国立アメリカ歴史博物館さんのインスタグラム写真 - (国立アメリカ歴史博物館Instagram)「Yolande Betbeze donned this rhinestone tiara, scepter, and sash after she was crowned Miss America 70 years ago today. Though Betbeze won the pageant by unanimous vote, she quickly showed that she more than willing to break with its traditions. She refused to be photographed in Catalina swimwear advertisements. (In her words, “I don’t appear publicly in a bathing suit for anyone unless, of course, I’m going swimming.”) A decidedly modern example of Miss America, Betbeze supported equal rights for women and African Americans, joining NAACP protestors during civil rights demonstrations and criticizing the Miss America pageant for its lack of diversity. Educated and well read, Betbeze often found herself refuting the stereotypes about beauty queen. The Miss America pageant has struggled with these stereotypes from the start, continually reinventing itself to keep up with changing mores. Beginning in 1921 as a “photographic personality contest,” Miss America was introduced through newsreels and newspapers. By the start of World War II, she was transformed into a symbol of patriotism. Educational scholarships for the winners attempted to modify the pageant’s focus, but television continued to emphasize the glitzy, highly calculated image of the event. Over time, the pageant shifted its focus to educational and professional goals, requiring contestants to address relevant social issues while educating the public—a change Betbeze welcomed. “I spoke out against the pageant when it was needed,” she told "People" magazine in 2000. “The pageant has changed, thanks to me.” Today, several objects from Betbeze's career are part of our collection, and many of her papers and other documents are available to researchers in our Archives Center. Her story will be spotlighted in our upcoming exhibition, "Girlhood (It's complicated)" opening later this fall: https://s.si.edu/girlhood 📷: Archives Center #AmericanHistory #WomensHistory #BecauseOfHerStory #Girlhood #GirlhoodHistory #TDIH #OTD」9月9日 23時42分