The Miss America contest is the most perfectly rendered theater in our culture, for it so perfectly captures what we yearn for: a low-class ritual, a polished restatement of vulgarity, that wants to open the door to high-class respectability by way of plain middle-class anxiety and ambition.

Summary

This quote suggests that the Miss America contest symbolizes the epitome of American culture by encapsulating our aspirations and desires. It highlights how the pageant combines elements of both low-class and high-class values in an attempt to bridge the gap between them. The low-class ritual aspect represents a sense of vulgarity and entertainment, while the polished presentation reflects a desire for respectability. Overall, it portrays the contest as a representation of middle-class anxiety and ambition, striving for societal acceptance and validation.

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