The recent controversy surrounding the crowning of the new Miss Switzerland, Whitney Toyloy, made its way into the Swiss Tagesanzeige.  Many respondents to the article voiced concern about Ms. Toyloy’s age influencing her ability to balance title year responsibilities and maintaining her school obligations. Meanwhile, other respondents questioned whether she could adequately represent Switzerland, as she is not “100% Swiss.” Some even flippantly suggested that beauty pageant should be renamed “Miss Multicult”. This is yet another example of antiquated racial prejudices and stereotypes that remain all too prevalent throughout Europe.

Nevertheless, the ethnic representation of those participating in the Miss Switzerland pageant reflects a more realistic snapshot of the demographics of Swiss society, than the xenophobic assumptions would lead to believe.  Women with Indian, Haitian, Turkish, Balkan, American and Congolese backgrounds participated in the pageant.  The new Miss Switzerland is multi-ethnic – of American, Chinese, Panamanian and Swiss heritage.