I don't think you can say that all the moms who put their little girls in these kinds of "glitz" pageants are bad people or think they are putting their little girls out there as pedophile bait. But they have to know they are sexualizing their appearance in a way that most people would not deem appropriate. The hair extensions, flippers (temporary removable fake front teeth in case the baby teeth have come out) and frilly, sequined dresses are not sexual in and of themselves. It's the 20-something make-up, the come-hither looks and suggestive dance moves that are the problem. I think they ALL share one thought though (this includes Patsy and to an even larger extent, Nedra)- they want FAME (national or world-wide) and fortune for their daughters. I won't delve into whether these moms need to experience it vicariously. I am not trying to be insulting here, but the moms I see on those reality shows like "Toddlers & Tiaras) are anything but beauty queen material. They say "heredity is your destiny". If so, most of these kids have a very short window to achieve this fame. I haven't seen a talent knockout yet- no Shirley Temples in the lot.
For Patsy, and especially for Nedra-winning the Miss America Pageant, specifically, was what was the pot of gold here. After two near-misses (though I don't know if either Paugh sister made it to the "Top 10", JB was their last shot. And they wanted to start as young as they could to give her every advantage by the time she was 18 (the minimum age for the Miss America Pageant). JR was young enough to be compliant, and I have no doubt she did enjoy the performing and fancy dress part, though I am sure the coaching and lessons, fittings and photo sessions were not something she particularly liked (no kid that age would).
For Patsy, and especially for Nedra-winning the Miss America Pageant, specifically, was what was the pot of gold here. After two near-misses (though I don't know if either Paugh sister made it to the "Top 10", JB was their last shot. And they wanted to start as young as they could to give her every advantage by the time she was 18 (the minimum age for the Miss America Pageant). JR was young enough to be compliant, and I have no doubt she did enjoy the performing and fancy dress part, though I am sure the coaching and lessons, fittings and photo sessions were not something she particularly liked (no kid that age would).