It is natural that every parent thinks her child is the most darling being on the planet. It is a special kind of mom, a stage mama, who takes it to the next level by entering her children into the world of pageants. The bouffant hairdos, expensive gowns, spray tans, and makeup kits are all part of the up-do that will turn her child into a star. And while many mommies are quick to judge these families for participating in the hoopla, there are clearly enough people to keep the industry ticking. Love it or hate it, TLC's Toddlers and Tiaras has a loyal viewership. And now there's a coffee table book on the market titled High Glitz. In it author Susan Anderson captures the transformation of child to beauty queen. It may make some stomachs turn while it provides inspiration to others. Will the text be like the show — a train wreck you just can't turn away from? Tell us below!
Fred Perry
I know it's not those poor children's fault, but they look demonic. Shame on any parent who would do this to this child. Super creepy.
1That is like a pedophile's dream book. Yuck!
2I don't like it. I don't like watching those kids pinned down and spray tanned and covered in 5 pounds of makeup... I don't really like it when adults do it, but a child doesn't have any choice but to submit. If you watch those shows, the child may like the actual competing part but almost all of them cry and try to back out during the hours and hours of poking and proding and makeup. Not to mention that spending the money and time on these sorts of things really reinforces that looks are overly important.
3Parents should be ashamed for doing this to little girls. I think it's sickeing.
4Its so odd to me... I have to look.
5Playboy for the pedo set...
I personally think the way that beauty pageant girls (at least the little ones) are treated is creepy and horrific. Why not let your kid be a kid? Why does she need to go practice her routine for the show? It's a little bit ridiculous.
Also has anyone ever noticed the moms on the TV shows about pageants? They're all kind of fat and frumpy and trashy. I think that they're living vicariously through their little girls.
6Personally, I don't think little children are cute unless they are spray tanned with big fake eyelashes and creepy fake doll smiles.
7Those kids are creepy. It's not their fault but god they wear more makeup than I do!
8so creepy it's fascinating
9This is an excellent and fascinating book. I saw a preview copy and was enthralled by the photography. Definitely look if you have the opportunity.
10Is it fascinating in a good way, or fascinating in a "car-wreck-you-can't-take-your-eyes-off-it" kind of way?
11I find it so fascinating...like a horrible, tragic train wreck.
12I agree with the posters above who have said it's a pedophile's dream. To me, what's even worse than the girls getting spray tanned, highlighted, and made up to look 25 is some of the provocative dances they do. Honestly - who wants to see a 2-year old shaking her butt like a stripper? Oh, besides a pedo?
13There was a review about this book on Vogue Italia a few months ago, and the one photo shown was incredibly frightening. I wonder why a parent would do that to his daughter. Creepy.
14Susan Anderson is a great photographer btw, I guess the book is supposed to be a critic more than a celebration.
I've seen this book all over the place, from Flavorwire to Italian Vogue. There's even a blog for it and a book trailer of the author, a pageant girl and Simon Doonan from Barneys NY at the launch party -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7Dy2HiAXno
15Please tell me that the little girl in the American flag outfit isn't wearing acrylic nails.
16I'm not saying I would buy it, but if I saw it on display at Borders...
17Totally makes me think of that one creepy guy in Little Miss Sunshine - at the end of Olive's dance he cheered way too enthusiastically. It's really funny in the movie. But there are real weirdos out there and that's scary.
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