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Lilian Ma, Wellesley College, United States
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Since 1970, when non-white Americans were first allowed to compete in the annual Miss America contest, eight black women and one Asian have won the crown. The newest Miss America, Nina Davuluri, from New York, is the first Indian-American to be crowned Miss America. To me, this represents a celebration of America's diversity.
In the cyber-world, the judges' decision was greeted with racist tweets and blogs. Some called her a terrorist, and "an Arab impostor". But faced with intense criticism, many Twitter users withdrew their comments and apologised.
To some, it seems choosing a brown-skinned Miss America poses a challenge to the US concept of beauty. I think Davuluri is an inspiration to young girls across the country. She showed that beauty is no longer confined to a fixed class or type of person.
Congratulations, Miss America!
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