No they are definitely not Pageants are very popular in my culture, and although I have not personally participated in one, I know for a fact that Beauty Pageants involve much more than just the physical attributes, but also the mind and talent of young women. Women take pride in where they come from by representing their home town, home country, province, whatever. Women who participate in pageants are more accustomed to public relations, speaking, and associations with others. It is with their mind over matter that they inspire others to be the best of their ability. It is with the bathing suit portions and evening gown portions that may lead people to believe that pageants are a form of expoitation, but besides the looks, pageantry is much more intricate and should be respected. Btw they have mangeants too so arguments of sexism are invalid.