Proposed topic: For this essay I am planning to analyze the argument surrounding the Miss USA beauty pageant, specifically the 2009 Carrie Prejean/Perez Hilton scandal regarding Prejean's views on gay marriage. Prejean and Perez Hilton's differing viewpoints have caused quite a controversy, and as a result received publicity from major news networks, blogs, and tabloids. Due to the way the contest works, judges are allowed to award candidates with however many points they believe each candidate deserves; many say Perez Hilton took advantage of the situation and of Carrie Prejean's title.
Primary sources: I believe first hand accounts of the Miss USA pageant from various perspectives will be legitimate sources. Also I think actual footage from the 2009 Miss USA pageant, Prejean and Hilton's twitter, and actual accounts from people who attended the event will serve as credible sources.
Why I chose this topic: I chose this topic because as a native San Diegan I feel connected to Carrie Prejean and care about the legitimacy of the competition. Deserving or not, I feel that Carrie Prejean should not have had her score deducted because of her views on gay marriage. I feel that Perez Hilton's motive for giving such a low score to Prejean was not to promote gay rights, but to promote himself and gain a larger fanbase for his blog. It will be interesting to analyze different people's viewpoints and arguments to see what side has a more compelling argument, and how this links to how Americans make arguments as a whole.
