Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from The Miss Moorhead Scholarship Pageant, my sister queens Sage and Ashleigh, and me, Maren Goff Miss Moorhead 2013.

Response to Beyonce's "Pretty Hurts"

"Pretty hurts, perfection is a disease of a nation." I take this songs as a social commentary on the unrealistic ideals and expectations of young women in todays society. The cycle of perfectionism is as follows; unrealistic expectations, self-blame, reduced self-confidence and defensiveness, reduced productivity, and then finally a demand for higher standards which repeat the cycle. In the song Beyonce quotes "pageant the pain away" I take this to mean that winning a crown to the character she represents in the video is a sign of a validation of her "perfection" or her "pretty" which aids to boost her low self-esteem due to the standards set up for her by society. I also find it interesting that in the lyrics she states "blonder hair, flat chest" as these tend to be the standards of beauty that we see in models, actresses, and other famous/desirable women today. However in the video it is evident that her character fits none of these molds and struggles within herself to become something she is not. My last note is that Beyonce "Miss Third Ward" ends up placing second to a contestant who seems to fit these societal ideals more than she does, furthering the obvious truth that people gravitate toward the woman who fits into the desirable mold.

As a young woman and a title holder in the Miss America pageant system, I am not offended by this video even though I think it displays a negative stereotype on the pageant world. I believe that Ms. Knowles has a right as an artist and as a role model to address issues facing the young women of our world today. The issue of perfection and the effects of the media on the self-esteem of women is something that affects young ladies on a daily basis, wether they are immediately aware of it or not.  I believe that unrealistic expectations are forced upon young women today, these expectations are only heightened within the world of pageants. With that said I believe it is our duty as young women to take a step back and examine our own happiness (after all being happy was Miss Third Ward's only aspiration in life), we must first and foremost take care of ourselves, our bodies and our minds so that we can rise above the cycle of perfection and transcend the traditional standards of beauty set foreword by society. (After all isn't this what Beyonce has done during her own successful career? She herself is a successful, independent, woman who does not fit the ideal size 2, blonde haired, blue eyed standard.)

As a pageant contestant and title holder I have worked hard to establish myself as a hardworking, articulate, successful, intelligent, and well rounded young woman. I refuse to let any negative stereotype hold me back along my way. We cannot ignore the fact that in our world an unattainable and ever increasing ideal of perfection exists. I thank Beyonce for addressing this important issue to our society; even if negative pageant stereotypes had to be used as the vehicle for this message. To me it is evident that the Miss America Organization is an organization of sisterhood between its participants as well as an organization that seeks to promote and bring out the very best in young ladies across our nation. We represent scholarship, style, service and success and will continue to do so for years to come. It also makes me smile to know that I belong to an organization that is transcending societies ideals of typical perfection. In the past year the Miss America Organization has crowned girls that "break the mold" on local, state and national levels. MAO's ideals of beauty have surely grown, and I look foreword to the day that the rest of the nation follow; this way pretty won't have to hurt.  

Sincerely,

Maren Goff

Miss Moorhead 2013

Holiday Happenings

With the holiday season in full swing, I've been busy as ever. Here is what I've been up to. 

On November 22nd, I had another great appearance at Probstfield Education Center's Friday Family Fun Night. The theme was "Kings and Queens", I had a blast helping with the costume/dress up station and was a featured story teller at the end of the night! 

November 26th, was the annual Fargo/Moorhead Xcel Energy Holiday Lights Parade. Though it may have been a very chilly night, my sister queens Sage and Ashleigh and I braved the cold to ride down Center Ave and Broadway on the nearly 2 mile long parade route. Despite the cold we had a blast!

After the Parade of Lights it was back to my home town of Brainerd, Minnesota for thanksgiving with my family. On thanksgiving morning I rose at the crack of dawn to participate in the annual Baxter Turkey Run, benefiting Shriners Children's Hospitals! This was my very first 5k run, I was inspired to go for it by Roberta, the mother of one of my best friends. Roberta has run countless 5k's and after visiting with her recently she really inspired me to just throw my fears aside and give it a try! Im very proud to say that I finished the race in a time above my expectations and I can't wait to run in another!

A few days later on the 30th it was up to Grand Forks, North Dakota for the Miss Grand Forks, Miss Empire, and Miss Grand Cities Scholarship Pageant. In this multi crown pageant the winners of Miss Grand Forks and Miss Empire move on to compete for the title of Miss North Dakota, and the winner of Miss Grand Cities moves on to compete for the title of Miss Minnesota. Congratulations to nights winners, especially my Miss Minnesota Class of 2013 classmate and the new Miss Grand Cities Drew Trahms!

In the Miss America Organization we are very blessed with the opportunity to be servants of our communities. On December 11th, I was able to give back by bell ringing of the Salvation Army. I was located at Cashwise Foods in Moorhead, and with the below zero temperatures I was very thankful to be located partially inside. Over the course of the evening I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the donations I received from customers, I was able to fill two red kettles in two and a half hours, the kettle I started with was so full half way through that it had to be switched out with another. I was also very fortunate to have some great conversations with a few individuals, the compliments and support I received absolutely warmed my heart. 

Though this holiday season has been filled with the hustle and bustle of appearances I've also managed to have some fun in my spare time too! Recently my friends, Amy and Morgan had the opportunity to surprise our friend Kathy with tickets to a Minnesota Wild Game! The four of us had a great   hockey filled weekend!

I this upcoming week I have lots of finals to look forward to. Wish me luck!

Happy Holidays,

Maren Goff

Miss Moorhead