Miss Teen S.C. feels pressure of spotlightBy Aubrey Straub (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
See the videoWhen actor Mario Lopez thrust the microphone at Miss Teen South Carolina during the Miss Teen USA pageant Friday after she was asked why some Americans are unable to locate the United States on a map, Caitlin Upton might have succumbed to an overwhelming fear of public speaking. Upton, 18, stumbled through her response: "I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because, uh, some people out there in our nation don't have maps ..." Upton stammered. But despite being immortalized on YouTube.com and the many insults in the blogosphere, Upton retains the support of her biggest fans, including her father, who believes the error cost her the title. "If (she) hadn't got that question she would've been Miss Teen USA. Of course, this is her dad talking," Bill Upton said. "But she didn't listen to the question like they're taught to do. She totally melted down. But it's her fault and she owned up to it, and that's the way it's supposed to be." And after Caitlin Upton's appearance on NBC's "Today" show Tuesday, on which she was given a "redo" on the question, she and her family are beginning to put the blunder behind them. "We're feeling better after this morning," Bill Upton said Tuesday. "Your child is being criticized and she was given the opportunity to correct it." So, what could Caitlin Upton have done differently? "It's hard when you're in that position and in that role and your adrenaline is rushing," said Kelly Muraco of Pageant Consultants in Houston, Texas. "Sometimes it's better to just be up front and say, 'I don't know.' " Muraco, who has been coaching contestants for eight years, prepares her clients for interviews by having them read newspapers to stay up on current events. Now infamous Q&AThe question: "Recent polls have shown a fifth of Americans can't locate the U.S. on a world map. Why do you think this is so?" Caitlin Upton's response to the question during the interview portion of the Miss Teen USA pageant on Friday: "I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because, uh, some people out there in our nation don't have maps and, uh, I believe that our education, like, such as, uh, South Africa, and, uh, the Iraq, everywhere like, such as, and I believe that they should, uh, our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S., uh, should help South Africa, it should help the Iraq and the Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future, for us." Caitlin Upton's response to the question when given a "redo" on NBC's "Today" show Tuesday: "Well personally, my friends and I, we know exactly where the United States is on our map. I don't know anyone else who doesn't. And if the statistics are correct, I believe that there should be more emphasis on geography in our education so people will learn to read maps better." She also said there are other ways to get out of a fix, such as asking for the question to be repeated or even recounting a personal experience to connect with the audience. "Make it lighter. Change the tone of the question," Muraco said. "You could say, 'Personally, I'm not good at geography. Sometimes I don't even know where my head is!' " Performing in front of a live audience and knowing that what you say will be nationally televised can be overwhelming for anyone, particularly a teenager. Charles Bierbauer, an Emmy award-winning former anchor for CNN and currently dean of the College of Mass Communication at the University of South Carolina, believes it takes an enormous amount of courage to be on national television. "One can certainly empathize with the situation," Bierbauer said. "And if nothing else it probably tells each of us to be more generous if the circumstances arrive when we make a terrible gaffe, or at least an awkward gaffe." |
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Comments
This article has 44 comment(s)
Posted by teeitup on August 29, 2007 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Those who cant find the US on a map likely went or go to public schools. The ignorant teachers in the public school system cant teach what they dont know.
Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not agree with beauty pageants.
Posted by southbel on August 29, 2007 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Without this blunder, no one would have ever known who she ever was. However, now she has caught the attention of people and she will probably end up on some Hollywood TV show or movie or something. Next thing you know she will be on some talk show commenting about political topics as if she were an expert. Just like all those other Hollywood types. All looks, but no substance.
Posted by halfsheli on August 29, 2007 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Teeitup --
I am a public school teacher.
I know I can find your head on a map...
I'll just look up your a**.
Posted by carnellm on August 29, 2007 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Funny thing is. All the public school kids I know can find the US on a map. They know the answer. It is the spoiled rich kids who "don't need and education" that can't answer questions like that. They are too busy being groomed for beuty pagents and such.
Posted by skeeter on August 29, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder what she got on her SAT's, nail polish?
Posted by taleele_e on August 29, 2007 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I bet someone told her what to say for the redo,so she wouldn't look like a airhead again.
Posted by iblong2her on August 29, 2007 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
taleele_e I agree with you. I am certainly not impressed by this DUMB BIMBO re-answering the question that someone gave her the answer to....AGH! Oh yea.....LOL...good one skeeter!
Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's nice to know that some people prefer beauty over brains. What's the shelf life on someone's beauty? What happens when your trophy wife isn't pretty enough for you anymore?? Move on to the next "fine lookin babe"??
Posted by liam on August 29, 2007 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bhippey,
As long as women choose men based on the size of bank accounts, men will choose women based on beauty over brains.
At least navyblueblood has good taste. Ms. Upton is one "Fine lookin' Babe". She can give me travel directions anytime. Can't say that I would follow them, but it could be an interesting time. I may be shallow, but I do enjoy a little eye candy from time to time.
Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Beauty pageants are a joke. I can't believe they still air this crap.
Posted by hawneena on August 29, 2007 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hate beauty pageants too.
Look at poor little Jon Benet Ramsey. Mommy Dearest made her perform when she only wanted to be a little girl. Then she was mad when the child didn't win! No wonder she wet the bed.
Children should be allowed to be just that. These parents that push their kids into this crap make me sick.
I truly believe that they are trying to relive their own lives through their children. It is another form of abuse if you ask me.
Let your kid participate when they older if they wish, but don't start grooming them for this stuff when they are toddlers.
Posted by suec on August 29, 2007 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
She's 18 sheesh. She was probably thinking about her next text message.
Give her a break. You probably woudln't have come across much brighter at that age.
Posted by hawneena on August 29, 2007 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Geez.....this is definitely going to be a man's forum today, ladies.
Posted by prosperous_hb on August 29, 2007 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I went to a darn good public school. Go Berkeley!!
Posted by hipchick on August 29, 2007 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Unfortunately Southerners are often badly portrayed in the media for whatever reasons. The media jumps on every negative story with a blinding spotlight & the public eats it up. How many well answered beauty pageant questions end up on TV or in the paper? Not many. How many stories do we here about famous athletes that do good works off the field? Not many. Truth is the public loves to see people fail and that's a sad commentary for our world.
Posted by traley on August 29, 2007 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They should have just stuck the little bimbo in a bikini and drop the pretense of any intelligence. Geez honey just stand over there and smile!! NO! Don't say anything just smile... and BTW there are plenty of men like that also!! REALLY fine! But, when they open their mouths...ouch!
Posted by Mortician2112 on August 29, 2007 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I couldn't tell you if this girl is a dummy, a bimbo or whatever... I don't know her personally. One thing I CAN say, is that I have made mistakes - very unbelievably boneheaded mistakes - in the past. Seems like most folks here have never done that. Awesome!
Posted by ThePhink on August 29, 2007 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Now I finally have an answer when I don't have an answer. This can be used in meetings or anywhere else. I am going to memorize this for every word and I will never be stumped again.
She could have been asked any question and this would have been a wrong answer.
Posted by huntress87 on August 29, 2007 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
she is a transplant southerner... and I can't believe she didn't even try to FAKE an accent.. stupid girl.. way not to represent...
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 29, 2007 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Grown adults publicly LUSTING after underage teenage girls, what FINE role models you must be...
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 29, 2007 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So the fact that she has just turned 18, makes her fair game, for Middle-aged PERVERTS, does it???
I wonder if your WIFE would agree...
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 29, 2007 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They ALL aren't 18 so that makes it what???
Your wife may not have a clue what you do online, but you've made your integrity, or lack thereof, perfectly clear to ALL of us...
Posted by datadiva on August 29, 2007 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey,
So... bad answer aside, and I do truly feel for this girl because she was ridiculed on a national level - though she will of course probably end up more famous than Hilary Carol Cruz (who?) my point exactly!!
Anyway - what is the answer to the question, now that I've had a few days to REALLY think about why 1 in 5 can't find the US on a map, I think I know the answer.
Here in Massachusetts, the schools are teaching to standardized tests (MCAS) which ultimately determine whether a student graduates from high school. So much emphasis is put on these tests, through the years (children are tested each year beginning in third grade)
So, with all the 'teaching to the tests' I think basic information and key elements are missing in the education system.
I'm a Northerner moving to the area in a few short days and not one of those that says "We do it this way back home" because "this way" is OBVIOUSLY not working either.
Schools are expecting kids to begin kindergarten with a set of knowledge and skills already and parents are expected to teach the basics throughout their education - that's just the way it is and what is expected.
So, that's what I think the map problem is... schools EXPECT kids to know that basic stuff already and are gearing lessons to help them pass the tests...
What do you all think?
Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Beauty pageants are for robots.
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 29, 2007 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Every parent should be outraged with SCUM like you, who publicly admit you would like to watch Miss Teen USA, 15-19 year old girls, naked.
THAT sir is SICK...
Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Heaven forbid men see women for what/who they are and not for what they look like. Why is it ALWAYS about looks? Now everyone will probably think I'm ugly because I'm saying this, but I really don't care. A girl that thinks for herself must be a dog.
Posted by kling on August 29, 2007 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Teeitup -- your comment shows YOUR ignorance! Give the young girl a break, it was clear she did not hear/ understand the question -- really, how can one understand why some Americans are unable to locate the United States on a map? My son is 18 and attended SC public schools and he could tell you the Capitals of every state and answer just about any question you could ask about any other country. The SC public schools are one of the worst in the nation, but don't blame the kids or the teachers, they do their best with what they are given! The parents are mostly to blame! GET INVOLVED!
Posted by MooMoo on August 29, 2007 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I haven' t laughed this hard at posts in a LONG time - this is a nice break from the serious stuff we post about like the Jacktown A$$e$ and flammable fire uniforms - now where is the Iraq and South Africa again? :)
Posted by MooMoo on August 29, 2007 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Doug, the "ignorance masquerading" line is getting really old - we get it, ok? Can you try for something new once in awhile? All in favor say "aye!"
Posted by MooMoo on August 29, 2007 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Poisen it was Harpo that suggested the naked thing.
Posted by MooMoo on August 29, 2007 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Navy, you hit the nail on the head - I hate double standards, don't you? But I love seeing the feminists get riled up...
Posted by unknown_username on August 29, 2007 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Beauty pageant contestants are bred for their looks/ability to fill out a bikini and fed stock responses before hand so they can regurgitate them on cue to "wow" the judges with their ability to vary inflection and tone while flashing those pearly whites and perky orbs.
Why, then, is anyone shocked that this little girl came up with arguably one of the most vapid statements on record?
Expecting a beauty pageant contestant to make an original, profound statement is like expecting a dog bred for spots to come up with striped fur during the final round of a dog show.
Posted by datadiva on August 29, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
how ridiculous - let's just argue about how pretty she is or isn't; I asked a valid and what I deemed an intelligent question, and alas, not a response.
Makes me think maybe this girl's answer IS in fact a reflection on the mentality/education level of SC.
I'm just sayin'
Posted by MooMoo on August 29, 2007 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know NancyN, you get beat up a lot and while I must say that I don't always agree with you, (sometimes I do) I like your confidence! :)
And thanks for all the info on the "Fat SC" story yesterday - great stuff!
Posted by MooMoo on August 29, 2007 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Data, I don't think there is one short definitive answer to that. One possibility is that geography is no longer being taught as it once was.
Posted by unknown_username on August 29, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
National perception of the state of South Carolina based on headline news for the week of 8/27/07...
South Carolina = fat + dumb
OK people - we have to redeem ourselves. Any ideas on positive news worthy stunts we can pull?
Posted by prosperous_hb on August 29, 2007 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
unknown_username...how about this positive news "More student are passing the statewide AP exams." This means that more kids are getting college credits while they are in highschool.
And yes, Berkeley Cty is leading the way!
Posted by datadiva on August 29, 2007 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Must be a full moon or something Nancy; lol!!
Stop being so nice, it's making me nervous!! ROFL!
Posted by hawneena on August 29, 2007 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Harpo, navyblueblood, I'm glad that you like looking at girls. Just don't tell me that you like looking at boys also. LOL
Posted by hawneena on August 29, 2007 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Harpo, you are right. My hubby looks at girls too. He said he isn't dead yet. He also swears that when he was in high school the girls were not made like they are today.
I'm not sure I buy that line.
Posted by jnash84 on August 29, 2007 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, i've read some crazy comments on here. Some i agree with and some I don't. About the whole situation with the girl and her answer to the question, I just think that she heard the question and was shocked that 1 out of every 5 americans can't find us on the map. I mean I was a little shocked when I heard it myself. But also you have to keep in mind that just because you're brain smart doesn't mean that you have common sense. In fact a lot of intelligent people lack common sense. But, when you make a mistake like that on national television in front of an audience like that, somethin so small could end up being so major. I wish her luck.
Posted by kdn0307 on August 29, 2007 at 9:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, I am amazed at the lack of support for this beautiful young girl. She flubbed ONE answer. Yes, I'm sure it was/is very embarrassing for her and I will admit that I laughed at the video as well, BUT... She was nervous and made a mistake. I've been there. I suspect every single one of us has. Enough bashing of this girl. Don't judge her by one trivial mistake. After all, she DID place third runner-up in the contest, even with her mistake. That seems to have been forgotten and is definitely something to be proud of. To come in 4th out of 50+ girls is a huge honor and accomplishment. Apparently, she excelled in every other area. We should focus on the positive. I'm sure she will learn from her mistake and move along. Hopefully, this bad experience won't deter her from further competitions. She's human, she's beautiful, and she's Miss South Carolina USA. That is a huge accomplishment. Good luck in the future.
Posted by Swanwalker on August 29, 2007 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I want to marry this girl.