Dream catcher
11 Aug 2018 at 11:10 0 comments
WRITER: ITSARIN TISANTIAUp on the grand stage, Sophida Kanchanarin (Ning) stood beaming as a diamond crown was placed on her head.
THE CROWN FITSHolding a large bouquet, Ning waved to the crowd. A sash that read “Miss Universe Thailand 2018” was draped over her shoulder. It was a dream come true for the 23-year-old bank manager - the realisation of an ambition that she had held since childhood.
Currently based in Bangkok, the newly- crowned Ning was born and raised in Thailand before pursuing her studies abroad. She graduated with a degree in business administration, majoring in finance, from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. After finding a stable career back home in Thailand, she finally received her parents’ blessing to follow her childhood pageantry dream.
“I believe everybody can do many things at the same time. You can be whatever you want,” Ning said.
MOVING ON UPWith one dream fulfilled, a new dream and journey now lie ahead. As Miss Universe Thailand, Ning will represent her country at the Miss Universe pageant to be held at the end of the year. She must continue to practise her walk, talk and posture and stay up to date on global news, among other tasks expected of a modern beauty queen.
Beauty pageants have been criticised for objectifying women, especially as we continue to move towards more progressive attitudes on gender equality and female empowerment. But Ning finds the female-dominated arena of beauty contests quite empowering, coming as she does from the mostly male world of finance.
“I believe one person can inspire many others. For instance, Martin Luther King inspired black people to stand up for themselves. For me, every gender is equal. A beauty pageant can be something that stands up for people’s rights. Women can show the world that they can be leaders and inspire young kids,” she said.
SWIMSUIT ISSUERegarding the controversial swimsuit segment of the competition, Ning thinks it can encourage women to be fit and healthy, while also displaying a dedication to attaining their desired body shape.
“For me, it’s not a big deal to wear a swimsuit. But I respect the fact that others may take a different view. Everybody has their own opinion,” she said.
As for the transgender issue, and whether or not we could be seeing progress in the Thai pageant in the future, Ning feels it’s up to the law. The Miss Universe organisers have allowed transgender women to compete since 2012 as long as the candidates meet legal gender recognition requirements in their country. In Thailand, we have yet to have any form of gender recognition law that would allow a transgender person to decide whether they are referred to as Mr or Ms.
“In Thailand, if we change the law to allow transgender women to be referred to as Ms or Miss, then I think there’s no reason why they can’t take part in the pageant,” Ning said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/le ... am-catcher