Categories: Current Events

Sara Lawrence, Miss Jamaica World 2006, has given up the title prematurely as she is expecting a child. This has caused a lot of controversy, as this has never happened before in the history of the pageant. And in the eyes of many, this occurrence has blemished the sanctity of the crown. Others argue that her pregnancy renders her unable to fulfill her promise to promote safe sex. There’s also the fact that her pregnancy violated the terms of her contract. I support her, because she did the honourable thing and carried the child to term. I know if it happened in other countries where family values and morals are less treasured, say the United States, the child would have been aborted. Miss USA would chuck the kid in a ditch and argue that it’s her body. I wonder how many Miss World’s have secretly had abortions? She represented Jamaica well, placing 6th. She also carried herself with dignity and pride, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of.

I think the reason that this has stirred up so much controversy is that though we act as if we’re all modern and with the times, our ideal woman is still pure and virginal. And the Miss Jamaica pageant is supposed to represent that. Now our “perfect vision of beauty” has been tarnished. But we have to realize that things are different now, and that times have changed. Miss Lawrence, just hold your head up high and focus on your dreams. You’re a beautiful, intelligent woman with a lot to offer. You’re still a queen, crown or no crown. Besides, it’s not like you’re the first scandalized beauty queen. Look at Vanessa Williams. Her name made the tabloids because of scandal, and is still in them, long after all those beauty queens’ have faded.