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Who Owns Her Body?
Kabik / Retna Digital
First pageant organizers paid for Miss California’s breast implants. Now they could dethrone her for showing her breasts off. It all boils down to who controls Carrie Prejean’s body—and who profits from it.
Poor Miss California. No one ever told her the rules, and now she may lose her tiara. The Miss USA pageant is, in fact, confusing: Young college-age ladies (who may not be married or pregnant) parade in bathing suits for the nation's titillation, ostensibly to win scholarships and the opportunity to do things for charity (or whatever.)
If the competition uses them for ratings—the original 1952 competition was started as a product promotion—the women use it right back: They want to win money for school, get famous, or “grow their brand.” They're just as mercenary as the contest's owner, Donald Trump, who famously told told an ex-wife to “never ever look a day over 28.” (Contestants themselves are not allowed to be a day over 26. Coincidence?)
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The question-and-answer segment of the competition is basically a joke, a chance for those watching to feel smart and self-satisfied as a bevy of women used to trading on their looks stumble and silently scream as they're confronted with lite versions of public-policy questions. That's what got Miss California Carrie Prejean in trouble: blithely revealing herself to be anti-gay marriage during the proceedings.
Her remarks (“no offense, that's just how I was raised!”) caused a minor scandal—that is, until the next minor scandal arose, concerning a partially nude underwear photo of Prejean taken when she was a minor.
It's frankly surprising to see actual body parts underneath the ball gown—it would have made more sense to find smooth plastic lumps, like the sexless anatomy of a Barbie doll.
Pageant contestants' sexuality is kept in hock—or on ice—for the duration of the competition and its requisite duties. For example, Miss USA is expected to remain single for the year after she wins the crown. That's why the vaguely risque photos of Prejean pose such a problem: The competition wants to maintain a neutered, controlled vision of female sexuality among its contestant/concubines.
In viewing said photo—cute hair, she used to be a brunette!—it's frankly surprising to see actual body parts underneath the ball gown—it would have made more sense to find smooth plastic lumps, like the sexless anatomy of a Barbie doll.
The existence of the picture means that the pageant has lost control over Prejean's sexuality. Even worse, Prejean herself is shown as complicit in capitalizing on it—making money off her looks, either through modeling or, perhaps, the many opportunities that come from having breast implants. Strangely, the Miss California organization actually paid for those before she was to compete in the Miss USA competition.
That the organization behind Miss California sponsored the surgery seems strangely, uncomfortably paternal, like a Beverly Hills dad ponying up the cash for his daughter's 18th-birthday gift of implants. But perhaps the paternal aspect of the pageant's actions aren't so bizarre after all.
Here's the thing: Women—nice women—aren't supposed to be in control of their own bodies. The woman who is complicit in exploiting her own sexuality is crossing a hard line from giggly good girl into, well, a stripper, slut, hooker, or whore—members of a sexual sub-class of women that are kept separate from the rest of the society in order to avoid contaminating the others.
It's OK to go on television and let America ogle the swimsuit competition in the name of charity. But cutting out the paternal middleman of Daddy Trump and the Miss USA machine? Not civilized. It's not in the rules. No, not the 12-page contract of Miss California rules that Carrie Prejean violated with her past nude-posing, or the no-accepting-a-date-after-Wednesday rules, but the rules.
Is Miss California really the one without any clothes here?
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Paul Schrodt is a writer living in New York City. He has contributed to New York magazine, Radar, and Esquire.com.
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Banjo1
" . . . blithely revealing herself to be anti-gay marriage during the proceedings."
What does "blithely" mean? Without thinking? Seems to me the woman had a pretty clear understanding of what she was saying in reply to a question from a fat homosexual who makes his living prying into the lives of other people. Her answer is the same that would come from the majority of Americans, despite what you're hearing from the well-oiled and increasingly gynephobic gay message machine.
rlord49
Banjo1, yes you are right, blithely does mean "without thought or consideration".
Bigotry in all it's forms usually is demonstrated blithely, because bigots don't know or don't think they are bigots, until they demonstrate their bigotry and get called out for it.
If Carrie Prejean had any understanding of her own bigotry then she would not have blithely answered the question the way she did, because after all she was "in it to win it", and she would have understand the damage she would do by answering the way she did.
And if you are wondering about bigotry some more, check out the definition of the word, and then the letter to the editor that Maggie Gallagher, the president of NOM, sent to the New York Times in response to the column "The bigots last hurrah" by Frank Rich, where she explains that she had tried for 5 years to convince people that opposition to Gay marriage would be seen as bigotry. Very inciteful of her.
Bunx05
Banjo my friend-
I agree that she knew what she was saying. I don't think it was a blithe comment. However, I don't think it was a fair question to begin with. Her personal beliefs are her own, and shouldn't have been held against her. I don't necessarily think it makes her a bigot.
Maybe my perspective is a little off (I'm a black man that grew up in the south with a white wife who was my high school sweetheart, so I know a little something about bigotry). But just because she doesn't believe in gay marriage doesn't mean that she hates gay people. When she starts spouting the gay people are sick people and should be treated like some disease (see my favorite whacko Michelle Bachmann), then I'll call her a hateful bigot. For now, she's just a woman with a differeing opinion from me that I feel somewhat sorry for.
Spasticula
I know. They tossed me out of my pageant when I honestly shared my belief that black people aren't actually human. How dare they!
ZacharyM
hey, just because you said that black people shouldn't be allowed to marry doesn't mean you actually hate them
al-nafs
I don't think she spoke without thinking. If you look at the video, she takes a minute and composes herself before speaking. She knew exactly what the result would be, and she spoke out anyway.
I am in support of gays and lesbians having the same marital rights as everyone else. I think that opposing that means that you are standing in the way of another persons' pursuit of happiness.
I don't care whether or not the union is called 'marriage' or not though. Its a semantic difference to me, as long as they have exactly the same rights and enforcement. Maybe we need to make up a word that means exactly the same thing?
TomInPhilly
While I don't disagree that her answer is the same that would come from a majority of Americans, the fact of the matter is that it's no longer coming from the "vast majority" or even the "great majority." The numbers against gay marriage are growing smaller, and at a rate that few would have expected.
Now that we've seen that states like Massachusetts and Connecticut haven't turned into a modern day version of Sodom & Gomorrah, many are coming to the simple conclusion that life goes on as usual. Gay marriage is no big deal. There's really nothing to defend...the sanctity of traditional marriage between heterosexuals is just as likely to result in divorce just as much as it used to be.
What gets me about Prejean and Hilton is that we're giving an awful lot of sway to a couple of immature kids who's opinions don't actually count for a heck of a lot. I mean...who actually listens to what a 23 year old has to say? When they're in their mid-30's and have actually had some life experience, MAYBE I'll pay some real attention to them, but right now they're just a lot of annoying static.
By my watch, it looks as though Prejean's 15 minutes of fame should be just about over. Hilton, previously nothing more than a creepy gossip columnist, might have hit the big time with this, but it's about time for him to fade back into semi-obscurity, too.
sippewissett
Banjo1 always manages to rant. Leaving his point about her homophobia aside, let's focus on the fact that Prejean is a manufactured entity who won a state contest. She's brunette, not blonde; her real boobs are smaller than the ones that the pageant bought for her; and she posed for nudie photos. What a role model for young women!
We are asked to take seriously the opinions of a Barbie doll who isn't what she seems? Trump's pageant has serious credibility issues and she along with it.
ElLamer
dude very true. I think its wrong the sell such images of fake beauty. Seriously lots of girls are sexier with tons less makeup, as a guy I find it insane how much time and money gets spent on cosmetics.
Seriously girls eyelashes are enough for most of you, if you want to look better, go jogging, play volleyball or something.
I used to tell all the young girls I would meet with too much makeup on that they were good looking enough as it is and didn't need it. A few years ago I decided I was too old and it was starting to qualify as creepy (I'm 27). So young guys, your turn now ;)
Bunx05
totally agree. Studies even show that men are more attracted to women who don't necessarily fit the stereotype of beauty we advertise today. We keep brainwashing young girls (and women) to look a certain way. It's deplorable.
Ritarita
Since you
Forgot to mention it
I'll just add-
Banjo never posts
Without using
The word
Homosexual.
stevensnell
Here is a pared down version of Banjo's post:
"Pretty... homosexual... well-oiled... gay... machine"
I think that captures the heart of it.
socialworklady
Banjo,
TDB commenters got your number. Busted baby!
smitisan
Why don't gay people start a church that declares marriage to be the joining together in God's sight and under His or Her guidance and protection of two people who love each other and want to share the rights of civil unions, and thus make gay marriage a religious rights issue? No one could argue this is not a valid belief. Any state prohibiting such marriage would be in violation of the First Amendment. I'm not gay myself, but I could get behind a church that was more about the heart and spirit than who has what parts.
portlandbb
(I think they're called Unitarian Universalists)
sonshine
Sure that's all well and good but what about the benefits that heterosexuals get from the state for being married. I'm sure gays want that and to keep that away from them infringes on their civil rights.
psgoodguy
it's called Metropolitan Community Church in many communities.
ConstitutionalRights
Sippewissett fails to address the real issue here. It is not that a woman did or didn't have a picture taken partially nude (check the cell phones of Jr. High and High School boys and you'll find most have them of their girlfriends), or that she answered a question totally inappropriate for the competition she was in. The issue is that she is getting attacked and humiliated publicly for her free speech. Think about it folks, a activist judge with a strong personal bias publicly attacks a contestent who lost a pagent the day after the event was over. Think about that when you make a comment that your piers may not agree with, are you next for character assassination?.
hardrain
Our Constitution gives us the right to free speech. It does not mandate reactions to speech given. If what you say has merit and substance you should be prepared to defend it. People will either agree or not. If you don't want to be publicly humiliated-don't humiliate yourself.
It seems ironic that you post as "ConstitutionalRights", yet you seem to want some big daddy government to protect your precious little feelings. Allow me to pull out the world's smallest violin...
tomdownie
..."your piers"? lol
al-nafs
Yes. Apparently ships will be docked there :p
Seaweed
Um, "exploitation" does not apply to individuals who voluntarily enter "beauty" contests. She revealed herself to be an ignoramus with her endorsement of "opposite marriage". Nobody did this TO her,....she did it to herself. That she is being embraced and touted about by more politically active, opportunistic ignoramuses should come as no surprise.
ZacharyM
I disagree that one cannot enter voluntarily enter into a situation in which they are being exploited. One of the ways people psychologically survive exploitation and abuse is to redefine it as something they are complicit in. It's sort of like in the old looney tunes episode where Pete the puma grabs the mallet from bugs bunny and hits himeself in the head because he is tired of Bugs hitting him in the head.
That being said, I do agree that, in this case, portraying her as some sort of victim is misguided. I don't know what went into making such a self hating woman, but at some point she made the decision to sell out and become the artificial woman that she is today.
This comment has been removed by The Daily Beast's editors.
cbt650
Are you against steroid use in sports? I see no difference in fake tits in beauty a pageant than blood doping in cycling or any other type of steroid that runs rampant in MLB or NFL.
vegasstyleguy
I agree. I'm getting a little sick of the groupthink on bth sides of the aisle.
For the record, I'm Black, Gay and very politically active in the center of the Dem party.
Banjo1
"What a role model for young women!" What an oleaginous hypocrite, smitisan! As if you care about good role models for women. Ladies are your rivals for men, and the better looking they are the more you hate them. This explains why gays infest beauty pageants and punish those women who don't conform to the gay agenda.
Tucson138
Now you're an expert on beauty pageants? To the point that you know that they're "infested" with gays? Keep those comments coming, stud.
BlakewilliamsNYC
You're an idiot. Honestly, I think we all believe you went to idiot school.
blinky
"Ladies are your rivals for men and the better looking they are the more you hate them."...Sorry banjo, your wrong on this one, the gays love the beautiful females...Upper tier beauty contestants all have professional beauty consultants who are mostly gay guys...Gay men don't feel threatened by hot women because hot women just don't go for guys on the out gay team...They might sigh with an "if only..." but thats about it...As far as the attack on Miss California goes, it's an ugly and probably counter productive move by gay marriage advocates.
socialworklady
Oh Look,
Bathhouse-Banjo seems to know exactly where the gay men can be found. Success in your research, eh? Good for you, you've found more than a few target rich areas - places where gay men hang out.
Now. Would you please just make a connection and get on with it. This public self-loathing phase of your coming out process is getting a bit icky.
This comment has been removed by The Daily Beast's editors.
lorac50
Ms. Prejean is responsible for her own choices - all of them. It is she who chose to expose herself and her opinions. The only thing being exploited is the "villiage" who raised her, as it was to them that she attributed her (narrow minded) point of view.
PASTORDAVID
Listen, this is not about nude photos or fake breasts or even about hair color. This is about one gay man or actually a gay community that is intolerant of anyone not conforming to their way of life. Perez Hilton knew exactly what he wanted to accomplish. He wasn't concerned about anything else except his own perverted way of life. His actions afterwards and the actions of a lot of gay activists have been for the most part terroristic. She did not ask for the question. If political charge subjects have nothing to do with beauty pageants then they should not be allowed to be asked. Perez Hilton again is a person of no morals and no ethics. He should have been reprimanded for his comments afterwards. But I live in a real world and I know that if you are gay then you have a special right to speak in vulgarities and hateful ways. But if you hold to traditional values and disagree with the thought of the day then you are labeled a racist, intolerant, and hateful person. If you want to be gay that is your American right and I will not disagree with you. But if I believe that being gay is wrong then that is my right as well. Don't condemn this young woman for her convictions any more than you can condemn Perez Hilton for his lifestyle.
lorac50
PASTORDAVID - While your point is a good one - everyone has a right to his or her own opinion - it is too bad that you could not convey it without the use of pejortives. How, exactly, are you different from Perez Hilton?
Bunx05
PastorDavid
There was a time when other groups found themselves in this situation. At one point inter-racial marriages were illegal becasue people believed it would pervert marriage. Clearly it hasn't. The way of life is not ours to judge. And regardless of what you think, God isn't steaming mad at us because we're thinking of giving our brothers and sisters who happen to be gay the right to marry. God is ticked because we are tearing each other apart over it. BOTH sides.
I don't like Perez Hilton, not because he's gay, but because he is, in my opinion, a generally mean person. He's made his living by saying mean things to and about people. He is not the figure head of the gay-marriage movement. He's just one loud motuh with a microphone...just like Rush.
Ms. California's belief is her own just as Perez' is his own. This is not about any one group being censored. Certainly people who oppose gay marriage are not victims here. We should stop trying to make that argument. Instead talk it out and let cooler heads prevail.
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n--Y--wantingsocialworklady
PASTORDAVID,
DO YOU ALWAYS SHOUT YOUR NAME?
BTW - "God Hates Shrimp - Lev. 11:9-12, Deu. 14:9-10"
ZacharyM
Actually pastordavid, this article is really about the objectification of women, and the stripping away of their humanity for the sake of perpetuating false and oppressive stereotypes. The whole gay marriage discussion is really off topic, and is distracting from a conversation about a different social injustice.
smitisan
Banjo: You must have me confused with somebody else; I didn't say nothing about no role models. Ain't the first time you've been confused, though.
socialworklady
smitisan,
You've got that right :)
rlord49
All comments on this story are fair and equal, but seem to miss the biggest point of all.
The first point is that Carrie Prejean broke the rules of the Miss USA pagaent, as stupid and narcisistic as they are she broke the rules.
The second point is she KNEW she broke the rules and still competed in the pageant. This isn't about civil disobedience, it's about integrity and honesty.
And still no apology for breaking the rules.
EdinNJ
This whole controversy is silly. The pageant should not have employed an idiot with an agenda like Perez Hilton, but at the same time, Ms. Prejean should understand that her attempts to capitalize on her new-found fame by becoming an anti-gay marriage spokesperson would come under scrutiny.
I know that conservatives like to shout about her being denied her free speech, but no one is saying she can't say what she's saying. They are just criticizing what looks like hypocrisy from where I'm sitting. She's espousing these Christian values at the same time she's had breast implants, posed for nude modeling photos, and is the acknowledged "booty call" of Michael Phelps.
So not only is the pageant exploiting Ms. Prejean for publicity, the Christian right is exploiting her for their anti-gay marriage cause, Perez Hilton, TMZ, and theDirty.com are exploiting her for page hits, and she is exploiting herself in her quest for fame.
Dorothea
Your column is worthless. The one and only reason Miss California will probably lose her crown is her answer to Hilton's question. Tell me, does Perez handle power well?
finderj
Aw, jeeze, people, it's a stupid beauty pagent. Cogent thought processes are not a requirement.
It is interesting, though, how many people are in favor of free speech until somebody says something they don't like.
Political correctness aside, your speech is as free as mine. No more, and certainly no less.
sophia5
It's all so hilarious how a beauty pageant
turned into a gay gossipy hissy fit.
Based on all the excessive reaction to,
and coverage of Miss California,
you'd think the woman was a war criminal.
She's a beauty queen and believes in traditional marriage,
and she posed nude a few years ago.
Big " F - ING " deal.
Talk about overreaction.
Send her off to Guantanamo.
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n--Y--wantingsophia5
@wanting
Please say you're kidding.
Do you not understand the concept of sarcasm?
I was defending the woman.
The "war criminal" and "Guantanamo"
references were exaggerations to
illustrate the excessive unnecessary
coverage and criticism of the woman,
because there are more pressing issues
facing this country than some trivial beauty queen.
Where do you make such a leap that you would go
into some overly serious rant?
You have to be kidding.
If I didn't know better, I'd think you were
a humorless liberal, who dresses in black,
has body piercings, and you have social
commentary bumper stickers plastered
all over your car.
Chill out, take a deep breath, and hug a loved one.
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n--Y--wantingThank you.
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