Pageantry

A stammer of words, a flip of the hair, a crack in the voice, a visible facial blemish, too harsh of colors, mismatched shoes; the myriad of possible mistakes made during an interview could, and already has, take up the space of a small novel. .
             The most important and the most problematic law to follow: "Don't say the wrong thing! Don't say what you want to say if it is the wrong thing to say!!" My coach's warning still rings harshly in my ears. "Blips" or short biographies of the judges are published 3-4 weeks before the main event. These will become the determined contestants" bibles for the next month. The bios will be cut open, dissected, and examined from every possible angle. Affiliations and titles are useful in hinting towards a judge's political party, and perhaps religion. If one is praised for their dedication and achievement in the American Civil Liberties Union, it is safe to classify this judge as a liberal, and a likely non-believer. If asked about her stance on abortion, now would not be the best time for a contestant to proclaim her belief in pro-life. On the other hand, if one judge is acclaimed for their involvement with Habitat for Humanity and The Salvation Army, a contestant (if she may be a follower) is urged to express her faith in God. The tricky part is to develop answers and form a platform in which a mixed batch of judges won't be offended. There exists a pool in which judges typically draw their questions. Abortion, international policy, marijuana, underage drinking, peer pressure, community involvement, same sex marriage and adoption are topics frequently raised by the panel. This predicament occurs in daily life, too. We have come to a point in time in which free speech is respected. However, we have also come to a point in time where cultural, religious, and sexual values are respected as well. It is very difficult to speak one's mind about a particular issue without offending someone.