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**“Dear Agencies: Stop Using Token Brown Girls in Your Campaigns”
Representation without power is exploitation. And we see it now more than ever. Let’s just say it out loud: we’re tired of being the poster girls for your “diversity” campaign — and nothing else.We see your Eid ads with one light-skinned South Asian woman, your campaigns that suddenly care about inclusivity during heritage months, and your curated feed with just enough melanin to feel “safe.” But here’s the truth: representation isn’t representation when it’s reduced to optics.It’s not empowerment when it’s extractive.And it’s not inclusive when the only brown girl in your campaign doesn’t even get a seat at the table — just a spot in your Instagram grid. 🧕🏽…
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Boss Beti Spotlight: Confident South Asian Women Breaking Norms
Confidence doesn’t always look like a TED Talk or a mic drop moment. Sometimes, it’s a quiet decision to choose yourself, even when the world doesn’t understand. For South Asian women, choosing an unconventional path—whether that’s in art, activism, tech, or healing—is often met with resistance. But that’s exactly what makes it revolutionary. This month, we’re spotlighting young South Asian women—real and fictional—who are rewriting the rules. Each of them is walking a path rooted in courage, healing, and unapologetic ambition. These Boss Betis aren’t waiting for permission. They’re doing things their way. 🌿 Zara (Fictional) – Tech Founder & Coder Zara broke every expectation when she launched an ed-tech…
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“How Media Portrays the Ideal South Asian Woman—and What That Means for Our Emotions”
The media has long played a powerful role in shaping how South Asian women are viewed—not just by the world, but by themselves. From Bollywood heroines who embody perfection to Western films that flatten Desi women into stereotypes, the “ideal” South Asian woman is often portrayed as beautiful, docile, graceful, and self-sacrificing. While these portrayals might appear glamorous or harmless, they have a profound impact on how South Asian women experience and express their emotions. The Beauty Standard Trap One of the most persistent ideals pushed by media is physical beauty. Fair skin, long hair, delicate features—these have become visual markers of desirability, especially in Bollywood. Even outside Desi culture,…
Daughters of Strength, Bosses by Choice