Last Friday was that time of year. No, I’m not talking about when the leaves begin to fall, or when we start to realize that we need to get a 200 percent on our final research paper to pass our class. I’m talking about SigSuit. For those of you who don’t know, SigSuit is a three part pageant which includes a touchdown dance, evening gown, and bikini categories for the sports themed event this year. It’s an event put on by Sigma Chi to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. Sounds pretty great, right? Raising money for a good cause can never be a bad thing, right?
I didn’t go to SigSuit this year because I didn’t need to watch another competition based on women’s outer beauty. I see enough of this “beauty” on TV ads, movies, and magazines. Quite frankly, I am so tired and fed up with beauty being portrayed as a half-naked woman. Because that’s not true beauty at all.
Let me ask you this. Why do people go to football games? To watch football. Why do people go to the movie theater? To watch a movie. Why do people go to beauty pageants?
America is a competitive nation that likes to turn everything into some kind of contest. Including women’s beauty. How we judge these competitions? We give women the idea that they need to show off their bodies in ways that aren’t respectable or dignified. Why is it necessary for all beauty contests to have a swimsuit category? I fully understand that the body is a beautifully designed and complex being. As an athlete, I completely get that the body is capable of looking amazing, but do we really need to share and show off every nook and cranny of it?
What ever happened to inner beauty? Nobody cares about that anymore. Nobody wants to pay to spectate a contest based on a woman’s inner beauty, because that’s just not pleasing to the eye. America is the largest consumer of eye candy. Who really wants to see and understand the intellectual capability of a woman, rather than the bikini size she wears? Sadly, very few.
I was once asked why I don’t wear bikinis by a teammate of mine. They had assumed I was self-conscious about my body, which I am not, and was perplexed at why I would be. After explaining my opinion about modesty and self-respect, my teammate scoffed at me and said “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!” To this I say the opposite. Sure, having a great body is a blessing and often a reward for working hard, but does everyone have to know this? Isn’t the “dream girl” supposed to be mysterious and different? Well, why can’t we be “mysterious” about our bodies? Why can’t we be “different,” and, for once, not be the girl on the beach in the typical, skimpy, two-piece?
Let me ask you this: are you going to be the girl who chooses to respect herself?
Jordan Roy • Dec 15, 2015 at 2:54 am
Okay. Um. So I got here because of the article complaining about the comments and I have to say, after reading this article the comments are much nicer than I was led to believe. Much ruder things could be said. Everything previously stated aside, the argument in this article is fundamentally flawed. “Let me ask you this. Why do people go to football games? To watch football. Why do people go to the movie theater? To watch a movie. Why do people go to beauty pageants?” You defeat your own argument here. You go to a football game to watch outer skill and athletics, you go to a movie to view from the outside what the people who created it want you to see. SigSuit isn’t a beauty pageant per say but even if it was, they are by definition something you go to to see the outside of someone. There are no events that you pay for or go see to see someone’s inner beauty; man or woman. That’s called getting to know someone and it’s what we do in everyday life. If you looked away from the microscope you have focused on things you don’t like, you can’t see your own argument defeated by everyday occurrences like conversations…
There is so much more I could say about this article but I think I have made my point.
Anonymous 2 • Nov 20, 2015 at 4:56 pm
Brian Dinse – well-stated, well-written, and thoughtful comment. I agree with everything you said.
Linds • Nov 20, 2015 at 2:32 pm
I feel like the answer is pretty simple, if you don’t like it just don’t go. The real problem with this article is that you’re taking your opinion and generating an assumption of what this even stands for, and thus creating a misconception for the rest of the student body. This could ultimately take away from the main goal of this entire event – raising money for a wonderful charity.I understand that this is an opinion article, and therefore you’re entitled to yours as I am mine, but stigmatizing an entire group of people – including every person who participated in this event in some capacity is taking it too far. So as I said, if you don’t like it then just don’t go, but don’t shame everyone else who’s opinion is not similar to your own.
Anonymous • Nov 20, 2015 at 2:08 pm
This is a complete double standard. Every year organizations blatantly hold events that have ‘fashion show’ in their name that are either all male participants or mixed, no complaints from anyone. Misster UNH has guys dressing in drag, no complaints from anyone. There is all male pagents/contests like deepher dude, no one comeplains. Yet the one female only contest/pagent is called out for being sexist? The guys show more skin in all of these events including sigsuit many times.Talk about judging a book by its cover.
Ross W. • Nov 20, 2015 at 2:07 pm
UNH is now suffering under Political Correctness!! Political Correctness is bad and to say Sig Suit isn’t a beauty contest is outrageous. What else are the Political Correctness police going to say!! We need to stop Political Correctness.
Anonymous • Nov 20, 2015 at 11:40 am
Just because this writer did not attend the event does not mean his feelings about this event are invalid. Yes, this was to raise charity but it was done through superficial means. That is fine if that is what needs to be done to raise money, just be honest about it. This is something is marketed on and everyone knows that sex sells. So you used the best means of advertisement to do something good so you might as well own up to it. This writer is not offended or insecure, they are just saying their opinion on an event that does showcase beauty and sex appeal. Inner beauty cannot truly be shown through such an event but creativity can which is what I think this writer should have focused on. There was creativity but nothing too different from what is usually seen.
Kevin • Nov 20, 2015 at 10:23 am
Theres always going to be that one person that gets offended by every thing. If you don’t like it, don’t come. Everybody involved will continue raising thousands of dollars for a fantastic charity while enjoying a funny and creative show. If this offends anybody ill gladly show them the door to Yale where they can whine and protest every little thing that discomforts them.
Scott Iwaniec • Nov 20, 2015 at 12:50 am
the whole article sounds like someone whos just very insecure with themself and needs to complain in order to make her feel better. if u dont wana go, dont show up. if u dont wana wear a bikini urself, u dont have to. let others do what they want. and most importantly, if your gong to publish ur complaints for all to see, put ur name on it
Lisa • Nov 20, 2015 at 12:21 am
Interesting article since I ‘competed’ in this the first two years it went on. Why did I do it? Most definitely not for the swimsuit portion but because I wanted to help raise money. That first year I went door to door asking for donations for the great cause these guys do the event for. Did I win this competition because I wore a slinky bikini and show off my body? No I won it because I showed off my personality. I never cared if I won or not it wasn’t about that. It was a time to have fun with friends and raise money. Making my own bathing suit and a grape Halloween costume to make the night great for everyone. So next time you make an assumption about a contest like this think twice and look into it. I understand if you compare it to VS fashion show but that’s nowhere near the same level to what these guys do.
Ally • Nov 20, 2015 at 12:19 am
I don’t normally post on articles like this because just like you, I’m behind a computer. honestly, however, I wouldn’t mind saying anything I am about to say right to your face so I guess I can continue.
I’m not going to sugar coat it. Your article was not only disrespectful, but it was ignorant. Sure you’re entitled to your own opinion, but to call people out for their decision to help a great cause is wrong. Sigma chi hosts this event for the purpose of raising money for an amazing cause. It’s not about what people decide to wear, it’s about raising money for a cause that many, many people hold dear to their hearts. The show itself is more of a fun aspect. For you to judge people based on their decision to wear a bathing suit or any type of clothing they choose is so sad. Especially the fact that you said these girls don’t respect themselves, and that this pageant is about outer beauty. If you actually went to the event, you’d see that the participants show their true beauty through both their outfit choices and their CONFIDENCE to be able to stand up in front of a crowd and wear a bathing suit or whatever they choose. It’s not about disrespecting yourself, it’s about being able to show others that no matter what you look like, you can be proud of it. There’s nothing wrong with that, so to say there is just shows a lot about a person. By you judging this competition as a whole, it just shows how little of an understanding you have for it. Just remember, treat people the way you want to be treated.
Anonymous • Nov 19, 2015 at 11:55 pm
Fun fact: A past winner wore a full diver wet-suit during the swimwear round.That completely contradicts your argument.
Joe Delayo • Nov 19, 2015 at 11:38 pm
While we are all here. Thank you to everyone who donated and came to the event!
Anonymous Mouse • Nov 19, 2015 at 11:16 pm
Well stated Brian!
Brian Dinse • Nov 19, 2015 at 11:12 pm
Dear Author,
Let me first start off by saying this is my ‘friendly’ version of what I really want to say, and if at the end of the day your feelings are still hurt, I don’t care. This is America, and The First Amendment gives me the right to speak my mind, just as it grants you the right to continue to write terrible articles.
While I respect your opinion, I do not agree with it, but it is not your opinion that annoys me, it is your ignorance and derogatory statement at the end towards those who competed.
You stated yourself that you did not watch SigSuit, so who are you to comment on what happened? If you would have went then you would have known that is was not the contestants who were the most revealing; it was me. And when it comes to raising money for a charity and making people laugh, I’ll never hesitate to throw on a pair daisy dukes and dance to NSYNC.
Last but not least, how dare you say “…are you going to be the girl who chooses to respect herself?” Obviously, you are implying that those who competed have no self-respect. While you have the right to your opinion, you have no right to bring others down. It’s absolutely disrespectful and disgusting. You categorized/stereotyped these women based off of what they were wearing. That’s called ‘Slut Shaming;’ I hope you’re proud.
It takes a tremendous amount of courage and self-respect to get up on stage in front of a full auditorium; that’s inner beauty at it’s finest. And with the help of lovely contestants we raised over $3,000! That’s what really matters!
P.S. Do you know what courage is not? Courage is not sitting behind a computer screen and keyboard, posting disrespectful articles anonymously.
Anonymous Mouse • Nov 19, 2015 at 11:08 pm
First off, every person is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. This is of course perfectly acceptable. I would also like to bring everyone’s attention that commented on this article that it is an opinion piece. I do agree that the commercial woman is portrayed as rail thin with large breasts and the most beautiful features. However, it is not like Sigma Chi turned away women who were not “pretty enough” to compete. But first and foremost, this event is not about competing to see is the most fair in all the land! Sig Suit is the finale to a term of fundraising for the Children’s Miracle network. It is not about who looks the most beautiful in their dress, whose body is the most proportionate or who the audience likes more. This event is simply meant to be a celebratory. Women were not forced to wear anything they were uncomfortable in or felt too exposed for their liking. Also as far as I am concerned the way you dress yourself has NOTHING to do with having respect for yourself. Some people just feel more comfortable in less clothing than you may feel. That’s similar to saying because women who wear less clothing are easy or “are asking for it.” Second before writing an opinion piece you should do your best to research the event, interview people who competed and actually attend the event. Without these things you have no credibility. Please use this article as a learning experience and next time make sure to gather the full story before publishing something so controversial to the internet. 🙂
Legoman • Nov 19, 2015 at 10:44 pm
To Samantha and the author…. Please dont hessitate to step on a lego
SANDMAN • Nov 19, 2015 at 10:40 pm
You can go pound sand……
Cheyenne • Nov 19, 2015 at 10:34 pm
Samantha the event put on by the *fraternity does not force any women to be objectified. Some girls didn’t even wear swimsuits they instead got super creative during the swim wear portion. If you feel this way about Sig Suit then you should feel the same way about Deepher Dude which is put on by own sorority which is a pageant for men, otherwise that is just a double standard. Also Sig Suit was not judged by the boys it was judged by an alum and then two faculty members one of which was a female so she was clearly doing it just to gawk at the girls as well.
Anonymous • Nov 19, 2015 at 10:29 pm
Please look into detail about what Sigsuit actually means. I participated in it twice because my brother was treated for cancer at a Children’s Miracle network hospital. It’s a fun event that makes everyone there have the confidence to do something different everyone is intitled to an opinion but there is no need to bash an event.
Samantha • Nov 19, 2015 at 9:33 pm
I understand the whole event is for a good cause and they raised a lot of money…but can I just say that Playboy raises a lot of money for different charities. Does playboy care about the inner beauty of a woman? No. So you go girl for calling out this event for what it really is. Giving the frat guys something good to gawk at and then rave about how hot girls were after. The only reason I commented on this is because the author needs support. She isn’t the only one thinking this. If u took an Anonymous poll u would see that many girls on campus feel objectified by many Frat activities aimed towards women.
Old Man ES • Nov 19, 2015 at 9:09 pm
Whoever bashes Sig Suit obviously puts ice in their milk, and thus cannot be trusted
Constantine • Nov 19, 2015 at 8:41 pm
In Hoc Brothers
Karen • Nov 19, 2015 at 8:36 pm
Obviously this ‘writer’ who didn’t even take the time to attend or speak to any of the young women participating has no business in writing such an article. I know for a fact one of the participants involved has an inner beauty that shines through in most everything she does and her generosity astounds me. I’m sure the same could be said of the others involved in this wonderful event. Keep up the great work Sigma Chi! Next up Deepher Dudes!
Sarah • Nov 19, 2015 at 8:14 pm
I agree with the other comments and feel that this article is misinformed and unfair, especially because you did not attend the event. Every year the men of Sigma Chi and the girls who participate do it in an effort to have fun and raise money for such an amazing cause. Everyone who put effort into this event had their heart in the right place, and if you attended the event, you would have seen that everything was based off of creativity, and other things of the like. As a participant myself last year, I had such an amazing time, so I’m sorry you feel this way, but this event had nothing but good intentions, as it always has and always does.
Cheyenne • Nov 19, 2015 at 8:02 pm
^^^ You put my feelings into words and if I could like your comment I would
Kiley • Nov 19, 2015 at 8:00 pm
I understand and respect that everyone has different opinions. However, as a woman who champions the inner beauty (before the outer beauty) of other young women I have a hard time understanding why you think you can form these opinions without having been to this year’s event. Especially since each girl this year took the event and made it fun; each and every one of them, while beautiful on the outside, showcased their inner beauty and goofed off with costumes and fun props and that speaks to their true beauty. Every single person in the theater seemed to have a great time. Next time you want to question an event of this nature I encourage you to try going and experiencing it firsthand. I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how the event is handled and the attitudes of everyone there.
Anonymous • Nov 19, 2015 at 7:35 pm
I really don’t understand how you can form an opinion on an event you did not even attend. As a participant I was creative in my swim suit round and so were many of the other girls. Also the competition was about raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network not beauty.
Mitchell • Nov 19, 2015 at 7:02 pm
Not sure how or why you feel obligated to write an article bashing an event that you openly admit to not attending. Not going is your own perogative and thats fine, but there is no need to hate on the event as a whole because you don’t agree with it. They raised a huge amount of money for a very worth cause and had a blast doing it. If that is something that you don’t support then i’m sorry but you beed to re-evaluate your priorities. If you went, instead of writing close minded and biased articles, you would see this event was all about having fun and expressing your “inner beauty” by having fun and goofing around. I think you need to rethink this article, in the meantime please have a little more respect for a group of men and women who tried their best to help their community and those in need.
Anonymous • Nov 19, 2015 at 6:59 pm
Although I do agree with you on the fact that women ahoulsnt compete because of their outer beauty, you blatenly state you did not even attend SigSuit. How are you able to formulate an opinion on something you did not even attend and most likely know little to nothing about? This competition has absolutely nothing to do with outer beauty. This competition is about raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network and also all about creativity. If you had come to last years event you would have seen that. Last year, half of the girls did not even wear two piece bikinis, and actually went down a funnier route for this portion of the competition and that is what the judges look for. They look for creativity. Next time you attempt to write an article about an event that has raised over $3,000 for an amazing charity, please do a little bit more reasearch. Maybe even try attending the event before assuming things.