Netizens Praise First-Ever Korean American Crowned as Miss America
08:16 GMT 18.12.2021 (Updated: 11:33 GMT 10.12.2022)
© REUTERS / Andrew Kelly
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The annual beauty contest, which was held for the 100th time, took place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, last week.
Asian society was thrilled by the news that a girl of Korean origin won the Miss America 2021 title on 17 December. University student Emma Broyles, 20, is a third-generation Korean American and she represented Alaska.
https://youtu.be/Ss_h_OrBxw0
It was a hot topic in South Korean social media as according to her profile, Broyles' father is Caucasian and her mother is ethnically Korean, whose parents had moved to Alaska from Korea about fifty years ago.
In her heartfelt speech, the newly-crowned Miss America thanked her grandparents for the opportunity they gave her by moving to Alaska. She added that she is proud of her origin and all of this wouldn't have been possible without her family. Broyles also said that she would be active as Miss America, focusing on promoting the Paralympics, a sporting event for people with disabilities. Participation in a Paralympic Games, in which her brother who has Down syndrome, took part, influenced her decision.
Netizens have since shared their admiration for the new Miss America.
Alaska exploded when Emma Broyles won Miss America. But seeing and hearing a Korean American woman — an Asian American woman — speak openly about her mental health absolutely sent me into orbit. pic.twitter.com/870AaibRrn
— Shayne (@shaynenuesca) December 17, 2021
The new Miss America is half Korean and half white just like me. I remember struggling with standardized tests because when asked about your ethnicity, it said to pick one. That messed me up for a little. It's great to see mixes to become more recognized. Representation matters. https://t.co/eiw4X3Xfl4
— pwnwtfbbq (@pwnwtfbbq) December 19, 2021
An historic moment as Emma Broyles is crowned our 100th Miss America. Emma is the first Korean American and the first Alaskan to carry the title. Congratulations Emma!!! pic.twitter.com/9QSJlLDBuO
— Beanie it's cold outside, MD 🎶❄️🌈 (@DoctorKevo) December 18, 2021
