Pageant News Bureau - Geena Phillips

The verdict on Geena

A few women, most of them successful beauty queens, responded to our appeal and offered sisterly advice for aspiring pageant competitor Geena Phillips. What they had to say was generally positive, but there was one negative message.

We had promised anonymity to each "adviser." None of them seemed interested in secrecy, and one of them explicitly authorized the use of her name. But in keeping with PNB's policy of rigid adherence to rules, we will keep their names secret for now. Here is their advice:

If she were my sister, I'd tell her to go for it, but only for the right reasons. Yes, winning a title is exciting, but even more than that is the triumph I personally feel when I step off the stage, whether or not I "win" that particular day. I've been competing in the Mrs. pageants for five years, and I have had both good and bad experiences, mostly positive, and the friends that I have made are irreplaceable.
If Geena's expectations are only to "win," then I'd say forget it, because the judges may only choose one titleholder per pageant. Also, while my expectations were completely reasonable about my own placings (and I've been completely satisfied with where I've been placed!) I have seen some unflattering things at pageants by directors, judges, and other contestants, and yes, there is politics in pageants as in every other aspect of life! I've seen judges act and say some VERY unprofessional things about other contestants and people in general.
Will I compete again? Most definitely, because the feeling of accomplishment I get no matter where I place is worth every ounce of sweat, determination and money I put into my competition.
So, Geena, if you have reasonable thoughts about pageants, GO FOR IT! For the record, I never competed in pageants as a child, and I only became interested in them five years ago when someone told me that I couldn't do it. Of course I had to prove them wrong!!!
K. in Massachusetts

I think that if the desire and commitment are there, then Ms. Phillips should compete.
I have competed in pageants and found all of my experiences to be very rewarding. My experiences happened before I was married, so I cannot comment on pageants involving married women. I think the most important thing she should do before entering a pageant is to make a list of her expectations. Being realistic about what she expects to gain from the experience is very important. I don't believe that any of the titles involving married women are going to give you the kind of experience either the Miss America or Miss USA title(s) would give you, and since these are the most well-known titles, it is important to understand that going in.
Then, I would recommend talking to women who have competed in the system she is thinking about entering. Talking to women who have gone through the pageant is always helpful.
Finally, if she decides to enter, she needs to surround herself with people who are excited about her involvement. Competing is tough. She doesn't need anyone making her doubt her decision. I hope that whatever she decides to do, she is happy. Regret is a terrible thing to live with.
S. in Nebraska

I am responding to the woman in Texas (my home state!) who is contemplating entering pageants.
Like anything new, pageants can be an exciting experience, and totally what you make of it.
I have always believed that every woman who enters a pageant should have an open mind for a personal growth experience. It's not always about winning. People enter pageants for different reasons. I tell people who enter that they should find and identify that reason, and work toward whatever goals they have set for themselves, whether it be improvement of interview, talent or communication skills, or toning up their figure. Yes, it's great to win, but many times it's just as fulfilling knowing that you have pushed your limits and done your personal best. There's no better feeling, in my opinion, than walking away from a competition knowing you competed at your best, and would not do anything differently. No "what-ifs". I feel that many times, we are our own worst critics, and if we can please ourselves, that does more good to our self-esteem than what any judge could tell us! Pageants truly prepare people for "real" life, in my experiences.
I will always cherish the following quote. I saw it on Mrs. Pennsylvania Lori Ann Sundberg's ad page at the Mrs United States Pageant a few weeks ago:
My crown is in my heart, not on my head;
Not decked with diamonds and Indian Stones,
Nor to be seen. My crown is called "Content".
A crown it is that seldom kings enjoy.
--William Shakespeare
Good luck!
E. in Texas

Geena, don't get into pageantry unless you have money to waste, and unless you don't mind being judged by somebody who ought to be waiting on you in a restaurant. You seem to be doing fine in life, so stay out of the mess! Pageants are especially nasty for married women.
H. in California

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They're a diversion for some women, an obsession for others and a livelihood for more than a few. Around the world, millions of women participate in them, generally more than once.

At the crossroads

The verdict on Geena

Do pageants really matter?