Yesterday afternoon I sat mesmerized by this show 'tots and tiaras' or whatever it's called. I was absolutely entranced and appalled at the same time. I had a friend who did this once with her daughter (though not quite to this extreme) so I can guess what the cost is. Not cheap! Anyway, if you ever have the chance to see this show, you might get sucked in like I did. I think it was all the shine and glitter that got to me first. That was the drug that started it all.
The first episode I watched I was introduced to "flips" and "falls". Not what one might think, especially when associated with small children. Let me explain the "flip". This is a set of pearly white perfect teeth that cover the child's own teeth. We all know and love the gappy toothed smile that kids have when they start losing their baby teeth and make room for their adult teeth. That is, unless you are a pageant judge or a pageant parent. Then it becomes the bain of a child's ever-changing growth into adulthood. It is ugly and will lose trophies if your child seems like a kid rather than a little adult. They have to practice their new smiles so that they don't accidentally drop their fake teeth out of their mouths with their fake smiles. Gah! Reallly?!
Now comes the "falls". Some may already be aware of these - mostly from an earlier generation or those that may be familiar with returning hairstyles of today. At one time I was familiar with the term, but wasn't expecting it to be used in association with a 2 year-old. These are hair pieces. Fine haired children are not award worthy. As if a 2 year-old with a head of perfectly coiffed billowing head of shiny curly hair down to their waist and poufed out wider than their tiny bodies looks natural.
What's even more appalling are the parents. Standing on the sidelines moms (and sometimes dads) are swinging their hips precociously and pursing their lips sudectively (cause kids do that, right?) and screwing pretend dimples into their cheeks as their prancing little kids in sparkly lacy dresses or belly outfits follow along. I think they should have to stand in front of the judges so they can see which kids have the real talent.
They wear more makeup and hairspray than I have in my lifetime - and I wear makeup.
The last episode I saw had a little girl which reminded me a little of "Little Miss Sunshine". She seemed to be doing it merely as a fun thing. Her mom was not doting on her or dancing aroung ridiculously, but coached her along and let her run around like little girls do. She won a few awards, but was just happy to be bringing home a sparkly trophy... Even though she didn't win little miss whatever.
They will make shows out of anything anymore.
-- Post From My iPhone
