Beauty Pageants encourages young girls to act like “divas”. The show “Toddlers and Tiaras” is an excellent example of how girls act so negatively. On one episode, a little girl name Maddie disappeared for an entire hour because she was angry with her mother. This is the same seven year old that screams at the top of her lungs until she gets what she wants. This behavior ties into the self-esteem issues and materialistic lifestyle some are allowing for their children. The spray tans, acrylic nails, eyebrow waxing, hair extensions, and flippers are all things that can be avoided for our young kids. These are things adults can look forward too and we do not need to push our young girls to grow up; this isn’t 13 going on 30 now. Beauty pageants within children are very exploitive and they do promote a materialistic belief to young girls, damaging self self-esteem, and encouragement to be “divas.” I think pageants are a great thing for adults, or older teenagers who can make their own decisions. But for those girls not old enough to even make their own lunch, I think its best to stick to play dough and the playground.