As Independence Day grows close, I find myself reflecting on the correlation between our nation’s cause for celebration and the Miss America system. I know, I know, but hear me out:
What is America? America isn’t a person or even people; it isn’t a mass of land and rivers surrounded by oceans. America isn’t a government or a system.
AMERICA IS AN IDEAL
When you hear those five words: “The United States of America,” your heart swells with pride not because you know we have one of the most advanced and strongest military forces in the world, or because we have some of the most prestigious colleges and universities to be found anywhere, or even because we have been blessed with a contingent of freedoms some will never know. No, we feel that sense of impassioned pride because we know what America represents. Outside the buildings, the people, and the systems, we love our country because we recognize the incredible connotations that come with merely saying its name: strength, fortitude, hard work, opportunity, freedom…independence.
The Miss America system is similar in many ways to this image. For she, too, is not merely a single person, or even the scores of amazing women who have held the title of Miss America.
MISS AMERICA IS AN IDEAL
While Miss America’s history isn’t quite as old as our country’s, it has conquered many of the same challenges and struggles as our nation and is continuing to grow and change for the better. Although a single face may flash into your mind when you hear the words “Miss America,” you will probably also begin to envision a contingent of characteristics that the Miss America system embodies; Intelligence, Confidence, Beauty, Style, and Education. These are the characteristics that set Miss America apart and that inspire and empower the thousands of young women that strive toward that ultimate title and ultimate responsibility of representing our nation.
So, this Monday, as we celebrate together let’s remember the many years, prayers, and lives it has taken to establish those ideals we know as;
1. The United States of America
and
2. Miss America
God bless,
- Bethany
Although I only focused on one main correlation, there are many others:
(What are some parallels you see between our country and Miss America?)
W
