Happy New Year Pasupu readers! We are so excited for this year and for everything that lies ahead of us! We all wish you a prosperous and healthy new year!
As many of us brown girls grew up, we felt unwanted, ugly, and left out. Though many of us have become strong South Asian women, we can’t help but feel these thoughts every once in a while. We decided to share letters that we would’ve given our younger selves, and letters that could be in need in times of insecurity. South Asian women must continue to uplift one another in order for us to grow and prosper.
Dear Shreya,
I’m aware your favorite movie is Magadheera, and that’s simple because Kajal Aggarwal stars in it. You watch her films and aspire to look like her. But, you look in the mirror, and your reflection is the complete opposite of her. You dream of being fair skinned and skinny, yet you see a chubby, dark brown girl staring back at you.
I hope you know that you are someone else’s Kajal Aggarwal. Though you don’t appreciate your beauty, hundreds of people do, and many of them don’t say anything. It doesn’t matter if you have darker skin or lighter skin; at the end of the day, you must appreciate how beautiful you are. Take a look in the mirror. Those thick eyebrows of yours are what millions of people aspire to have. Watch your luscious black hair fall behind your back. So many others would die to be able to grow hair as long as yours. Lean closer to the mirror and look carefully at your beautiful brown skin. It’s a perfect shade of brown, and when standing in the sun, you glow. Realize that you have hundreds of qualities that are desirable and beautiful, and remember to embrace them. Embracing these unique qualities make you confident, and confidence drives your beauty.
Just because you don’t see many people like you in TV shows or movies doesn’t mean you are not wanted or loved. You are unique, you are different, and that is what makes you special. There are so many people jealous of your features and charisma, and all the bits and pieces that make you, you. So, keep your head up and walk like you own the world: you are the shit.
Love,
Shreya
Dear Nikitha,
I know you’ve always been connected to your culture from a young age. You have been obsessed with the movie Happy Days since you were five years old. It was so addicting, that your dad made multiple CD copies of it for you to watch even in the car but they all stopped working because of how many times you had watched the movie. Ever since watching Happy Days your favorite actress was Tamannaah and you wanted to be just like her. You always loved dressing up for cultural events like poojas and parties no matter how itchy the clothes were. You loved listening to Telugu music with your family in the car on road trips and singing all the lyrics to the songs. You were fascinated by your religion and always wanted to learn more about it. You were always excited to go to dance class and learn Kuchipudi because it has always been your biggest passion. You were surrounded by all of this culture but how come sometimes you still wanted to be white?
I know growing up in America as an Indian can be difficult. Finding a balance between both sides is really tough and it can feel like you’re living a double life sometimes. I know the lack of representation can be really disappointing but it will slowly start to get better I promise.
I want you to remember to stay in touch with your culture and surround yourself with what makes you happy. Be with the people who support each other and lift each other up when they are down. Talk to the people who love their culture just as much as you do. Trust me there’s nothing like finding friends who are just as passionate about their culture and the things they love as you are.
Remember not to compare yourself to others. You are beautiful, strong, independent and intelligent. You may not see yourself in a Disney show being represented as a young Indian girl but hopefully that changes soon. Know your worth. There are so many people who will get to know you and love you for you. You are a glowing light in everyone’s lives; never stop shining.
Love,
Nikitha
To all the brown girls reading this post we hope you know you are so beautiful and loved. We encourage you to reflect on what you would say to your younger self and work to improve that this new year! We hoped you enjoyed this week’s post and both of our letters! Come back on 01.23.22 for our next post about colorism in the Tollywood film industry!