Beauty contests, which are a feast to show the charm and beauty of women, are also a mirror that reflects the culture and values of society. With the changes of the times and regional differences, the form and standard of beauty pageants are also constantly evolving, which are deeply influenced by historical background and male aesthetic concepts. In this article, we will take a look at the costumes, selection criteria, and differences between Chinese and Western aesthetics through historical images of Western beauty pageants in the first half of the 20th century.
In the first half of the 20th century, Western society was plagued by changes and conflicts, such as World War I, the Great Depression, the feminist movement, and World War II. These major events have profoundly shaped the status and role of women, and shaped men's attitudes and expectations towards women. In this context, beauty pageants have become a platform to showcase the charm of women and satisfy the desires of men.
The beauty pageant women of the first half of the 20th century wore a reflection of the two sides of women's physical liberation and male gaze control. On the one hand, women began to abandon restrictive and inhibitive clothing, such as tight-fitting corsets and skirts, in favor of more comfortable and ** clothing, such as swimsuits and underwear. These garments not only show a woman's curves and skin, but also show a woman's confidence and personality. Men, on the other hand, emphasize the figure over the physiognomy through beauty pageant norms and sculpting female figures, requiring women to cover their faces or wear conservative clothing. This is done both to avoid the distraction of the judges and to assert the authority and superiority of men.
The beauty pageant standards of the first half of the 20th century reflected the diversity of mainstream Western aesthetics and culture at the time. After World War I, beauty pageant standards were relatively conservative and traditional, emphasizing women's solemnity and elegance, such as tall figures, fair skin, and long hairstyles. During the Great Depression, beauty pageants were more practical and economical, focusing on women's health and vitality, such as a well-proportioned weight, healthy skin, and short hairstyles. After the Second World War, beauty pageants became more open and diverse, emphasizing women's charm and individuality, such as plump breasts, bronzed skin, curly hairstyles, etc. At the same time, the influence of different regions and countries is also reflected in the beauty pageant criteria, such as the "Miss Universe" contest in the United States, which is often won by Latin American women, reflecting the diversity and inclusion of the United States.
In different cultural backgrounds, there are differences in the understanding and evaluation of beauty between China and the West. The difference between Chinese and Western aesthetics is mainly reflected in the preference for figure, face, and temperament. The West prefers tall, curvy women who often dress tight-fitting or skin-baring to show off their body advantage. Traditional Chinese aesthetics prefer well-proportioned and feminine women, and beauty pageants are usually looser or more conservative, reflecting a dignified temperament.
To sum up, the image of women in Western beauty contests in the first half of the 20th century reflects the historical, cultural, political, and economic influences of Western society. At the same time, the differences between Chinese and Western aesthetics are also presented in the beauty pageant standards of different periods. We should respect and appreciate all kinds of aesthetic standards and expressions of beauty, encourage diversity and tolerance, and make the world of beauty more beautiful.