Baby Beauty Queens

“Baby Beauty Queens” is a documentary that takes a deep dive into the world of child pageants, exploring the extreme competitiveness and the intense pressure on children and parents to win. The film follows the stories of four contestants and their mothers as they prepare for and participate in pageants.

From the very beginning of the film, the viewer is plunged into the unsettling and uncomfortable world of child beauty pageants. Young girls are shown being dolled up in heavy makeup, spray tans, and hair extensions, all in the name of “beauty”. As the girls rehearse their routines, it becomes clear that the pressure to win is immense, not just for the children, but also for their parents.

The documentary is not an indictment of child pageants or their participants, but rather a critical look at the beauty pageant industry and the parents who drive their children with a ferocity bordering on obsession. The film shows the mothers as they push their children to the limits, often at the expense of their childhoods and emotional well-being. The pageant mothers, depicted as fiercely competitive and determined to win, are shown going to great lengths to ensure their child comes out on top. This includes spending exorbitant amounts of money on dresses, coaches, and other expenses associated with pageants.

One of the most striking moments in the film is when a little girl is asked what she would do if she didn’t win the pageant. She breaks down in tears, saying that she would have to work harder and be better for the next competition. It’s a stark reminder of the intense pressure and unrealistic expectations placed on these children.

The film also raises important questions about the sexualization of young girls in our society. As the girls are paraded around in skimpy outfits and heavy makeup, the viewer is left wondering what kind of message this sends about the value of girls beyond their appearance. The documentary does not shy away from the darker side of child beauty pageants, including cases of sexual abuse and exploitation.

“Baby Beauty Queens” is a sobering look into a world that many of us are not familiar with. It’s a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of child pageants is a dark reality that requires us to ask important questions about the values we instill in our children and the lengths we are willing to go to win.”