We Can Do Hard Things The Power of Rethinking Everything with Dr. Yaba Blay (Best Of)
Jul 26, 2025
Yaba Blay, a cultural critic and author from New Orleans with Ghanaian roots, challenges conventional notions of beauty, arguing that while beauty can be oppressive, its true essence offers freedom. She delves into what integrity in allyship truly means, emphasizing the need for accomplices rather than mere allies. Blay also traces the lineage of 'Karens' in history and shares her hopes for her granddaughters, igniting a conversation about self-worth, identity, and the complexities of belonging in a diasporic context.
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Beauty and Identity Systems
- Beauty is a measure of value tied to identity shaped by systems like white supremacy and patriarchy.
- Rethinking ingrained perceptions daily is key to understanding identity and beauty.
Growing up Dark-Skinned in New Orleans
- Dr. Blay grew up dark-skinned in New Orleans where colorism valued proximity to whiteness.
- She learned her skin color was a constant marker of value and beauty in her community.
Systemic Roots of Self-Hate
- Self-hate in Black communities derives from systemic oppression, not personal choice.
- Institutions create harmful beauty options; focusing on individuals ignores broader systemic issues.
