Miss Universe 1988 – Live from Taipei: Taiwan’s Record That Will (Probably) Never Be Broken – S5-E26

Long before 1988, Taiwan’s beauty pageants had been mired in
rumors — winners accused of marrying into political dynasties,
whispers of contests doubling as “wife buffets” for the elite,
and government crackdowns on such events being too frivolous
in austere times.





Even beauty standards themselves were
contested as Western pageants favored tall frames and
bold features, while traditional Chinese ideals prized delicacy,
modesty, and the “melon-seed face.” By the time Miss Universe
came to Taipei, the stage was set for both spectacle and
controversy.





Yet for Taiwan’s government, the payoff was irresistible. Hosting
Miss Universe meant sixteen minutes of global airtime to present
the Republic of China’s culture, heritage, and landmarks from
Taroko Gorge to Yehliu’s Queen’s Head. For a country fighting for
recognition, this beauty show was also showtime for
“Free China.”





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