RSVP Magazine has received almost 1,000 comments, almost all of them negative, on an article they posted claiming that the Rose of Tralee contest had a “serious lack of diversity.”
The piece complained about everything, from the race of the contestants, to the lack of disabled people in the competition, to even the fact that none of them had an OnlyFans.
In an article posted on Facebook this week, the site said that “The Rose of Tralee is embarrassing and has a serious lack of diversity,” adding “this year, the Rose of Tralee is a sea of white faces – and people have noticed.”
The piece compared the competition to “your cringeworthy aunt…who won’t stop talking about the good old days.”
The article itself admits that not only have non-white women pariticipated in the contest before, with Kirsten Maher of African descent actually winning the contest outright in 2018 representing Co. Waterford.
“It’s lovely to see diversity. Every single woman taking part in this Festival is different.”
2018 Rose of Tralee Kirsten Mate Maher #roseoftralee pic.twitter.com/2VvJxu6LBF— Rose of Tralee (@RoseofTralee_) August 22, 2018
However, the article dismisses this, saying “You can’t just point to a handful of mixed-race women and say that’s enough. It’s just not good enough.”
Though the piece praised the contest for “opening the competition to trans women” – i.e. biological males who identify as female – it said that this only happened due to external pressure. The article also complained that “There are still no trans women in the competition this year.”
It even complained that none of the Roses’ CVs included the use of OnlyFans – a subscription-based website on which people usually post lewd content of themselves or outright pornography in exchange for money.
“You’re definitely not likely to see anyone who has an OnlyFans as their side hustle [in the contest],” the piece said.
“You also hardly ever see neurodivergent or disabled contestants, or contestants from the Travelling community.”
However, responding to the piece, social media users were not impressed.
“Oh for God’s sake, is there anything not criticised and made a race issue lately?” said Facebook user Deirdre Quilligan.
“If you don’t like it don’t watch it, simple as.”
Elizabeth Walsh said “Well they’re the finalists, good luck to them”, including shrug and eye roll emojis.
“The others didn’t get through – why make something out of nothing?”
That comment received almost 600 likes.
Myriam de O’Bergin said the piece was “absolute rubbish.”
“Irish people are still predominantly white,” she said.
“Look at their lovely faces and hair colours – very diverse to me, a South American, living in Ireland since 1986. Also, people with Irish mixed background shouldn’t be forced to participate if they don’t want to.”
“How many white faces are up for Miss Congo this year – just asking?” joked Kevin Ramsell.
“RSVP, it’s you that’s embarrassing,” said Annette O’Flaherty. “Fantastic fabulous bunch of confident young ladies.”
What do you think of the controversy? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments.