- I love living in Tehachapi, I ain't lion... - Joty's Blog - Tehachapi News

Jul 10, 2008 at 09:07 AM : Personally, I...

Personally, I don't like the idea of the whole pageant circuit. Dressing those little girls up to look like women is not right in my book but to each their own.

How can you say they were indirectly responsible for this crime based on the fact that she was in the pageant circuit alone? That makes no sense to me. I am sure there were hundreds of little girls in her circuit and simply because they were involved with pageants they didn't end up with the same fate. Being that you really have no idea who did this to her, you have no idea if the pageant involvement played any part whatsoever in her demise.

As for your comment "How can anyone judge and say one child is prettier or more talented than the next?" I think that happens quite easily. (isn't it the exact same premise for American idol-who is better than the rest) The world is a competitive place, even for children. Some children have a lot of talent, some have a lot of training, some have none, the distinction isn't that difficult to make. Does that make it right? Should children be judged so critically?Of course not, but it happens.

Jul 10, 2008 at 12:07 PM : Too bad you...

Too bad you couldn't just ask the kid. Give 'em a horse, a dog, a buddy to hang out w/, throw some lessons in there, garden w/ them, build fences, etc. Build a bird house, take 'em to a play, see what they like & go for it!. Kids these days have got to be so confused, that they don't even know it. Where are the "Pimp Daddy's?"

Jul 10, 2008 at 12:07 PM : I don't know if...

I don't know if the parents were directly responsible, but I have to agree that the pageant scene is pretty disheartening. I think that many of the mothers are living vicariously through their poor little girls. Sure, I guess some of them probably do like it, but what does it tell them when they get dressed and painted up like miniature playmates, put in false teeth, sing dance, and still they are told they aren't good enough. What does that tell them about their "normal" selves? I watched a program about pageant children and their parents.....it sickened me. These people are spending thousands of dollars on costumes, mouth pieces, false lashes, makeup, and hair! They will bleach their little girls hair because it is more appealing to the judges!! What ever happened to natural beauty? My daughter has the most beautiful dark hair....I can't imagine bleaching it blond for the life of me! Why not put these girls in a dance class, acting classes, or cheerleading, if they want to preform? Why parade them around in front of judges? I don't know the whole thing bothers me.

Jul 10, 2008 at 01:07 PM : Exactly lori and CG....

Exactly lori and CG. Why can't kids just be allowed to be kids?

As for American Idol, I don't waste my time watching idiotic shows such as that...and once you're a mother, Smokey, you won't want anyone thinking (judging) your child isn't the cutest, smartest or most talented.

Jul 10, 2008 at 01:07 PM : Joty, we have found...

Joty, we have found common ground on this topic, I too dont think these pagents are a good idea, let little girls grow up being kids, dont paint them up and parade them around like little lolitas, have you seen the stage moms at those shows on TV?, their crazy,

Jul 10, 2008 at 01:07 PM : Yes, I did catch one...

Yes, I did catch one of those shows by accident (channel surfing - stopped) - couldn't believe those women were "mothers".

Now, don't go agreeing with me on too many things SB1, that takes the fun out of it. :)

Jul 10, 2008 at 02:07 PM : I knew a...

I knew a "pageant family" when I was growing up, but it was nothing compared to the spectacles called pageants today.

Back then, Miss America was the ultimate of pageant scenes. There weren't the hundreds of different pageant cricuits like there are today. Most of those operating today are money-making schemes only. Every child gets a trophy. The parents spend thousands of dollars to buy their kid a 6 ft. dust collector.

Back then, daughters dreamed of following in mom's footsteps for Miss America. The mom I knew had actually represented Kansas for Miss America in the '50s. Her daughter also competed in her time, & I'm positive any daughter she may have had was also brought up in the culture. Sure, their little girls dressed up for fun & played for hours with their Barbies as beauty queens. That was all there was, at the time.

But something happened with Patsy Ramsey's generation. Once they'd had their "day in the sun" competing in pageants, they couldn't wait for their little dolls to grow up. It's women like Patsy that created the whole "for profit" pageant competitions. Once it became profitable, the monster was released from the box.

I used to have a certain amount of respect for the pageant girls. They were in it for the recognition, but they also used the winnings for school, and their fame for charity. that's not what these *little girl beauty contests* are geared to do.

But did this have anything to do with Jon Bonet's murder? I doubt it. The whole case is riddled with horrible coincidences & misleading evidence, and incompetent handling of it all. It was more probably one of the many workers they'd had in & out of the house over the previous few weeks. Transient workers & all that. I hope they catch the bastard.

Jul 10, 2008 at 02:07 PM : I would rather have...

I would rather have the ugliest daughters who were smart, and self confident, then the most beautiful pageant winner who couldn't put together a complete sentence to a simple question like "“Recent polls have shown that a fifth of Americans can’t locate the US on a world map. Why do you think this is?”

Luckily for me I have two, smart beautiful daughters!!!!

Jul 10, 2008 at 04:07 PM : Personally I think...

Personally I think anyone for any reason who would dress their child as a sexy adult in public is STUPID. The idea that parents don't get the FACT that pedophiles love to look at children as a sexual objects with visions of performing sex with them is beyond my comprehension...ugh, it's too creepy for me not to think about. What are they thinking.. "Oh, there are no pedophiles in this crowd I'm sure of it.".. Morons.

BUT, as for the Benets being at fault for their child's death, or whether pageants should be illegal.... NO, that would be kind of like saying if an adult women dressed liked a slut and was raped and murdered that it was her fault. We should all have the right to dress ourselves and our children anyway we want without being raped or killed, and we do have that right. Women and children get raped and killed no matter what they are wearing. I dress in levis and T-shirts all the time. A lot of people think I'm a lesbian. lol Heck, I even walk with my hands in my pockets half the time, and I have been raped. I certainly will not feel any shame or feel that I am at fault about being raped. Sometimes we do stupid things, we even put ourselves in dangerous situations without thinking as I did and the Benets obviously did. One out of four females in America have been raped, most may not talk about it, I'm just more open about who I am than most. I certainly cannot condemn a women for wanting to dress sexy because she wants to attract the boy she has a crush on, or her boyfriend, or even her husband. Some women like dressing sexy, it makes them feel good about themselves, they certainly get more attention and compliments from both men and women when they do so. This doesn't mean they should get raped, or killed, or that it is their fault. Being self-absorbed or wanting attention by entering your daughter in a beauty pageant and dressing her up as a sexy adult woman doesn't make the killing of Jon Benet the fault of her parents either. It just makes them STUPID, like anyone else can be at times. I'm sure they regretted it after the fact, and trust me, they paid a HUGE price for their STUPID mistake.

Jul 10, 2008 at 07:07 PM : I don't care how...

I don't care how anyone chooses to dress themselves. I was probably one of the first to burn my bra back in the day. How they dress their children is another story. I don't believe parents should have the right to dress little girls like street walkers, unfortunately, they do have the right (this goes hand in hand with my argument about having to have a license for a dog, but any fool can procreate).

I merely voiced my opinion in believing that indirectly, the mother is responsible. I hope they catch the person who killed Jon Benet as well. Then maybe we'll learn whether or not being in the public eye dressed as a little tart is what caught this pervert's eye....

I even detest the commercials for those throw away kiddy underpants that show little kids with them down around their ankles on a toilet!

Jul 10, 2008 at 07:07 PM : Joty, I don't...

Joty, I don't watch American idol either. I hate that show. I was only using it as a comparison,

As for your comment about when I am a mother , Of course I wouldn't want anyone judging my child. Just because I don't want them to doesn't mean they wouldn't. What I was saying was, if I chose to have a child in a competitive environment like Jon Benet was in then I would be fully aware people are judging my child. That is what competition is whether it be a pageant, acting, dancing, singing, sports etc.. Do I think it's right to put that amount of pressure on kids? Do I think it's fair? Of course not, but it does happen.

Jul 10, 2008 at 08:07 PM : Aughhhhh, how can you...

Aughhhhh, how can you not love American Idol...I love Simon....LOL, Ok...bigdog has told me numerous times that my man finder is all f*ed up....

I raised 3 girls, I always dressed them pretty much conservatively. I love t shirts and jeans. When they were little I'd dress them in cute little girlie dresses. What I couldn't stand was all the little mermaid, beauty and the beast, lion king, on and on clothing. It seemed like you couldn't find anything unless it had a big plastic mermaid on the front of it. I've always taught them to keep it simple. Now that they are grown...I tell them jeeze, if I had your body again, or those boobies, I'd be showing them off.

Jul 10, 2008 at 10:07 PM : My daughter loves...

My daughter loves dresses. She's very much a girly girl..............I feel bad because I hate dresses and skirts and I notice I tend to pick out her clothes as I would my own. I will NOT by skirts unless they are skorts, and I even make her wear shorts under her dresses if she's going to be playing in it. Girls clothes these days are pretty scary, but you can normally find enough modest stuff if you look for it. I'm amazed at how short the shorts these days are..........I hate them. It's been beat into my brain since I was young to "cover it all up"! I didn't own a bikini until I was 18 and even then I felt uncomfortable at times wearing it. Who knows maybe it's because growing up if my shirt was even showing the tiniest bit of my stomach my mother was tugging on it, and I'm talking even after I was married! lol So yes, I dress my daughter pretty conservatively........heck, she's not even allowed to own anything associated with those darn BRATZ dolls.

Jul 11, 2008 at 07:07 AM : Ah now it's BRATZ...

Ah now it's BRATZ huh? My sister has a 4 year old daughter and I notice she is always dressed in shirt and pants. I'm assuming for the same reason you mention Countygirl. Everything is so short. My step daughter is 14, when it's time for clothes we don't give the clothes money to her mother, I have one of my daughters take her shopping. Her mother tends to buy her whatever she wants. My girls monitor between what she wants and what is more appropriate for 14. I know if I were to take her, she'd hate what I picked out and would never wear it. I'm waaaaay too old for a 14 year old daughter in this day and age. My 12 and 14 year old son are much easier to buy for.

Jul 11, 2008 at 08:07 AM : Sparks, I totally...

Sparks, I totally agree with you. I'm a t-shirt and jeans gal myself. The only time I wear "short" shorts (not hot pants, but shorter than the bermuda-style I prefer) is when I'm working out or playing softball. So rare is the skirt/dress thing that I wore a dress as a gift for my brother's Sherrif's Academy graduation, lol. He was suitably impressed (as were my parents). I'm not against dresses or skirts on others, I just don't feel comfortable in them personally.

I am glad that you seem to have a healthy attitude about what happened to you. That is the worst thing that I could ever imagine happening to me (short of losing a close family member). I am a virgin and saving myself for my future husband, and I thank God every day for having had black-belt friends in college that taught me to defend that ultimate gift of love.

The over-sexualization of our whole culture is terrible. Even if their parents don't choose sexy clothes for them, a lot of kids would probably pick them anyway because everything around them tells them it's cool. Hollywood puts in "relationships" (usually just sex) in movies without needing it for the plot, simply because it draws people in. There is too much sex everywhere, and we'd be fools to think that doesn't affect our kids...or us.

Jul 11, 2008 at 08:07 AM : Well Smokey, why would...

Well Smokey, why would any mother choose to put her little girl on display like that? Choose to have her scrutinized and judged? Someone else said it - to live vicariously through their children. Shame on them. Once girls are old enough to make their own choice, that's a different story. Our second oldest decided she wanted to do the pageant thing. She had to buy her own dresses and whatever else she needed. We did sponser her in a couple. She won several titles. The last one she participated in (these were all small pageants) she came in second. The winner was a woman who by pageant standards was too old (25), she had very little talent, wasn't the prettiest by far - but she had the richest daddy who sponsered her. Our daughter realized then that just like everything else - the pageants are all about the money.

Jul 11, 2008 at 09:07 AM : Ahem...So, what's...

Ahem...So, what's wrong with BRATZ? (wink)

LOL, just kidding. I won't let my daughter (almost 5) play with BRATZ toys either. I'm actually glad she's still too young for the Mylie Cyrus craze.

Jul 11, 2008 at 09:07 AM : lol sushi. My 9 year...

lol sushi. My 9 year old g'daughter can't stand Bratz or Mylie Cyrus. I'm sooo thankful for that.

Waaaaay back in the olden days, my mother refused to buy me a Barbie doll. I think I commented on that in another post. I ended up with a flat-chested "pre-teen" Tammy doll, which was more realistic. Another blogger had a Tammy doll too, I can't remember who it was now. Oh, I still have said doll...

Jul 11, 2008 at 09:07 AM : My daughter is 6 1/2...

My daughter is 6 1/2 and totally uninterested in Mylie Cyrus. I also am extremely happy about that. My 2 year old niece however is obsessed. How is that possible you ask? I honestly don't know, but if she sees the show on TV she'll yell Hannah, Hannah, and her favorite pillow has a picture of Hannah Montana on it!

Jul 11, 2008 at 09:07 AM : I had a Swingy Doll...

I had a Swingy Doll that sorta dance/walked about 4-5 steps before it fell over kicking. Also a life-size plastic doll that had her modestly flat chest caved in by my mean cousins. And lots of China dolls that I wasn't allowed to play with, just admire them on the shelves. That would not work with my daughter at all. She'd have them off the shelf undressed drinking tea in various stages of undress and dismemberment in no time.

FYI, I chose the BRATZ avatar because I'm just a wee bit sarcastic, just in case you haven't noticed. The idea of a 40, I mean 39 year old Bratz doll stuffed into hootchie mama clothes and clear heels describes me perfectly. As far as you know. ; ) I wonder if they have any BRATZ characters that have a tiny weight problem and have suffered a minor stroke...I smell an after school special coming on...

Jul 11, 2008 at 09:07 AM : LOL! Funny little side...

LOL! Funny little side story..................While my daughter isn't allowed to own a Bratz doll or anything in the Bratz family, but she wants one sooo bad. I'm not sure if it's because she's not allowed to have it or because she just really likes them, but one day after looking for a toy for a friends birthday( I also refuse to buy them for other children! lol) she asked me if she could buy a Bratz doll when she was 36. I laughed and told her at 36 she could buy anything she wanted because she'd be grown and living on her own. She was totally shocked by this answer and insisted that at 36 she'd still be living with me. LMAO!

Jul 11, 2008 at 09:07 AM : Back to the Ramseys......

Back to the Ramseys... apparently the DNA clears them, but what about that weird ransom note that was found and they couldn't eliminate the mother as the writer? Hmmm...

Jul 11, 2008 at 09:07 AM : Sushi, I had two of...

Sushi, I had two of those life-sized dolls; my mom thought I'd get a kick out of a doll wearing some of my old clothes, or something like that.

To be honest, those dolls scared the crap out of me. I'd keep them waaaay at the back of my closet, and I'd even barricade that closet if I happened to see one of those creepy movies featuring a masochistic doll that were so popular in the '60s.

I still have my Barbies & my Chrissie doll. My mom made some rad clothes for Chrissie & I still have those, too.

Edited to add: ragmop, your attitude is what kept Patsy Ramsey in hell for years. Give it up, woman! Hand writing experts? Please! It's not an exact science, y'know.

Jul 11, 2008 at 10:07 AM : countygirl.....

countygirl... as a mom I've used that "when you grow up you can do whatever you want" line soooo many times! My girls are grown up and sure enough, the oldest has a house-full of cats just like she said she would. lol Your daughter might have a house-full of BRATZ!

Jul 11, 2008 at 10:07 AM : Funny you should say...

Funny you should say that. At the time she asked if she could get a kitten when she was 36 too. We were not able to have pets in our rentals and she loves cats too! We moved and now own our home.................only been here a little over a month. Guess what daddy already has gotten her? :)

Jul 11, 2008 at 10:07 AM : X-Cuse me,...

X-Cuse me, oohchild. It wasn't 'my' attitude that cast the shadow of doubt on Ramseys. Gee, I don't remember any investigator calling me to ask who I thought the murderer was... "my" attitude kept Patsy Ramsey in hell??? That was a ridiculous comment for you to make...

Jul 11, 2008 at 10:07 AM : I think it...

I think it was someone the Ramseys knew...the ransom note, a tazer, rope...this person was prepared. I don't think it was a transient worker, of course, it could've been. I think this was a crime of deliberation, not opportunity.

I had a 3 foot Pollyanna doll. Still have her too. I adored Hayley Mills when I was a kid, saw all her movies...

Congrats, CG, welcome to the American nightmare of home ownership, lol!

Jul 11, 2008 at 10:07 AM : Thanks! I...

Thanks! I know right! lol Hooray! No, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Jul 11, 2008 at 11:07 AM : Not ridiculous in the...

Not ridiculous in the least, ragmop. Patsy Ramsey had to endure thousands of people just like you who had no idea about the subjective nature of graphology. They heard the word "expert" and assumed that their opinions carried weight, and therefore cast suspicion on Patsy.

Just as your suspicious "hmmm..." suggests your dubious thoughts about Patsy's involvement, so did many others project that same "hmmm..." behind her back. Don't think she didn't know about it, too. That's gotta be hell on earth, AFAIC, knowing that people think you had a hand in killing your daughter.

What about the other "experts" who ruled out almost to exclusion Patsy's hand in writing that document? What about the fact that those "experts" who tied Patsy to the note never saw the original note in question? They didn't even know which generation of copy the note they saw represented. How could they be so sure, when they didn't even see the note as written?

Remember the "experts" who were convinced the children at the McMartin pre-school were telling the truth? Many years later it was exposed that those experts performed poor quality interviews. Experts can screw things up, too.

Jul 11, 2008 at 11:07 AM : My mother...

My mother wouldn't allow Barbie dolls in the house either. My sister had the same "Tammy" doll, you did Joty...she was much more wholesome. Barbie's not as sleazy as she was back then, but I generally agree with you here. Make-up, pagents, thinking that little girls are more attractive when made up to look older is not only disgusting but entirely contrary to the truth. So we agree, that's a first, maybe.

Since I'm on a roll, I'll agree with oohchild - the treatment that the Ramsey's got was just absolutely appalling and was based on lazy and stupid police work and an "admit no wrong" culture in the Boulder DA's office that shouldn't be unfamiliar to residents of Kern County. Unfortunately the "newspapers" in this country just print what they're told (Tehachapi News most definetely NOT excepted) and a sheep-like public is eager enough to form virtual lynch mobs, whether it be in reaction to Iran, the Ramsey's, "Slick", or Stan Beckham. I think I've commented on that phenomon before.

Fortunately enough counter-evidence got wide enough circulation during her lifetime to give her some rehabilitation when she was alive, not that it would have significantly reduced her pain, of course.

Jul 11, 2008 at 12:07 PM : ooochild, I was okay...

ooochild, I was okay with Big Dolly, but the 3 foot tall Shere Khan bank my parents bought instead of the Bagheera one I wanted for protection scared the pants off me! I'd turn it around at night so I wouldn't have to see the green eyes staring at me. I was certain it was just waiting for lights out before pouncing and dragging me off to the jungle, never to be seen in the man-village again.

PD, I disagree with your Barbie theory. Barbie is still the same plastic slut she always was, she just has more expensive stuff now.

And now for some unknown reason I have a vivid image of 36 year old tweeker moms with houses full of catz and brats plotting evil hoaxes involving handwriting experts, lazy law enforcement and media types....hmmmm...

And another thing, I'm not a pageant circuit fan by any means, but what I really hate is when (over)grown women (except myself, of course!) dress up like young girls who don't know any better, showing off generous shanks of intricately tattooed but crack and doughy muffin tops, pink and purple bra straps displayed along with cleavage so deep you'd need a sherpa to guide you out if you happened to venture beyond the point of no return...Now that's just pageantry gone bad!

SPAM CODE: seajz

Jul 11, 2008 at 12:07 PM : To quote Burt...

To quote Burt Reynolds on his divorce w/ pretty girl, Lonnie Anderson, " I've thrown away a lot of diamonds, to end up w/ that cubic zirconia!"

Jul 11, 2008 at 12:07 PM : Ok - I stand...

Ok - I stand corrected. I was thinking that the eyeliner wasn't being used as heavily as it was back in the day....Tammy was much cuter anyway.

Jul 11, 2008 at 12:07 PM : LOL, PD! Of...

LOL, PD! Of course you know that guitar is just a prop and she really can't sing...But other than that, Rock Star Barbie kinda rocks that outfit.

BTW, what does Tammy's box say? The doll you love to dance? Was Tammy a dancer like Swingy?

Jul 11, 2008 at 01:07 PM : gotta love the...

gotta love the amp. I think Barbie played with Robert Palmer. Is there a Butt Tatoo Barbie yet?

Tammy's slogan was "The Doll You Love To Dress"....

Jul 11, 2008 at 01:07 PM : Of course, Love to...

Of course, Love to Dress...Now that makes alot more sense, doesn't it! Yes PD, I think I remember Barbie from the Addicted to Love video, she was the one with the blonde roots showing. I'm not sure about Butt Tattoo Barbie, but I think Crack Baby Barbie comes with her own meth lab kit. Just Say No Kids!

Jul 11, 2008 at 01:07 PM : Here are some good...

Here are some good pics for those from the AV (I apologise in advance for the poor picture quality):

Jul 11, 2008 at 01:07 PM : Madcow, I may be...

Madcow, I may be gullable, but is there truly a website for those Barbies, WOW?

Jul 11, 2008 at 01:07 PM : Nah, it's just an...

Nah, it's just an email that has been floating around for a while. No idea where it originated. I just pulled the pictures off photobucket.

I still can't stop laughing when I see the Castaic Truck Stop Barbie.

Jul 11, 2008 at 02:07 PM : Madcow i figured as...

Madcow i figured as Much. What's photo bucket, or can you email it to me, that would truly give a few people I know a reality check?

Jul 11, 2008 at 02:07 PM : Stevenson Ranch Barbie...

Stevenson Ranch Barbie is HOT!