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Fake eyelashes, fake breasts, fake blondes, fake tan. What may appear to be the description of a drag queen competition is actually the cut-throat world of pageantry. To the average civilian a pageant is seen simply as a beauty contest in which girls fix their hair up and put on sparkly dresses. However, a seasoned pageant girl will tell you it is much much more than merely dressing up; for if one looks closely, a pageant can be utilized as the eyes into American culture. Humble Beginnings What first began as a curiosity soon turned into an interest. What appeared to be an interest morphed into a hobby. What disguised itself as a hobby was in fact an obsession. Being a thin, blonde, twelve year old, when a family friend suggested a pageant, I wasn’t too aghast. “They’re gonna give me money to walk around and smile?” I questioned. With some persuasion (and a lofty bribe from my mother) I entered my first pageant, Junior Miss Manatee County. The money drew me in, while the fierce competition and thrill of winning kept me there. Along with my age grew prize money, higher expectations, and most importantly, more challenging contestants. After my fifth win at regional levels I decided to raise the bar. At 14 years old m