Watching Miss Universe has always been an exercise of utter rage and wilful glee on my part. This year’s contest was both scary and mediocre. There is something very wrong with the world when Miss Japan looked physically healthier than Miss Venezuela (ala Miss Universe 2008) or that most of the Asian competitors appeared to have more flesh on them than their Caucasian counterparts. The swimsuit-shoot was horrifying because I could see the RIBS on most of the contestants. Anorexia is not sexy and many of them looked like pre-pubescent girls. Their arms were so bony that they looked like spider legs; so SPINDLY, it was really unattractive. I do, however, admit that most of them looked good when they had clothing on.

So, things I have noticed while watching the contest; A) I couldn’t tell half of the contestants apart as they all seemed to have the EXACT SAME face. B) Their median age was 21; yes, youth sells, but it seems the American-run competition is trying to send a very simple message - women have use by dates. C) Not one contestant listed gaming or computers as their interests; I’m really kind of disappointed. Not one geek, then again I remember the days when most contestants actually had a university education. D) I really liked Miss USA as she was 26, had flesh on her bones, and had an amazing presence. Was very disappointed when she didn’t get into the top 5, she may have fallen but she dealt with it with such amazing grace and aplomb.

Overall Miss Universe is doing a bang up job of promoting anorexia, a homogenous idea of beauty and that 19-22 year olds are the only one considered to be beautiful. Oh, and let’s not forget the single-minded focus on their physical presence, beauty, and really very little focus on their intelligence. Some of those girls seemed quite intelligent but that was glossed over in favour of the hair and outfits.

In conclusion, still a meat market.