Miss America Season 1 Episode 13 Miss America 1967

Miss America season 1 episode 13, titled "Miss America 1967," takes a trip back in time to explore the fascinating story of the 1967 Miss America pageant. This episode examines the cultural and political context of the pageant during a turbulent era of American history. It explores the gender dynamics, the cultural expectations of women in America, and the changing attitudes towards the pageant itself.

The episode begins by providing an overview of the Miss America pageant and its history. It then outlines the lead-up to the 1967 competition, which was marked by controversy and protest. Feminist groups had begun to speak out against the pageant, arguing that it perpetuated harmful stereotypes and objectified women. They planned a protest outside the venue where the pageant was being held.

The episode then introduces the contestants, exploring their experiences and motivations for participating in the pageant. It shows the rigorous training and preparation they undergo, as well as the pressure they face to conform to conventional standards of beauty and behavior.

As the pageant begins, the episode highlights some of the more memorable moments, such as the evening gown competition and the talent show. It also discusses the controversial "bathing suit" competition, which many feminists had criticized as sexist and objectifying.

The episode then turns to the protests outside the pageant venue. It shows footage of women marching with signs and banners, chanting slogans such as "Miss America is a lie." The protesters argued that the pageant perpetuated an unrealistic and unattainable standard of beauty, and that it encouraged women to view themselves as objects for male consumption.

The protestors had a range of demands, including an end to the "bathing suit" competition and a change in the criteria for selecting Miss America. They also called for greater representation for women of color in the pageant.

The episode then follows the events that unfolded after the protests. It shows the media coverage of the protests and the backlash that the feminist activists faced. Many critics accused them of being un-American and anti-beauty, and dismissed their concerns as trivial.

Despite the controversy, the pageant went ahead as planned, and a winner was crowned. The episode explores the reactions of the contestants and how they felt about the protests. It also shows how the pageant attempted to address the concerns raised by feminists, implementing some changes to the competition in the years that followed.

Overall, Miss America season 1 episode 13 offers a thought-provoking exploration of the 1967 Miss America pageant. It sheds light on the cultural context of the pageant and the changing attitudes towards beauty standards and women's rights in America. By following the contestants and the protestors, the episode provides a nuanced view of the events and challenges us to consider the role of beauty pageants in our society.