Miss Teen USA has (rightfully) decided to remove the swimsuit competition from the yearly event that judges and critiques teen women on their appearance. They had been claiming that this particular segment of the show was meant to celebrate athleticism, but in reality, it was objectifying 15-19-year-old teenagers. The show is replacing the swimsuit competition with an athletic wear portion.
The Miss Universe President, Paula Shugart, spoke to the change saying, “This decision reflects an important cultural shift we’re all celebrating that empowers women who lead active, purposeful lives and encourage those in their communities to do the same,” according to USA Today. The athletic wear portion will work to recognize the young women’s active and vigorous lifestyles. We’re still uncomfortable with the whole pageantry thing—encouraging women to achieve unrealistic standards of beauty and thinness—but at least now they won’t be doing it in bikinis.
More from BUST
The ‘Seriously WTF?!’ Question Asked At Miss America 2016
Rape Culture And Rate My Professors
This Sexist Dress Code Poster Compares Girls To Meat
