# MissTeen USA Pageant Says Goodbye to Swimsuit Competition - blogged by @LoveRubyWoo

Over the years, the swimsuit competition has become a traditional part of beauty pageants. However, in an effort to promote gender equality, an issue that is of high importance in today's society, the Miss Teen USA pageant has decided to eliminate the swimsuit portion of the competition from here on out. To replace it, the girls will come out wearing athletic wear instead. The pageant hopes t greek style prom dresses ... hat this change will stop the objectification of the girls' bodies and bring about a renewed focus on fitness and health in order to influence young girls to get in shape.

"This decision reflects an important cultural shift we're all celebrating that empowers women who lead active, purposeful lives and encourage those in their communities to do the same," said Miss Universe president Paula Shugart. "Our hope is that this decision will help all of Miss Teen USA's fans recognize these young women for the strong, inspiring individuals they are."

The swimsuit competition has long been criticized for its role in exploiting women for their looks. Though many pageant organizations have said that the purpose of the swimsuit competition is to promote athleticism, that is clearly not the message that has been received by the audience.

The Miss Teen USA Pageant is the latest organization to get rid of the swimsuit competition after the Miss World pageant did so a couple years ago, and there are rumors that the Miss USA pageant could soon follow in their footsteps.

What do you think of the decision?