The swimsuit contest has proven itself to be hugely successful in raising money or in promotional activities. The fact remains though, that there is a significant number of the population who would argue that they are nothing more than exploitation vehicles for women. The organizers of these contests counter claim that swimsuit contests provide judges the perfect opportunity to judge a person's physical fitness, their poise and their posture.

In America the swimsuit contest is as American as homemade apple pie. Often the swimsuit contest is a stand alone event where contestants are judged solely on their physical appearance. The swimsuit contest is also held as an integral part of the large beauty pageants where contestants are judged in several other areas, each being allocated a separate score.

There are many strong critics of the swimsuit contest, there always has been, and no doubt they will always remain. Their objection stems from the belief that these contests send out a completely wrong message to society. This is that beauty is the single most important quality that a girl can have.

It is well known that sex sells, so it is understandable that the beautiful bikini clad model is used extensively on promotions. Unfortunately this has had the disastrous effect of sending out incorrect messages to society where worth is now equated with beauty and perfect bodies. It is no wonder that so many of our young are afflicted with either eating or emotional problems.

The swimsuit contest is still a very controversial issue in such pageants as Miss Universe and Miss America. Even though it has lost its prominence as far as judging goes, it is still regarded as an essential component of both contests. One has to wonder if this has not happened because of pressure from certain sections of the public. For example, evening wear is now awarded more marks than the swimsuit contest in the Miss America pageant.

Because of the continuing public outcry over swimsuit contests in the major beauty pageants, a phone poll was organised to determine just how the public felt on this issue. An overwhelming 87% of people interviewed were in favour of keeping the swimsuit contests going.

There are many reasons why girls choose to enter a swimsuit contest. The prize money may be secondary to the real reason, which is an opportunity to gain public exposure and hopefully launch a professional modelling career. Many international super models gained experience and exposure from swimsuit contests.

The swimsuit contest has been around for close to a century now, and even though it is now generally accepted in Western countries it still receives much criticism. Originally it was totally forbidden by the middle class who saw it as a manifestation of low moral values. Its acceptance was however enhanced greatly during the Second World War, when beauty queens were recruited to entertain the troops and to promote the sale of American bonds.