What ‘Nuestra Belleza Latina’ taught me about beauty and womanhood

“What is the one most important thing our society needs?”

We’ve all probably heard this question at all beauty pageants and competitions – leading to the most overrated answer: world peace.

But that’s not what society really needs. We need stronger womanhood, empowerment and unity.

Nuestra Belleza Latina (NBL) is a beauty pageant and reality show produced by the Spanish TV network, Univision. 12 young women selected by the judges compete for the title of Nuestra Belleza Latina, as well as winning cash prizes and becoming a personality for Univision.

 

As a proud Latina and woman, I’ve always believed in supporting and remaining prideful in Latino cultures and backgrounds. My mother has always been a big influence on my perspective of beauty, fashion and character. She’s the person that got me engaged with the idea of beauty pageants and competitions – allowing me to enter a different world of womanhood and beauty.

I learned about “Nuestra Belleza Latina” when my family was gathered around the living room on a Sunday night as they watched the show. I was intrigued by these Latina models who wanted to bring a new face to the idea of beauty. Whether their talents were acting, singing or dancing, they were beautiful beyond their physical appearance.

However, I grew disappointed in how the show would eventually misrepresent beauty and womanhood.

I always grew up with different beauty ideals than most of my family members, who typically believed beauty consists of being skinny and flawless. They paid more attention to media representations of women and beauty, but lacked understanding in the true significance of beauty.

I tried really hard to not pay attention to ignorant remarks based on my physical appearance. Instead I focused on why my flaws make me beautiful, and how I should support other women who are belittled by society based on what they believe is ‘beautiful’ – especially in NBL.

NBL celebrated its 10-year anniversary by hosting Nuestra Belleza Latina VIP where 12 former finalists returned to the show for a second shot at the coveted title. This year Clarissa Molina, a Dominican representing New York City, was crowned the title of Nuestra Belleza Latina 2016.

Nathalia Casco is a 29-year-old Honduran woman and mother who represented her country in NBL the past two years – but it’s been a roller coaster. Casco won second place in NBL 2016 with the major support of her fans, which comprised more than half of the total votes.

This year, Casco was still receiving huge support from her fans, but not from everyone else. She faced criticism on her physical appearance, her personality, her character and her role as a NBL contestant.

Leading up to this year’s competition, the audience chose sides as if they were watching a boxing match. I kept asking myself why some women fail to support each other, but instead attack each other based on their backgrounds.

This eventually lead to Casco’s resignation from the 2016 competition. During an interview with Univision the day after her resignation, Casco said: “I couldn’t sleep the entire night and now everyone keeps talking about it. It’s difficult to see my dreams go away, but my daughter is the only one who is keeping me grounded. I’m happy to finally be reunited my daughter.”

Casco will remain working as a News Host for the American Spanish-language entertainment news show, El Gordo y La Flaca. Although she couldn’t take home the crown for Honduras and herself, she remains prideful in her role as a mother.

NBL, just like any other beauty pageant, brings in different cultures and backgrounds where contestants bring in their own stories and views – which we may agree or disagree with. Just like any sports team or politician, we will choose a side and will support it until the end. That’s what makes us fans.

But at what point does it become unfair to make the other side feel like they aren’t worth anything and have no hope in pursuing their dreams any further?

I’ve learned my own beauty shouldn’t be valued at the expense of my own happiness. This show and competition reminded me that womanhood, empowerment and unity between women is needed much more in society. Just like any other beauty pageant such as “Miss Universe,” we must learn to teach women how to empower, support and stand for each other.