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The only thing I agree with you about is that it is a truly horrifying sequence--horrifying because it is the most realistic part of the whole movie. And anyone horrified by it should take their anger out not on the filmmakers, but on the people who put on these pageants, which is exactly the point the filmmakers intended. In your zeal to attack "Hollywood," which isn't responsible for these child-porn pageants

Aside from seeing the occasional news story about Jon Benet Ramsey, I have absolutely no experience with child pageants, but I have to admit that I think the average 5 year old girl would absolutely love to dress up in a fancy costume, get up on stage and be the center of everyone's attention. I know my daughter would. I guess it's the sexualization of young children that make these things seem really creepy in comparison to something like a ballet recital. I also find it strange that this would be a part of them, (although it obviously is). I seriously doubt that many of the people involved with these pageants are pedophiles, so I'm a bit perplexed as to why they'd want to see 8 year olds acting like 18 year olds.

...so I'm a bit perplexed as to why they'd want to see 8 year olds acting like 18 year olds.

Same effect as William Wegman photos for those observers who aren't creeps. Freakish in a "cute" way...

I seriously doubt that many of the people involved with these pageants are pedophiles, so I'm a bit perplexed as to why they'd want to see 8 year olds acting like 18 year olds.

It would seem to be of the same species of interest as the fascination with apes or monkeys dressed up and acting like humans. (As was common in television shows and movies some decades ago.) But here these are human children, ferchrissake, being treated and reacted too in the same manner as performing apes or freaks.

Even where not sexual, it's just sick, sick, sick.