While several people at SIUC question the validity of a new 900 number that will allow viewers to voice their opinions on the controversial Miss America swimsuit competition, others do not find fault with it.

Next fall, the swimsuit competition segment will be shown on television, depending on viewer response.

In an Associated Press wire story, the ratings of beauty pageants have declined considerably over the years. Since 1950, there has been a 60.7 percent decrease in viewership, leading some to believe it is a marketing attempt to add viewers.

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Whatever the results of the viewer call-in and whether or not the swimsuit competition is shown on television, the contestants will still be judged on swimsuit appearance.

Dr. Beth Firestein, coordinator of Women’s Services, said the call-in does not solve the problem, so it is irrelevant.

That to me it enforces the idea, it’s much ado about nothing, Firestein said.

Janice King, a lecturer in clothing and textiles, said pageants are a form of the fashion magazine and are transforming it into a form of television.

I have always had mixed reactions on the concept, she said. Times have changed, and the pageant needs to change with those times.

If they are not going to make use of the information, why are they doing it?

see BEAUTY, page 6

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