Miss Universe 2024 Sparks Global Debate on Beauty Standards and Inclusion
The Miss Universe 2024 crown has been awarded, but the global conversation it has ignited is far from over. Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, emerged victorious, a decision met with a mix of applause and criticism. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina, the first runner-up, captured the hearts of many with her intelligence, elegance, and celebration of African beauty. Her near-win has led to widespread reflection on whether the world is truly ready to embrace diverse definitions of beauty or if entrenched ideals still dominate.
Theilvig’s Win: A Celebration or a Step Back?
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig’s crowning as Miss Universe was praised by some as a return to “traditional beauty,” but it also reignited conversations about Eurocentric beauty standards. Adetshina, whose poised performance and thoughtful answers resonated with viewers globally, was widely seen as a strong contender for the title. Many felt her placement as runner-up highlighted lingering biases, even as pageants increasingly strive to represent diversity.
The controversy deepened when a divisive comment by Donald Trump Jr. declared, “Biological [and] objectively attractive women are allowed to win beauty pageants again. WE ARE SO BACK!!!” This statement, coupled with comments from pageant owner Anne Jakrajutatip referring to Theilvig as the “best version” of Miss Universe, raised concerns about the underlying message: a celebration of traditional Eurocentric standards at the expense of inclusivity.
A Journey Towards Inclusion
In recent years, Miss Universe has made strides in redefining beauty standards. Iconic winners such as South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi in 2019 and India’s Harnaaz Sandhu in 2021 embodied the diversity and inclusivity the pageant sought to champion. However, Theilvig’s win and the rhetoric surrounding it have sparked fears of regression.
Breana Turner, a Black pageant competitor and former Miss Virginia Volunteer, voiced her disappointment in a viral TikTok video:
“As a Black woman who competed for years, I knew the odds were against me. Hearing statements that celebrate a blonde-haired, blue-eyed winner as the pinnacle of Miss Universe goes against everything the pageant claims to stand for.”
Chidimma Adetshina: A Star Shines Bright
Amid the controversy, Adetshina’s stellar performance remains a beacon of progress. Her grace, intelligence, and commitment to unity captured global admiration. “History has been made for Nigeria,” she declared, reflecting on her achievement. “This is not the end but the beginning of my journey.”
Adetshina’s success signifies the progress made in amplifying African representation on global stages. However, for many, her runner-up status underscores the ongoing challenges Black women face in gaining equal recognition, even in spaces that claim to value diversity.
The Broader Implications
The Miss Universe 2024 debate is about more than pageantry; it mirrors broader societal struggles over diversity, equity, and inclusion. Beauty competitions, often cultural barometers, reflect the values of the times. This year’s controversy highlights the resistance that progress still faces, even as the world increasingly champions varied narratives of beauty.
As the dust settles, the discourse surrounding Miss Universe 2024 serves as a reminder of the work still needed to create a world where beauty in all its forms is celebrated and respected.
