To Die For
Aug 8th, 2009 by Jinja
(above: Miss Battambang, Dos Sopheap. © Miss Landmine / Morten Traavik 2009. www.miss-landmine.org)
You’ve probably heard a fair bit about the carefully planned (and quickly canceled) Miss Landmine pageant. I have mixed feelings about the cattle call of beauty pageants, but do agree with the general idea behind this one: that the participants have a right to feel proud about themselves and their appearance, regardless of circumstance.
Without condoning, I think the cancellation shows how Khmer society is often leaning towards modern and foreign concepts, only to snap back to what feels more traditional and ‘safe’. (As per the Opera kerfluffle a while back.)
While beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, the very concept of a local beauty pageant is imported from overseas.
The show is canceled, but in preparation for voting, entire catalogue has been put online. Make up your own mind: www.miss-landmine.org. Next: Miss Mozambique?
I’m glad it was canceled because I feel, somehow, it is still a form of exploitation of women. I think there are better ways where women victims of landmines can show their pride and confidence. On the other side of the planet, in Congo, there is a Miss HIV/AIDS that was featured in one of NatGeo’s programs.
[...] Jinja says: I have mixed feelings about the cattle call of beauty pageants, but do agree with the general idea behind this one: that the participants have a right to feel proud about themselves and their appearance, regardless of circumstance. Without condoning [the pageant], I think the cancellation shows how Khmer society is often leaning towards modern and foreign concepts, only to snap back to what [it] feels [is] more traditional and ’safe’. [...]
[...] Jinja says: I have mixed feelings about the cattle call of beauty pageants, but do agree with the general idea behind this one: that the participants have a right to feel proud about themselves and their appearance, regardless of circumstance. Without condoning [the pageant], I think the cancellation shows how Khmer society is often leaning towards modern and foreign concepts, only to snap back to what [it] feels [is] more traditional and ’safe’. [...]
[...] Jinja says: I have mixed feelings about the cattle call of beauty pageants, but do agree with the general idea behind this one: that the participants have a right to feel proud about themselves and their appearance, regardless of circumstance. Without condoning [the pageant], I think the cancellation shows how Khmer society is often leaning towards modern and foreign concepts, only to snap back to what [it] feels [is] more traditional and ’safe’. [...]
[...] Jinja mengatakan: Perasaanku campur aduk mengenai ajakan, bak ajakan terhadap hewan, untuk ikut serta kontes kecantikan, namun umumnya setuju dengan gagasan dibalik kontes yang satu ini: para peserta berhak merasa bangga akan diri mereka dan penampilan diri mereka, bagaimanapun situasi diri mereka. Tanpa bermaksud mendukung [kontes tersebut], Aku pikir dengan dibatalkannya kontes tersebut mencerminkan sikap warga Khmer seringkali berpikiran modern dan mampu menerima konsep asing, namun dapat sontak kembali ke pada hal-hal tradisional yang mereka pandang “aman”. [...]
And from the Phnom Penh Post: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2009120429996/National-news/battambang-student-crowned-miss-landmine-in-online-vote.html