Yes, I believe they are. ( I DO like the swimsuit competition though )
Not necessarily.
The contestants aren't compelled to enter and are there because they like to compete. It's like figure skating or gymnastics without using any energy.
Are the promoters objectifying women? Oh yeah.
Me? I've never bothered to watch one, either up close or on screen. There are more pretty girls on the beach.
Yes you are correct
Of course they are. Even though they now call the scholarship programs, you don't see men walking around in tuxedos and swim trunks to get a scholarship. (Not that I would mind.;-) )But honestly what does anything a pageant have to do with how well you are being educated?
I say no because those women know what they are signing up for and they choose to do so of their own free will.
Different strokes for different folks. I'd absolutely hate to live in a world where everything we did was dictated by someone else's social or political agenda.