February 26, 2008

The Eye of the Beholder

Miss Landmine

“Some people out there in our nation don’t have maps … and I believe that our…education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S. or should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future.” — Miss Teen South Carolina

Beauty pageants have a bad rap for a reason.

Here’s one that may restore their image: Miss Landmine, an organization dedicated to raising awareness for land mine survivors. The project’s pageant features women ages 19 to 35, all of whom have lost limbs in land mine accidents.

The event takes place on April 4, the United Nations’s International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. Judges include Angolan dignitaries, foreign embassy representatives, and you. Vote online at miss-landmine.org — and while you’re at it, pick up a T-shirt at Greer.

You’ll not only be supporting a good cause, but you’ll also help create a new definition of beauty.

Heaven knows we could use one.

Available online at miss-landmine.org. For more information, go to greerchicago.com.