Miss USA 2010: An Applaud to Muslim Women or a Shrug?

On May 17th, 2010, Miss Michigan USA 2010 beat out fifty one beautiful (and obviously carb-deprived) contestants in the Miss USA pageant, to win the title and the "you're hired"-ness by none other but the Donald. But despite winning a gorgeous crown, a beautiful penthouse apartment across from the Trump Towers in the Big Apple, and an all-access pass to some of the most fabulous events throughout the country and beyond, Miss USA immediately signs a contract with Paula Shugart and the Miss Universe Organization, pledging to support a philanthropy and make media appearances at the disposal of the organization. In the midst of all of the fabulousness, Miss USA must also continue her ridiculously strict pageant regimen, in preparation for the Miss Universe pageant in the coming August (which, for the first time, is in the United States this year). And who would have been more proud to do all of this and more than Rima Fakih?
But aside from tripping on her evening gown and declaring her craving for pizza as her first thought post-crowning, Rima takes the honor of being the very first Arabic and Muslim woman to hold the title of Miss USA. In a time in our country when, for some, the very sight of a burqua in an airport leads to the quick need for a Xanax, nothing is more exciting than showcasing the acceptance and adoration for the Muslim culture by Americans. But are Muslim-American women actually proud of Rima's accomplishments?
Though she aligns herself with a philanthropy and considers herself a role model, it must be reminded that Rima was also modeling in a scantily clad manner onstage (an ideal that completely contradicts one of the biggest cultural aspects of Islamic culture) and definitively suggested the need for birth control to be covered by insurance companies (also something totally contradictory).
But what we also must remember is that Rima Fakih is a Muslim, but also an American. She celebrates her Muslim spirituality, but also commends herself in being her best self by showcasing pristine physical fitness in a moderate swimsuit and displaying poise in an evening gown fit for a queen; two qualities that women not only strive for on a daily basis, but consider positive ideals.
I wish Rima Fakih an amazing reign as Miss USA 2010, and as an enthusiast for all cultures, am beside myself to see an Arabic woman take the crown. Does she align with Muslim values? Is she a positive role model for Muslim women? In my eyes, who cares! She looks damn hot in an evening gown and has a down-to-Earth appeal that makes her shrine in all interviews. Because why really try to intellectualize a beauty pageant?

(And what about those photos of Rima Fakih pole dancing that circulated weeks later? For your information, haters, Rima Fakih was at a charity benefit, with all women, in which participants were allowed to try pole-dancing exercise moves on stage. Leave home girl alone.)