Living Barbie

I was watching a couple of music videos of The Band Perry on YouTube. What started with a clear intent to listen to some good music turned awry. I was diverted to the weird part of YouTube. I remember that about 5 months ago, I had researched greatly on a lot of children who had lost their lives to forces beyond their control. The story that touched me most was Jon Benet Ramsey's. I can still vaguely remember her face and profoundly remember her beautiful smile. She used to be a pageant princess and appear at a lot of these pageant shows wearing makeup, mature costumes etc. On one very normal day, she was found dead with a strangle wound on her neck. There have been numerous fingers pointed at her family, a pedophile etc.

Jonbenet's story still breaks my heart and I remember dedicating a lot of hours searching for an answer for her untimely death. But, none convincing.

This brings me to my topic 'Living Barbie- Young girls sacrificing their childhood to the Pageants'.

It is a sad reality,but the pageants for children were awfully popular in the late 80s and early 90s. They died for a few years and are back again. Just like how there are soccer moms, there are pageant moms who prune their little girls to show themselves off and sell their cuteness for a few bucks and fame.

Let me side with the little girls on this and be a voice for them to assert what they want.

Dear Mom,
I came to you some years ago as a gift from God. You love me so tenderly and dearly. You call me your doll, which always brings a smile to my face. You make beautiful dresses for me, the ones you wish you had a chance to wear. But, i am your doll, not theirs. I smile for you, not for them. If anybody should know how cute and happy I am, its You.  I know that the hairstyles you do look pretty on me, but I would be as happy with nothing shiny on my head. I know I look much thinner with a body tan, but my skin feels itchy after the shows. I know that my eyes look bright like sunshine with kohl, but I want to be able to cry without looking like a mess.

Please forgive me for breaking your dreams. But, I don't want to do the pageants anymore.

 I love you.

JonBenet Ramsey
(August 6, 1990- December 25, 2006)