
Latin America takes its beauty pageants seriously. Winners of beauty pageants such as Miss Universe have gone to attain fame, fortune and power. Many turn out to be successful actresses, politicians and spokepersons. In the last couple of decades, Latin America has dominated the semi-finals of Miss Universe. 2004 alone had 7 Latin American beauties in the final 15. With so much emphasis placed on these contests, why would last year's Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela would dare to pose topless in the men's magazine Maxim. She obviously wakes up the dead with her stunning body and figure but she knows better than to play with the crown of Miss Universe. The Latin America media has immediately criticized the photo shoot, calling her a bad example and that she is tarnishing Latin America's image worldwide. What is even more suprising is that Mendoza has to give up her crown in a week as Miss Universe 2009 airs on August 23 on NBC. C'mon Miss Venezuela, spare yourself from gossip and show the goods after the competition.


