Pretty Hurts: It's time to decolonise beauty | Sasha Sarago | TEDxSydney

Summary

In a powerful talk, the speaker explores how societal perceptions of beauty impact Aboriginal women, sharing a personal story of encountering racism and shame linked to identity. Acknowledging the legacy of colonization, the speaker critiques Eurocentric beauty standards and advocates for a redefinition of beauty rooted in Indigenous culture and authenticity. By highlighting figures like Barangaroo, the speaker illustrates the strength and resilience found within Indigenous identities. Ultimately, the message calls for self-reflection, healing, and embracing one’s true self, promoting a vision of beauty that transcends superficial standards and celebrates cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, recognizing the importance of cultural heritage.
• 💔 The perception of beauty can be harmful, particularly for Aboriginal women, as societal norms often prioritize Eurocentric ideals.
• 😔 Personal experiences of racism can lead to shame and identity struggles, as illustrated by the speaker's childhood experience at a birthday party.
• 🌟 True beauty for indigenous women is derived from their cultural roles, connections to the land, and ancestral knowledge.
• 👩‍👧‍👦 Indigenous beauty is not monolithic; it encompasses a wide range of expressions beyond physical appearance.
• 🎣 The story of Barangaroo highlights the strength and independence of Aboriginal women, emphasizing cultural pride and resistance.
• 🔥 Indigenous beauty is closely tied to spirituality and nature, as demonstrated by the Dreamtime story of Walu, the sun woman.
• 🌱 The interconnectedness of all living things is vital to understanding indigenous beauty and culture.
• 🧘‍♀️ Self-reflection is essential for changing perceptions of beauty; individuals must confront their identities and the impact of colonization.
• 🤝 Healing from the wounds of colonization leads to unity and the reclamation of authentic selves, fostering community and connection.

Q & A

What does the speaker acknowledge at the beginning of the talk?

The speaker acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, specifically the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and pays respects to their elders and ancestors.

What personal experience does the speaker share from their childhood?

The speaker recounts their experience at a birthday party where they were told by an adult that they were 'too pretty to be Aboriginal,' which led to feelings of shame about their identity.

How does the speaker describe the impact of the word 'pretty' on their identity?

The speaker describes 'pretty' as a weapon loaded with racism and cultural genocide, indicating that it undermined their pride in being Aboriginal.

What is the speaker's view on the conventional definitions of beauty?

The speaker argues that beauty is often defined by Eurocentric standards, which do not encompass the richness of indigenous beauty that is deeper and more diverse.

Who is Barangaroo and why is she significant in the talk?

Barangaroo is described as a powerful Cammeraygal woman who represents indigenous beauty and defiance, demonstrating pride in her culture and rejecting British customs.

What does the speaker say about the concept of 'indigenous beauty'?

Indigenous beauty, according to the speaker, is characterized by authenticity, connection to culture and land, and is not confined to physical appearance or Eurocentric ideals.

What story from the Yolngu people does the speaker share, and what does it symbolize?

The speaker shares the Dreamtime story of Walu, the sun woman, symbolizing the connection between beauty, nature, and spirituality in Aboriginal culture.

What is the significance of 'girgorou' in the context of the talk?

'Girgorou,' meaning 'beautiful' in Jirrbal, is used by the speaker to express pride in their identity and to embrace their own beauty, emphasizing that it is rooted in cultural heritage.

How does the speaker propose we change our perceptions of beauty?

The speaker suggests that we need to reflect on our identities and histories, embrace discomfort, and recognize the beauty within ourselves to appreciate it in others.

What overarching message does the speaker convey about healing and beauty?

The speaker conveys that healing from the effects of colonization and redefining beauty can lead to unity, self-acceptance, and a reconnection to authentic identities.