Sasha Sarago: The (de)colonizing of beauty | TED

Summary

In a powerful talk, the speaker reflects on the harmful perceptions of beauty faced by Aboriginal women, rooted in personal experiences and cultural history. A childhood encounter reveals how societal views can strip pride from identity. By celebrating Indigenous beauty through stories like that of Barangaroo and Walu, the speaker advocates for a reconceptualization of beauty that honors cultural heritage and kinship. Emphasizing the importance of self-recognition and healing, the talk challenges listeners to embrace their authentic selves and reclaim their beauty, urging unity and decolonization as pathways to empowerment.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The speaker acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, emphasizing respect for indigenous cultures.
• 😔 A personal childhood experience highlights the harmful perception that being Aboriginal is 'dirty' or less beautiful.
• 🌸 The phrase 'too pretty to be Aboriginal' reflects internalized racism and cultural erasure that many indigenous women face.
• 💔 The speaker connects their experience of shame with a broader narrative about beauty standards imposed by colonial ideologies.
• 💪 True beauty, as defined by Aboriginal culture, is linked to identity, kinship, and connection to the land.
• 👩‍👧 Barangaroo is presented as a powerful example of indigenous beauty, illustrating strength and defiance against colonial norms.
• 🌄 Indigenous beauty encompasses diverse cultural expressions that transcend Eurocentric beauty standards.
• 🌿 The speaker emphasizes a spiritual connection to nature, drawing on stories like that of Walu, the Sun woman, to illustrate indigenous cosmology.
• 🌀 The importance of self-reflection and recognizing one’s heritage is crucial for reclaiming personal beauty and identity.
• 🕊️ Healing from the impacts of colonization is essential for fostering unity and redefining beauty in a more inclusive way.

Q & A

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

The speaker acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and pays respects to the elders past, present, and emerging.

How did the speaker feel about their identity as an Aboriginal child during the birthday party?

The speaker felt a sense of pride initially when declaring their Aboriginal identity, but was later made to feel ashamed by the negative reaction of others, particularly when told they were 'too pretty to be Aboriginal.'

What does the speaker mean by 'pretty hurts'?

'Pretty hurts' refers to the painful reality that societal standards of beauty often marginalize Indigenous identities, equating beauty with proximity to whiteness and erasing cultural heritage.

How does the speaker's perspective on beauty change throughout the talk?

The speaker transitions from feeling shame about their identity to reclaiming their beauty through their Indigenous heritage, recognizing that true beauty is deeply rooted in culture, connection to land, and identity.

Who is Barangaroo and what does she represent?

Barangaroo was a powerful Cammeraygal woman known for her wisdom and independence, who represents Indigenous beauty and resistance against colonial practices, particularly in how she upheld her cultural identity.

What does the term 'girgorou' mean, and why is it significant to the speaker?

'Girgorou' means 'beautiful' in Jirrbal, the speaker's grandmother's language, and signifies the speaker's embrace of their Indigenous identity and the strength that comes from it.

What is the importance of storytelling in Indigenous culture as mentioned in the talk?

Storytelling is crucial in Indigenous culture as it conveys ancient knowledge, connects generations, and preserves cultural identity, as illustrated by the Dreamtime story of Walu, the Sun woman.

How does the speaker suggest we can change our perceptions of beauty?

The speaker suggests we can change our perceptions of beauty by engaging in self-reflection, questioning our identities and histories, and embracing the discomfort that may arise from confronting colonial impacts.

What is the relationship between healing and unity as discussed in the talk?

Healing is presented as essential for humanity because it fosters unity, allowing people to reconnect with their authentic selves and each other after the divisions created by colonization.

How does the speaker conclude their talk?

The speaker concludes by inviting the audience to embrace their own 'girgorou,' emphasizing that true beauty is everlasting and tied to cultural identity and spirit.