We Can Do Hard Things 79. The Power of Rethinking Everything with Dr. Yaba Blay
Mar 17, 2022
Dr. Yaba Blay, an esteemed author and scholar focused on race, beauty, and identity, shares her transformative insights. She discusses how beauty standards can oppress, while true beauty embodies freedom. Dr. Blay challenges the notion of allyship, emphasizing the need for genuine accomplices in justice work. The conversation also touches on the historical roots of racism, the legacy of figures like Malcolm X, and the importance of rethinking narratives surrounding race and identity—especially for future generations.
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Colorism in New Orleans
- Dr. Yaba Blay, a dark-skinned Black woman, grew up in New Orleans.
- She was constantly reminded of her skin color and felt excluded from beauty standards.
Beauty as Oppression
- Societal beauty constructs, especially for women, are oppressive.
- Dr. Blay's experience in her Ghanaian community showed her a different perspective on beauty.
Self-Hate and Systemic Issues
- Malcolm X questioned who taught Black people to hate themselves, but Dr. Blay believes he focused on individual choices, not systemic issues.
- She points to the skin-bleaching industry, where harmful products are manufactured in Europe and marketed to people of color.