The Miss Universe competition will be held in El Salvador in November 2023, and Pakistan will be represented by model Erica Robin, 25 years old, from Karachi. Pakistan will send a delegate to the contest for the first time this year.
The choice of Robin has caused a rift among Pakistanis, with some defending her and others decrying her participation in the pageant.
Robin’s participation is being defended by some who believe it will benefit Pakistan and that Robin will serve as a fantastic ambassador for the nation. They point out that Robin is an accomplished woman with a strong commitment to social justice. They contend that she will represent Pakistan well on the international scene by competing in the contest.
Robin’s participation is criticized by others who claim it promotes Western culture and goes against Islamic principles. They contend that the pageant exploits and objectsifies women.
The debate surrounding Robin’s participation has brought to light Pakistani society’s profound differences on topics like women’s empowerment and religious beliefs. A discussion regarding the place of beauty pageants in society has also been spurred by it.
Here are some of the specific factors that have caused controversy in Pakistan as a result of Robin’s participation in the Miss Universe pageant:
Some individuals think that beauty pageants go against Islamic principles. Although beauty pageants are not expressly forbidden by the Quran, some Muslim scholars contend that they violate the spirit of Islam because they encourage women to expose their bodies to the public.
Some people think that Western culture is promoted via beauty pageants. In many Western nations, beauty pageants are a common type of entertainment, and some people in Pakistan think that they encourage Western values like independence, materialism, and sexual promiscuity.
Others still think that women are exploited and objectified by beauty pageants. Some people think that because beauty pageants frequently highlight women’s physical attributes, it may be detrimental to women’s self-esteem.
It’s significant to recognize that there are many different perspectives on beauty pageants in Pakistan.
Some people have their wholehearted support, while others have their wholehearted opposition. These conflicts have merely come to light as a result of the issue surrounding Robin’s participation in the Miss Universe event.
Also noteworthy is the fact that Robin herself is a devoted Muslim. She has stated that she is competing in the Miss Universe contest to dispel misconceptions about Pakistani women and promote Pakistan’s positive image on the international arena. She has also declared that while competing in the pageant, she will dress modestly and with respect.
The debate surrounding Robin’s entry into the Miss Universe competition is nuanced. It illustrates Pakistani society’s profound differences over subjects like women’s empowerment, religious beliefs, and the place of Western culture. It also reflects the ongoing discussion regarding the place of beauty pageants in society on a worldwide scale.
