It originated simply as a swimsuit beauty contest, to attract tourists to N.J. area. It expanded big time, obviously. It was, and is, a business. Greater and greater prizes were offered to attract contestants and viewers.
My wife feels it’s no big deal, never has been to her. But the wife is a very confident woman. She feels such gawking, and swimwear contests would be terrible in the workplace as Gretchen has mentioned, but that those that choose to enter such a contest have no right to squawk. If you think it inappropriate- don’t sign up (or don’t watch). If you think it’s ok, then go for it. I feel that way too. CBS and later Fox didn’t hire her because she is a skilled musician. Her contest days opened up opportunities. It was her combination of brains and beauty. A big part of feminism years ago, was that women could decide for themselves what course to direct their life. Wife and I are of an age where we heard that then and believe that now. Don’t think it’s right nowadays for people to tell them they must or can’t do this or that now.
In an unrelated issue, I find it most amusing that while with her past employer, so many referred to G.C. as an airhead bimbo, but now some find her as a wonderful oracle of truth and a women’s champion.
NOT necessarily referring to posters here, just in general. Amazing how she suddenly “got smarter” when her opinion agreed with others in the public. Sometimes smart, honest people can disagree.