The following is a transcript of the Q&A between Perez Hilton and Miss California at the competition on Sunday night, which answer (now we find) may have cost her the crown:
Perez Hilton:
“Vermont recently became the 4th state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit. Why or why not?”
Miss California:
“Well, I think it’s great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that’s how I was raised and that’s how I think it should be between a man and a woman. Thank you very much.”
Ok. So here are my thoughts:
(1) Miss California was not targeted by a harder question than the other contestants were asked and (as far as I know) Perez Hilton was randomly chosen to make his question to her (although, it is crazy ironic that an openly gay individual was able to ask the rep from the state that recently repealed the law that permitted gay marriage), so I don't think the question itself was part of any conspiracy -- more or less just SUPER bad luck for Miss Cali.
(2) Miss USA has to be able to be a spokesperson (I mean, do they really have many other purposes?), which means that there are going to be instances where she is put in a position that she has to respond and come across intelligible. This answer is not a very good answer. I have read it a couple of times and don't believe she answered the question well at all. (I actually had flashbacks of the one contestant last year who answered that schools don't have enough maps so kids don't know how to find "the South Africa, ectetera...") Miss California starts off well by saying that it is great that we live in a country that lets us make choices, which was certainly a good starting point. Where I think she went wrong was to say "in my country," because she implied she was speaking for everyone out there (which clearly she is not)... and then she says "no offense to anyone out there." Hello, that is THE sarcastic precursor that someone says when they are being bitchy, e.g. "No offense, but you are an idiot" or "no offense, but those pants make your butt look big." So, the answer itself was poor quality, regardless of her opinion.
(3) Just like Miss California has her opinion regarding same-sex marriage, Perez Hilton (and the other judges too -- he wasn't the only one there) has an opinion about the kind of "ambassador" he wants representing the USA.
Conclusion:
After hearing the story, as well as both Miss California and Perez Hilton defend themselves live yesterday morning on the Today Show, I side with Perez (who, as a matter of my opinion, comes across as a far better speaker than the 1st Runner up) on this one.
9 comments:
Hey Melissa! It's Sara Higley. Anyways, reading this blog, all good. As a former beauty pageant contestant (I did run for Miss Yakima County that's apart of the Miss America program) and I have one small correction. This past pageant was apart of the Miss USA group. Totally different from Miss America. Miss USA is apart of Miss Universe and is owned/sponsored by Donald Trump. Miss USA is more about beauty and model looks, where as Miss America is more about finding the all around girl (scholastics, health/fitness, talent, ect.). Not to be nit picky or anything, but you're talking apples and oranges. That's all.
I agree, that no matter what Miss it is, the winner should be able to speak in public without making a fool out of themselves or who they are representing. And should be able to convey what they want to say in an appropriate manner.
I am so sick of Perez Hilton. Perez asked a question, he wasn't happy with the answer that Miss California gave. So he had to go every talk show and trash talk Miss California. Oh please!! Grow-up Mr Hilton!
I am proud of Miss California for standing up for what she believes in. GOOD for her.:)
I side with Miss California.
I agree with both Sara and Donna. I think a representative of the US should be able to communicate in a clear manner... particularly on "hot" topics like the one she was called on to answer.
On the other hand, the fact the Perez Hilton went online to complete trash talk Miss California was inexcusable. Sure he didn't like her answer but really, grow up. She didn't say anything offensive. I liked this commentary I read on CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/22/martin.miss.california/index.html
If you don't want an honest answer (which she did more or less give amidst in the incoherency) don't ask the question Perez!!
Sara - thanks for the correction. I made the change to Miss USA. (Whew, I actually feel better now, because I have LOVED past Miss Americas, and I thought this was a tarnish to that history!)
And you obviously have the same feelings of love toward "the Donald" as I do! :)
Donna - Some people in this world have been put here for us to have to rise above... and it appears that they all hang out together at Miss USA pagents (like Perez & Donald Trump). Both are moderately to extremely parasitic individuals... and the world could definitely continue if Perez no longer was in it.
Abbie - Read the article you linked. Really liked this bit: "Leading the burn-her-at-the-stake parade is media opportunist Perez Hilton..." (which is his PC title, but those who know him best call him "media whore") and "At the end of the day, we all have to be true to ourselves...The day we condemn folks for speaking honestly is the day we become a bland society."
Does anyone know the question asked of Miss North Carolina, and what she gave as her answer? It is fine to acknowledge that Miss California did poorly because she didn't answer her question, but I would hope that the winner did!
I definitely agree that her answer was a little retarded. She clearly didn't answer the question at all. However, I agree that she should definitely hold her own opinion. I don't think she really meant "In my country". I think she was correcting herself when she said, "In my family". It definitely sounds, when you listen to it, like she was rewording the statement. Miss CA must have been taken aback by this question. There was a lot of pressure on her and she a little bit spaced it on her response, forgetting the question entirely and hearing, "What's your opinion?" Which was not the question.
All in all, I think that Miss CA screwed up on her response by giving the wrong reply, and Perez is just a complaining little girl.
(The above comment was from Rob, this is Rachel now). She most def should have been neutral, considering that no matter which side she picked, half the people in the U.S. would have strongly disagreed. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but I don't think the Miss USA pageant was a good place to just state hers without giving background or reasons for why she felt that way. Also, she really didn't answer the question, but I didn't think any of the girls actually answered their questions. :)
However, I felt kind of bad for her, because it would be SO stressful to have to instantly come up with the perfect answer to such a controversial question on national television. These girls are trained not to hesitate for a second and there's no way I could do that without making an idiot of myself.
Also, I think Perez is being immature. There's no need for name calling.
So I guess, in conclusion, I choose neither side!
I think they are all gay. (No pun intended) I try to avoid meaningless things like that. I've never been a fan of pageants. Having said that... Too bad all gay people couldn't be like Ellen Degeneres and NOT like Perez Hilton and Rosie Odonell. You know what I mean. :)
First of all, thank you to Rachel for pointing out that comment was by Rob.
Second, thank you to Rob for making me laugh by using the term "retarded" and calling Perez a "little girl." Awesome!
Lastly, to Michelle, humorous use of the word "gay"... but I would have said "pun intended!" And yes, I agree that Ellen rocks (I DVR her show everyday because I miss it while at work), but that Perez and Rosie leave a LOT to be desired.
You know who else I L-O-V-E? Ross the Intern from Leno. He is SOOOO freakin' adorable! Who knew someone that cute could come from Bellingham, WA?!
I had no clue Ross the Intern was from Bellingham!! That totally rocks!! I love Ross as well!!
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