Miss America made the right call, finally

Miss America made the decision to scrap the bikini runway portion from the list of things their long-standing competition would judge contestants on. About time.

It is about time that women are no longer getting ranked first, second or third based on their physical appearance. In a pageant like Miss America, one of the requisites to win such a lucrative competition should not be one’s ability to strut down the runway in a two-piece bikini, while viewers at home pick them apart for imperfections.

Such competitions need a stronger foundation that can provide perspective for the onlooking youth. That foundation should prioritize knowledge and insight on complex topics. Winners should be awarded on not only the way they present themselves but also how they see themselves influencing future generations with their platform.

Miss America, hats off to you for the realization.

Weronika Kaplon

Marlborough, Conn.