"Second-wave feminists really use the popular platform that Miss America had established to amplify their message about more opportunities should be open for women, women shouldn't just be judged on how they look. It should also be about opening educational doors and career opportunities. When that happened in September 1968, it sort of highlighted the ways in which Miss America in particular was a bit behind the times in terms of the way in which women's participation in society was moving." 

Q&A: Levey Friedman on why beauty pageants are more complicated than you think (interview by Hilary Levey Friedman) — The Public's Radio