Disturbing television

From VH1 comes a one-hour documentary about 6 year-olds in beauty pageants. Great. It's sad enough that these events take place at all. But VH1 is jumping in to broadcast girls competing to look like spooky, tarted-up dolls to the masses.

I have not seen the show and don't plan to. So, I can't really comment on the content. Needless to say, labeling a six year-old girl as "the Flirt" doesn't bode well. Who are these people who feel comfortable tartin- up kindergarteners?

(Thanks to Feministing.com for highlighting this sad show.)

little beauties: ultimate kiddie queen showdown



Directly from the VH1 website:

Move over Miss America! The Little Beauties are coming to town! They're gorgeous, they're talented, they're six-years old and with the helping hand of eager moms, determined pageant coaches, fabulous spray tan artists and "flipper" (fake teeth) makers, not to mention a couple of Pixie Sticks for energy, these girls are taking the stage at pageants all over the Southeast U.S for the chance to win cash prizes and crowns!

Little Beauties: Ultimate Kiddie Queen Showdown is a one-hour documentary special that will take a light-hearted look into the wonderful world of children's beauty pageants through the eyes of four, precocious six-year old girls. This documentary reveals the humor and love behind an American tradition; the always colorful characters on the pageant circuit; and the "sparkle" it takes to win a crown.

What We Will See:

The girls preparing for and competing in two of the biggest pageant on the circuit

Interviews with girls, mothers, a coach, pageant directors, spray tanner and "flipper" (fake teeth) maker,

Narration by "The Voice of Pageants" himself, the fabulous Mr. Tim

Glamorous crowning ceremonies

Practice sessions at home and with the indomitable Miss Nikki, one of the best coaches on the pageant circuit

The girls at home/at school in their normal environments, with family and friends, participating in extracurricular/sports activities

Spray tanning sessions

"Flipper" (fake teeth) fittings

Who We Will Meet:

Joanna, 6 years old - The Reigning Champ

Aleena, 6 years old - The Flirt

Kynnedy, 6 years old - The Diva

Jordan, 6 years old - The Longshot

Terry - Aleena's mom / Spray tan artist

Kim - Kynnedy's mom

Eddie - Kynnedy's dad

Charlene - Jordan's mom

Laurie - Joanna's Mom

Mr. Tim - Narrator / Pageant emcee

Miss Nikki - Pageant coach

Michael Booth - Director, America's Fabulous Faces

Carol Stephens - Director, International Total Miss

Ray Smith - Pageant judge / entertainer