Let me preface this by saying that I've been a MAO prelim volunteer since 2001 before I get accused of not knowing what the hell I'm talking about since I've never competed in pageants and will never, ever do so. I only volunteer because pageant life is so important to a lot of people I'm close with.
Different kinds of girls enter every year. Some were bred since birth, others do it for the $$$. You don't need a lengthy and stellar resume. I know of several Miss Hawaiis who won despite their lack of experience. Unfortunately, a lot of girls enter just to get notoriety -- VIP red carpet treatment, invitations to exclusive parties, their pictures in the society pages. It's these girls that foster the stereotypes and each time they walk on stage I can't help but pray that they pull a Rachel and eat shit.
I don't know how the Miss USA system is like in your neck of the woods, and I'm probably going to get flamed for saying this, but where I'm from, Miss Hawaii USA's a joke. Consider it Miss America's bastard sibling. Miss Hawaii USA contestants usually consist of former Miss Hawaii contestants who obviously didn't win. Brook Mahealani Lee (Miss Universe 1997) ran unsuccessfully for the Miss Hawaii crown in the early 90s and only when she became ineligible to compete in the MAO system did she try for Miss USA. Obviously she did well. Still, I find it amusing that Miss Hawaii USA gets the MAO leftovers.
It's funny how some people can get so defensive when it comes to pageants. In the end, I know that I don't need a sash, tiara, and a title to know that I'm a beautiful, talented, and intelligent person and I'll definitely continue to poke fun at individuals who think that those things actually add to one's self worth.
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