So. Since much of the controversy surrounding our new Miss America isnt dying down, Im going to share with you my response to one of the naysayers who commented on my blog post. I share this in hopes that other Kira critics will read it and maybe reevaluate their reactions. COMMENT BY NAYSAYER: I think you are missing the point and letting your emotions and closeness to Kira cloud your judgement on this issue. The issue is not about Kira. The issue is the dumbing down of the talent category and legitimizing it by judging this talent as one to be worthy of any Miss America. I blame it on the judging, not the contestant. Whats next? Beer pong while singing the latest pop song? I cringe to think of what a blow this was to the pageant. Gone are the good old days of dignity and class. MY RESPONSE (via email): Dear ______, First of all, thank you for taking the time to read my post. Obviously you care about the Miss America Organization- people like you are crucial in keeping the program relevant! In response to your assessment that I let my emotions and closeness to Kira cloud my judgment, Id like to let you know that I would have written a similar post about any young woman who won Miss America and received the same backlash. Naturally, I wouldnt have the personal anecdotes if- say Arkansas- had won and was met with such disapproval, but the message would have been the exact same: people have GOT to stop the culture of online bullying and covering mean-spirited comments with the mask of allowed to have an opinion. I certainly appreciate that, to you, the issue is about the judging panel and not about Kira. If people are angry, then I think that view is certainly the most valid. Kira did nothing but show up and do her personal best- it was the judges who made the choice to reward what she brought to the table. I do think you need to reevaluate the extremity of your own emotions regarding Kiras talent, however. Im pretty sure that saying Whats next? Beer pong? is a little childish. Just because you associate a red cup (not even a solo cup, might I add) with your college days does not mean that the next obvious step is for contestants to start shotgunning beers onstage. Personally, I associate solo cups with backyard barbecues, but Im not suggesting that contestants are going to start marinating ribs onstage. Lets keep the overreacting to a realistic minimum. That being said, I also want to refresh your memory and point out that Kira actually sang, which- last time I checked- is an acceptable talent. And frankly, she sang a whole lot better than many other contestants. If gone are the days of dignity and class, then I ask you to explain to me Kiras reaction to online bullies. Not once has she attacked people the way that shes been attacked. Not once has she been unable to verbalize her choices in an interview. If class is only associated with women who wear a crown, sing classical music, and simply smile politely, then class is what will stop the Miss America Pageant from growing its appeal and viewership. Mind you, I am a classical singer, so this is not putting down that realm of talent. Im simply pointing out that true class and dignity is found in a confident, kind, and mature soul- and Kira certainly has displayed that kind of spirit. Again, thank you for taking the time to read my post, voice your opinion, and care about the MAO. I hope you find this response enlightening and will perhaps let it help you reprocess some of your feelings. Life is too short to harbor so much resentment! Particularly over a pageant :) Warm Regards, Shannon Oliver
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 13:30:37 +0000
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