Model and mom Chrissy Teigen has a lot to say about the 2016 Miss Teen USA competition. You’re probably not up to date on the whole competition (because why would you be?), but here is the gist: All of the top five finishers happen to be blonde white women. Which is fine except racism.
Recently, the Miss Teen USA pageant Twitter account shared a celebratory photo of the top five finishers, which is when Teigen noticed something off. None of the finishers were women of color. Or really, diverse in any way at all. The fact that they’re all blondes with similar features looks Stepford Wife-ish.
These are your TOP 5 #MissTeenUSA contestants! pic.twitter.com/qi3KJT6COb
— Karlie Hay (@MissTeenUSA) July 31, 2016
She tweeted back at them:
Wow how can we choose from such a diverse bunch https://t.co/0a4JHbP465
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) July 31, 2016
She then followed this tweet with another:
It’s fiiiiiine. Not their fault. I’m sure they are delightful women. Just funny. I’m not gonna write a think-piece on a damn pageant.
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) July 31, 2016
While Teigen wasn’t the only celebrity to call out the judge’s choices, we’re glad she did. She has a tremendous amount of influence considering she’s in the public eye, and it sets a good example to young girls (especially people of color) everywhere that they are beautiful. White isn’t the only thing that is beautiful–and it’s ridiculous that a lack of diversity is still seen as acceptable–and that promoting diversity is something we pat each other on the back for. Because it shouldn’t be brave or daring. It should just be the norm.
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