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Chain reaction to beauty contest - feminists protest as university winner is crowned
Peter Dominiczak11 Mar 2009
The final of a beauty contest for women university students descended into a pitched battle over the soul of feminism last night.
Dozens of protesters attempted to disrupt the last round of Miss University London, deploying stink bombs and chaining themselves to the door as they tried to stop a competition they claimed was demeaning to women.
The final at Crystal club in Marylebone went ahead after a series of interruptions including four women storming the stage. Police said eight people were arrested but were later released without charge. Protesters, some of whom have been leading a campaign since last year against the competition, said the event demeaned women and should have been banned.
Eleanor James, 23, women's officer at the School of Oriental and African Studies students' union, said: "This competition is dehumanising to all the women who are taking part."
But participants countered this by saying that the event was "feminism at its best". Protesters were also criticised by the final winner, 20-year-old Susheel Bal, a King's College student from Dulwich. The newly-crowned Miss University London said: "I loved being in the contest and winning was fantastic. The protesters who say I am being degraded are completely wrong. My parents are proud of me and are happy for me to do what makes me happy."
Reader views (8)
Well done to the protesters. This kind of competition is cheesy, offensive and at least 30 years out of date. It's strange that the contestants are so happy to be objectified in this way - what a shame after a century of feminism to be competing in this kind of cattle market.
- Donald Bennet, London, UK, 13/03/2009 00:19
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that's right, just jealous. not trying to make a point about an intrinsically sexist competition or anything...
- Isabelle, London, UK, 13/03/2009 00:03
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Yes that's right, we feminists are all insanely jealous of women who have been made insecure enough to line themselves up and have some undergrads tell them how much they're worth. Oh include me PLEASE! Gosh, maybe then even Frank, Chipper or Keith might fancy me! Now that really would make life worth living!
- Anna, Oxford, 11/03/2009 23:17
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I can only assume people who approve of these beauty pageants are the same who thinks it's ok for boyfriends/husbands to beat their girlfriends/wives for nagging or wearing revealing clothes.
- Anna, Leeds, 11/03/2009 17:12
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Well done Sushee [ you look beautiful and the rest are simplyjealous of your attributes
- Keith Price, Luton, England, 11/03/2009 16:00
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Yes, Chipper - because if you're a woman you can only have a valid point of view if you are attractive and nubile, can't you? I applaud their brave stand and wish more young women would follow their example, valuing themselves for who they are and what they have achieved rather than what they look like.
- Lj, london, 11/03/2009 13:57
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I think the picture for the article says it all really. Which side of the image is more appealing?
The belly-aching Left or the beautiful Right! Politics is in the eye of the beholder!
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 11/03/2009 13:55
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If any of the feminists looked anywhere remotely like the beautiful Susheel Bal do you think they'd be protesting? No they'd be inside having fun. Let me have them their pangeant.....who exactly are they hurting.
- Chipper, London, 11/03/2009 12:58
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