Redefining Morality in the USA
By Brenda Black
Look up the word “moral” and Webster defines it clearly: “Relating to, dealing with, or capable of making the distinction between right and wrong in conduct.” The Miss USA pageant requires it from their title bearer. It’s covered in rules number five and six. Ironically, the owner of the pageant, Donald Trump, seems confused about the difference between right and wrong though he holds the fate of reining Miss USA, Tara Conner in his hands.
In case you haven’t heard, Conner is being evaluated for "behavioral and personal issues.”
She is accused of underage drinking and alleged drug abuse along with missing several scheduled appearances and balking at other pageant obligations. Miss USA is considered a role model, and her conduct is supposed to reflect that according to the rules.
While Trump wants the moral aspirations of the pageant upheld, he attests that Conner made some “very, very bad choices” when “she got caught up in the whirlwind that is New York.”
"There's no question that she's a party girl," Trump told The New York Post. "We have hundreds of thousands of young women around the world who look up to Miss USA and Miss Universe, and it's really important to set a high standard."
The under-aged drinker still owns her $17,500 Mikimoto pearl-dotted tiara. Supposedly, Conner moved from her luxurious Trump apartment and entered a substance abuse treatment program, but did not lose her title. Trump is giving her another chance.
Even Conner was shocked by the decision. "...in no way did I think it would be possible for a second chance. I've had a very big blessing bestowed upon me -- you'll never know how much I appreciate Mr. Trump for saving me on this one," she said. So does anyone understand the definition of rules five and six? Let’s take a look at them:
5. I am of good health and moral character.”
6. I represent that I have not and will not engage in any activities, which if disclosed to the public, would bring, or tend to bring, myself, my state director, the Miss USA/ Teen USA Pageant, Miss Universe L.P., LLLP, Trump Pageants, Inc., The Trump Organization, NBC Universal, Inc. Or any of their subsidiaries, affiliated or related companies into disrepute, ridicule or contempt not limited to, but to include any type of use of illegal drugs, any other illegal behavior or activity...nude dancing...modeling...photographs...any felony conviction, probation or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.”
Former Miss USA, Vanessa Williams was forced to resign her title when nude pictures she had taken before ever entering her beauty contest showed up in Penthouse. Conner is currently in rehab and still on the throne.
Trump’s interpretation of his own rules has me baffled. Every Miss USA must sign a contract about what is expected of her during the year she wears the crown. Rule 18 secures the deal. “I agree to abide by all of the rules of the state and national contests.”
What kind of message are we sending to young women? Yes, Conner needs treatment and guidance, but should she still be wearing a tiara that stands for wholesome living while she participates in rehabilitation? It is nice of “The Donald” to offer grace and compassion. But let’s face it. If she were applying at “The Apprentice”, he would already have said the words “You’re Fired.”
The mixed signals blur clear-cut lines between right and wrong. It leaves just enough room to question absolutes and authority. It handicaps youth from “relating to, dealing with, or making the distinction between right and wrong in conduct.” Without a moral compass, we are indeed a society “caught up in the whirlwind” that leads to complete depravity.