As the clock steadily ticks forward the minutes until show time, the dressing rooms become chaotic as last-minute preparations are made. The final bursts of hairspray are liberally applied to the girls' hair, and additional bobby pins are securely attached to their heads to prevent a single hair from falling out. While the girls apprehensively wait for their moment to shine, their stylists and mothers hastily finish putting on their makeup and adjusting their glitzy outfits. Aside from a few tears shed, the girls are almost ready to begin. When the announcer calls the girls to assemble in their performance order, the butterflies in their stomachs flutter louder and their parents give them advice such as: "Remember to take one step, one step, one round ! and “Smile big, baby!” After performing their routine, the girls quickly rush into the warm arms of their parents because, unlike typical beauty pageant contestants, these girls are under the age of thirteen and some are too young to walk on their own. Since the 1960s, beauty pageants have entered the world of children's activities, sparking obvious controversy on this issue (Nussbaum 1). With the common goal of winning the highest honor of the Grand Supreme, the young beauties are judged on "their individuality in terms of appearance, ability, poise, perfection and confidence." As the judges call it, “the whole package”” (Nussbaum 1). Due to these seemingly harsh stipulations, many people have developed negative views on child beauty pageants; however, others believe that competitions have positive aspects. Whenever child beauty pageants are discussed, opposing beliefs are presented, and Elizabeth Day presents it...... middle of paper ...... although these solutions cannot If both points view are fully satisfied, they offer partial reconciliation on a very controversial subject. If both sides of the issue agree, young girls will learn the imperative lesson of working with others to reach consensus, which will truly make them more than just living Barbie dolls. Works Cited Casstevens, David. “More children are participating in beauty pageants, sparking controversy.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram October 17, 2006. np SIRS Researcher. Internet. April 30, 2011.Day, Elizabeth. “Living dolls”. The Observer July 11, 2010. 34. SIRS Researcher. Internet. April 30, 2011. Nussbaum, Kareen. “Children and beauty pageants”. Internet. May 3, 2011.Shamus, Kristen Jordan. “Ugly truth: TLC Show is an abomination.” Detroit Free Press January 24, 2010. J.5. SIRS researcher. Internet. April 30 2011.