Eye Candy: Miss Universe 2012 and the Asian Dilemma

Last night, Miss USA was crowned Miss Universe 2012, and an uproar ensued regarding how Miss Philippines was robbed of the title.

Granted it is true that Miss Philippines had the best response during the question and answer round. Was she truly Top 5 caliber and was she the best candidate among the other Asian girls?

From a Western eye perhaps. She is definitely pretty. She has the traditional features of an Asian woman, the type Mattel would use to create an Asian Barbie prototype. Look at the picture below. She really does look like a Barbie doll and I mean that in a good way.

Still, Western beauty judges have always had a very skewed eye when it comes to pageants. The girls from the Eastern European and Latin countries tend to fare better in the rankings. But when it comes to Asian contenders, the concept of Asian beauty still seems to be entrenched in Pinkerton's view. Pan Asians, hot in Asia, don't seem to do as well as those with 'traditional' features.

Perhaps the judges may have been thinking: if they want someone with Caucasian features, they might as well select a Caucasian contestant.

If that is true, then the perception is too narrow. Asian women are no longer defined by small eyes and flat hair. Pageant judges need to widen their scope and really understand the complexities in the concept of beauty in Asia if Asian contestants are going to even have a chance in future.

In the meantime, take a look at these Asian Miss Universe contestants and ask: shouldn't the brouhaha have been more over the lack of Asian finalists?