
Enter Shanna Moakler; Miss USA 1995, who is a spokesperson for the pageant. She has condemned Miss Prejean for answering the question honestly. Ms. Moakler and Perez Hilton's main arguments seem to be that the contestants in the pageant are required to represent all Americans and by stating what 70% of Americans believe Miss Prejean is not being inclusive. What they do not seem to understand is that; first of all we live in the United States of America (hence the name of the pageant) and everyone is permitted to have their own opinions. Secondly, that Miss Prejean started her answer by stating just those sentiments and how happy she was to live in such a country. Thirdly, she also started her answer by apologizing to anyone she might offend. And, finally if the pageant is so concerned about the contestants giving offensive answers then why were the judges permitted to asked loaded and potentially offensive questions?
The second argument being brought out is, by my count, 2 “semi” nude modeling photographs Miss Prejean had professionally taken when she was 17 years old. Now a couple of things about this seem disingenuous; firstly the photos show less of her body than when she and all the other contestants paraded for the swimsuit part of the competition. Second, the current Miss Rhode Island posed topless for Maxim magazine and there are no repercussions for her. Thirdly, it seems that Miss Prejean had breast augmentation surgery for the contest but guess what, the pageant paid for the surgery. Finally, Ms. Moakler was the 2001 Playboy Playmate of the Month at which time I think she had to pose totally nude. Is the pageant concerned about the ethics and morals of its contestants? Why don’t they look at their spokespersons? What kind of message is Ms. Maokler sending? And what about it’s judges? What kind of message is being sent by having a judge like Perez Hilton? Mr. Hiltons claim to fame is as a nasty, insulting, self-promoting blogger who spends his day criticizing celebrities (he could not have chosen an easier target). I suppose the old adage is still true “those who can do and those who can’t criticize”.
But, I digress; let us get back to Donald Trump. “The Donald” could have stopped this media crucifixion almost immediately but he saw an opportunity for incredible amounts of publicity. I mean how often are we still talking about the Miss USA pageant weeks after its conclusion? Not very often I would dare say. But is a young woman’s reputation really worth the cost? And where are groups like NOW, the National Organization for Women? Is Miss Prejean not a woman anymore because of her beliefs? Is she and millions of other women in this country not worth your defense? Maybe you should rename your organization to NOWALAYBWWB (the National Organization of Women As Long As You Believe What We Believe). It is a bit long so I will let you work on that at your leisure. I have also been hearing that there is a large number in the gay and lesbian community who do not agree with the treatment of Miss Prejean. Where are you? Do you really want the likes of Perez Hilton and Shanna Moakler to be the faces of your struggle? Guess what? By your silence that is exactly what has happened.
Mr. Trump will be going on National television on Tuesday to render his verdict on the future of Miss Prejean as it pertains to the Miss USA contest. At that time we will see what the pompous, pouting prince of publicity seekers is made of, I am hopeful it is sturdier stuff than his “hair” but I won’t be holding my breath. Whatever the outcome Miss Prejean can be proud that she stood firm and voiced her convictions and did not succumb to the media and activist pressure. She has shown much more tolerance and grace than those who purport to preach tolerance, but have shown that it is only tolerance to those who believe as they do.
ocdevilsadvocate
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