The Miss America pageant celebrates its centennial this year.
For some, 100 years of Miss America is 100 years too many.
The show has attempted to adapt to a more modern version of womanhood — emphasizing scholarships and community engagement over beauty and swimsuits.
But is it possible for Miss America to evolve? And even if it does, has the public already moved on?
Author Amy Argetsinger chronicles the history of an institution that’s been plagued with existential questions from the very beginning.
From “There She Was: The Secret History of Miss America:”
We talk with Argetsinger and Miss America titleholders about the past — and future — of the competition.
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