Miss Teen South Carolina, Lauren Caitlin Upton became an internet sensation after her mangled answer to an interview question at the Miss Teen USA pageant Friday. This morning, she gave a better answer on NBC’s Today Show.
Link (with video) -via a comment on Boing Boing (believe it or not)
Personally, my friends and I, we know exactly where the United States is on our map. I don't know anyone else who doesn't. And if the statistics are correct, I believe there should be more emphasis on geography in our education so people will learn how to read maps better.
Link (with video) -via a comment on Boing Boing (believe it or not)
Seriously, don't worry too much for your Lauren (the smart one) -- not too many people are even aware that there IS a teen version of Miss America! Americans typically are aware that:
1. There is a Miss America pageant (the original..."Here she comes", formerly Atlantic City, &c.). It's faded much from its former glory, but still has tradition.
2. There is a Miss USA pageant (owned by Donald Trump)
3. There is a Miss Universe pageant. Winner of #2 goes there and competes against like winners from other countries. All owned by Trump. Lessons learned? try not to hold this in countries that adhere to Sharia. It didn't work out so well last time.
4. There is a Miss Teen USA pageant (owned by Trump - a slightly younger version of #2).
People are at least vaguely aware of the above 4, because they are annually aired on U.S. television. But, Miss America Teen? Nobody outside of demented pageant geeks (chiefly middle aged mothers living vicariously through their vacuous daughters) have ever heard of it! Is it even aired on network TV? Your "Smart Lauren" should be thankful she gets some extra attention and gets to talk up her own crown and her ill-publicized pageant whilst explaining that she isn't "the stupid one".
The Miss America organization needs to get their act together, because Trump is eating them for lunch.
and what, exactly, would you say the chances of THAT are?