In a world where appearance can be altered with a simple click, it's easy to forget the impact these digital manipulations have on our perception of self, especially for impressionable teenagers. This is the story of Kaziah Liz Mejo, Miss Universe Kerala, and her journey from a confident child in Abu Dhabi to a young woman navigating the pressures of body image and societal expectations.
Kaziah's childhood was filled with classical dance lessons and local performances, where her unfiltered wit and extroverted nature shone through. However, as she entered her teenage years, the digital age's toxic beauty standards crept in, and Kaziah found herself caught in a web of insecurity and body dysmorphia.
"The filter trap" is a term that perfectly encapsulates Kaziah's experience. For three years, she admits to using filters to alter her appearance, narrowing her face, and lightening her skin tone. Growing up in a society that promotes fairness creams and idealized beauty standards, Kaziah, with her naturally duskier complexion, felt she didn't measure up.
This struggle with self-acceptance led Kaziah to question her personality and hide her true self. It was a solitary battle, one that many teenagers face, often hidden from parents who may not fully understand the depth of these issues.
But Kaziah's story is one of resilience and a refusal to conform. She credits her mother's encouragement to dream big, to write down her ambitions, no matter how wild they seemed. This "unrealistic" approach, as she puts it, is what led her to the Miss Universe Kerala crown.
"A winner is just a loser who tried one more time," Kaziah wisely observes. Her journey through the international teen pageant circuit, where she finished as first runner-up, taught her the importance of perseverance and the value of detours.
Now, as a role model, Kaziah is acutely aware of the paradox of her position. She understands the responsibility that comes with her title, especially in an industry often criticized for promoting rigid beauty standards.
"Social media is fake," she asserts. Kaziah's rebellion against this perfectionism is evident in her refusal to conform to the standard pageant lifestyle. She advocates for an intuitive understanding of one's body and genetics, a refreshing take on body positivity.
Kaziah's identity bridges the diaspora and the homeland. Her move to India at 17 was a conscious decision to ground her representation in the everyday realities of the country. Her nostalgia for Abu Dhabi is a reminder of the simple joys of childhood, a craving for authentic local cuisine and the comfort of family rituals.
In conclusion, Kaziah's story is a powerful reminder of the impact of societal expectations on self-perception, especially during adolescence. It's a testament to the importance of self-acceptance, resilience, and the audacity to dream big. As Kaziah herself says, "If you stay practical, you're going to limit yourself before you even try." A powerful message for us all.
