To be perfectly honest, I have always been on the sidelines as far as the swimsuit contest is concerned. But, whichever way you look at these types of events, it gets down to freedom of choice, for both participants and organizers. The swimsuit contest even though it enjoys varying levels of public support is a well entrenched part of the American way of life.

On a positive note, the swimsuit contest has launched many a successful career in the fashion industry. Of course a great number of girls enter these contests solely in the hope that they will be recognized as an up and coming new star. Top swimsuit models have reached star status, and are now on equal footing with the extremely highly paid divas of the fashion industry.

There are some of us that are born to look absolutely fantastic in a swimsuit, but most of us will fall into the very average category. For those of us who are always looking to cover up to hide our generous curves, entering a swimsuit contest would never enter our heads.

Unfortunately a large number of women take this whole 'perfect' body issue far too seriously. In fact for many it can make life a miserable affair with a constant battle to achieve this impossible shape. The swimsuit contest has been responsible for reinforcing the idea that to be truly beautiful one must possess a perfect body.

Naturally there is always room for improvement in most people's lives. If viewing a swimsuit contest brings about better eating habits and a commitment to visiting the gym, or even taking an evening walk, then that is an excellent outcome. Swimsuit contests or even pictures of the new season's swimwear often has the ability to prick the conscience a little and wake us from our winter comfort zone.

The swimsuit contest has proven to be an ideal vehicle for raising money or providing promotional support for a great many organizations. For some charities this may well represent their major fund-raising activity for the year. It is difficult to criticize this, particularly when the judges advocate that girls are judged on their poise and physical fitness as well as their beauty.

If you mention swimsuit contest, most people will instantly think of the Miss World and Miss Universe contests. In these titles, the swimsuit section used to be given far more prominence than it does now. Even though most people are in favour of it remaining, the emphasis has now been placed on more important attributes such as intelligence and communicating skills. The formal wear section is now regarded as just as important.

Many believe that the swimsuit contest is nothing more than a gross exploitation of women. Regardless, it has proven that it is definitely going to be around for a long time. Most of us can never hope to achieve the slim long-legged looks of these beauties, no matter what food we eat, or plastic surgeon we visit. Hopefully though, we don't take it too seriously and remember that a person's worth has nothing to do with the outside wrapping.