I am reading about the history of beauty pageants because they set the stage for the bodybuilding and figure contests that are held today. A book called “There She Is, Miss America” (2004) provided me with a fascinating piece of information: the North American and European tradition of female pageants was innovated by suffragists lobbying for the vote in the 1910s. These women made a spectacle of suffrage, demanding women’s rights by staging costumed events in public spaces. One performance in Washington in 1913 featured a female activist dressed as Columbia, summoning the allegories of Charity, Liberty, Peace, and Hope. I will try to incude an archival photograph with this post because Columbia is one hot and happening babe. Named Hedwig Reicher (she was clearly destined to kick some patriarchal butt), she is dressed like Athena the warrior goddess, wearing a form fitting cuirass, impressive helmet, and brandishing a halberd. She stands strong, daring to draw attention to herself, and insisting that women’s voices be recognized. All I can say is: Respect. 

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