Many didn’t realize the Miss Teen USA top five are overwhelmingly white, until controversy arose on Twitter. The lack of women of color is obvious and appalling. The similar Caucasian features are undeniably indistinguishable.

Along with the opinion of others on Twitter, my outlook on the top five contestants stands with the majority when they say that it’s time for people of color (or POC) to receive the recognition they deserve.

Without POC representation in the media, younger children who don’t have the physical appearance similar to the winners might think to themselves, “Why am I not like them?” or “Why don’t I look like them?” Younger kids may start to think that if they don’t look like the people in the media, they aren’t beautiful.

Children could grow up without the confidence that they should have. Personally, I don’t think of myself negatively of my race because I’m older and more aware of the media such as movies, tv shows, magazines and articles, etc. but younger children may not realize that the media is sometimes fake or unrealistic.

In the past, I have been called out for my Asian features and ethnicity. I’ve been called names that are stereotyping the Asian race, and as I grew older, the names became jokes and don’t bother me anymore.

If there was more POC representation, younger generations would be able to learn more about different cultures and ethnicities. With the knowledge that they will have, they will be more aware and be able to appropriate cultures.

To contribute to the controversy, the Miss Teen USA winner, Karlie Hay has used offensive language regarding the black community in the past. Her crown was not taken away even though she used the language multiple times.

I think that not only should the winner of a beauty pageant be sophisticated and a great role model, but also reverent and knowledgeable of what they are saying. Not only is the winner offensive, but she is not capable of being a role model.

People shown in the media should set a good  example towards the younger generation rather than abuse the recognition that many others deserve.