The Paradox of Perfection: A Miss Universe’s Journey Beyond Filters
There’s something deeply unsettling about the way we’ve normalized digital distortion in our lives. Personally, I think it’s one of the most insidious trends of our time. We’ve reached a point where altering your appearance—whether it’s slimming your waist, lightening your skin, or erasing blemishes—is as casual as posting a selfie. What makes this particularly fascinating is how this culture of perfection has seeped into the minds of teenagers, shaping their self-worth in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Take Kaziah Liz Mejo, the newly crowned Miss Universe Kerala, for example. Her story isn’t just about winning a pageant; it’s a mirror to the struggles of an entire generation grappling with the toxic beauty standards of the digital age.
The Filter Trap: When Reality Isn’t Enough
Kaziah’s journey from an extroverted child in Abu Dhabi to a teenager battling body dysmorphia is a stark reminder of how quickly innocence can be eroded. Growing up in the late 2000s, she was part of a generation that came of age alongside the rise of social media. What many people don’t realize is that the filters we dismiss as harmless fun—cat ears, narrowed faces, enlarged eyes—are often designed to subtly alter our perception of beauty. For Kaziah, these filters became a crutch. She admits to not having a single unfiltered photo for three years. In my opinion, this isn’t just about vanity; it’s about the psychological toll of constantly comparing yourself to an unattainable ideal.
What this really suggests is that the digital landscape is a minefield for young minds. Kaziah’s insecurities about her skin tone, fueled by fairness cream ads and influencer endorsements, highlight a broader cultural issue. If you take a step back and think about it, the pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards is still pervasive, even in a multicultural hub like Abu Dhabi. This raises a deeper question: How can we celebrate diversity when the algorithms and ads around us constantly tell us to be something we’re not?
The Audacity to Dream Big: A Lesson in Resilience
One thing that immediately stands out about Kaziah is her refusal to be boxed in by societal expectations. Her mother’s encouragement to write down her dreams—no matter how unrealistic—is a detail I find especially interesting. It’s a simple act, but it speaks volumes about the power of nurturing ambition. Kaziah’s dreams, from Hollywood stardom to pageant crowns, were met with self-doubt, but she clung to them anyway. This willingness to be “delulu,” as Gen Z would say, is what ultimately propelled her to success.
From my perspective, this is a lesson we could all stand to learn. In a world that often rewards practicality over passion, Kaziah’s story is a reminder that failure isn’t a dead end—it’s a detour. Her journey from first runner-up in an international pageant to Miss Universe Kerala is a testament to the idea that persistence pays off. As she puts it, “A winner is just a loser who tried one more time.”
The Authenticity Rebellion: Challenging Pageant Stereotypes
What makes Kaziah’s reign as Miss Universe Kerala particularly compelling is her refusal to play by the traditional pageant rulebook. In an industry often criticized for promoting rigid beauty standards, she’s a breath of fresh air. Her stance on social media—“It’s so fake”—is more than just a catchy phrase; it’s a call to action. She’s acutely aware of the responsibility she carries as a role model, especially for young girls navigating the same pressures she once faced.
A detail that I find especially interesting is her rejection of the curated pageant lifestyle. No diet plans, no salad-only meals—just McDonald’s after a shoot. This isn’t just about indulgence; it’s about reclaiming the joy of being human. In a world where influencers peddle perfection, Kaziah’s message is refreshingly real: “If you’re restricting yourself from these simple joys of life, what are you even doing?”
Bridging Worlds: Identity in the Diaspora
Kaziah’s identity as a Malayali raised in Abu Dhabi and now studying law in Bengaluru adds another layer to her story. She’s a living bridge between cultures, navigating the complexities of belonging to multiple worlds. What many people don’t realize is that the diaspora experience often comes with its own set of insecurities. Are you Indian enough? Arab enough? Local enough? Kaziah’s answer is both simple and profound: “Being Indian is more than just geography; it’s the morals and values you carry within you.”
This raises a deeper question about identity in a globalized world. How do we stay true to our roots while embracing the places and people that shape us? Kaziah’s nostalgia for Abu Dhabi—the shawarma, the mixed grills, the podichor—is a reminder that home isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling. And in her case, it’s a feeling she carries with her, no matter where life takes her.
Conclusion: The Beauty in Imperfection
Kaziah’s story is a powerful reminder that perfection is a myth, and chasing it only leads to unhappiness. From her filter-free selfies to her unapologetic love for McDonald’s, she’s redefining what it means to be a beauty queen in the 21st century. Personally, I think her greatest achievement isn’t the crown—it’s her ability to stay true to herself in a world that constantly tries to mold her into something else.
If you take a step back and think about it, her journey is a microcosm of the struggles and triumphs of an entire generation. It’s about embracing imperfection, dreaming big, and finding beauty in authenticity. As Kaziah herself would say, “If you stay practical, you’re going to limit yourself before you even try.” And in a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control, that’s a message we could all stand to hear.
