This is the age of social media. I love social media because it has helped me build my brand and grow my audience. Whether you like it or love it, social media is here to stay. I honestly don’t see it going away anytime soon. Social media is a great tool to stay connected to family and friends, market businesses, and build brands; however, everyone does not use social media properly.
It is sad to say that social media has opened the door for keyboard bullying and sharing content that is in bad taste and highly offensive. I have seen pageant titleholders and their family members use social media in a negative way. This is disappointing because pageant titleholders are supposed to be role models and brand ambassadors for the pageant system(s) they represent. Now, please miss me with the statement: “It is my page, and I can post what I want to post.” Yes, you are correct; however, once you place that crown on your head and you put that sash across your chest, you have taken on the the job as a role model whether you like it or not. Everything you say or post is open to public scrutiny. It is impossible to be an effective role model if you are negative, mean, arrogant, or intolerant. Here are some examples of posts that are unbecoming of a titleholder or any of her family members.
Post #1: Arrogance and Vulgarity
The statement in this post contains words laced with conceit and curse words. The person who crafted this post obviously thinks highly of herself and has a “potty mouth”. Is this the type of behavior you want to model as a queen? If I were a potential contestant, I would in no way want to be affiliated with the system this person represents. I would be curious to know why this type of behavior is tolerated in this particular pageant system.
Humble yourself little lady, and clean up your language. The world does not revolve around you.
Post #2: Racial Stereotypes
As you can see this post clearly depicts a female who looks to be a minority eating a piece of chicken. Here are some things to note.
Point #1: This photo is obviously altered so it was purposely crafted to humiliate someone.
Point #2: This photo is racially offensive on many levels. If you don’t see why, then you are completely in denial and lack empathy.
Point #3: This photo does not empower or lift up anyone.
I honestly don’t understand why this was even created as post. It does nothing but put down this girl who is depicted in the picture. Pageantry is about empowering others to succeed and not tearing down others because of their differences.
I beg the question what does your social media post say about you? Does it say you are arrogant, vulgar, racist, or intolerant? If either of these are correct, I suggest you do some serious soul searching and make the necessary corrections.
I know this blog post may make some of you feel uncomfortable because you may be guilty of creating or sharing similar statements or photos as depicted in the examples. Yes, you should be ashamed, and you should know better. You are a role model. I cannot stress that enough. People look up to you. They come to you for guidance and direction. How can they admire you if you are exhibiting classless behavior?
It costs to bear the crown. If you cannot handle the responsibility, I suggest you give it to someone who can give the crown a good name.
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