In a world where digital distortion is the norm, Kaziah Liz Mejo, the newly crowned Miss Universe Kerala, has emerged as a beacon of authenticity and self-acceptance. Her journey from an extroverted child in Abu Dhabi to a confident young woman navigating body dysmorphia and societal pressures is a testament to the power of embracing one's true self. As she reflects on her experiences, Kaziah offers a unique perspective on the impact of social media on body image and the importance of staying true to oneself.
The Filter Trap
The digital age has introduced a stark shift in beauty standards, and Kaziah found herself caught in the filter trap. The whimsical, cat-eared overlay filters popular on social media were designed to narrow faces, enlarge eyes, and artificially alter skin tones. For a young girl with a naturally duskier complexion, the digital landscape often felt unforgiving. She recalls, "I was very, very insecure about my skin tone. Growing up, you see advertisements for fairness creams and you see your favourite influencers promoting them, and then you start feeling like, 'Okay, I was built wrong.'"
The Audacity to Dream Big
The turning point for Kaziah came from an intentional check-in with herself and a refusal to bow down to societal conventions. She describes her philosophy as staying deliberately "unrealistic" or, in Gen-Z slang, being "delulu." As a child, her mother encouraged her to write her ambitions in a notebook. Kaziah filled the pages with wild, un-tempered dreams, including a wish to be on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. "I'm just a regular 13-year-old in Abu Dhabi who has no connections. I'd think to myself, 'Oh my god, I need to calm down and think of something practical.' But the audacity to dream big is what got me here today. If you stay practical, you're going to limit yourself before you even try."
Social Media is Fake
Now holding the title of Miss Universe Kerala, Kaziah is acutely aware of the paradox of her position. Operating within an industry historically criticised for promoting rigid beauty standards, she is conscious of the responsibility to remain an authentic role model for young girls facing the same digital pressures she once did. "Social media is so fake. Imagine those kids who are not even confident. If we promote that fake idea, then what kind of example are we setting?"
Home is Where the Heart Is
Kaziah views her identity as a bridge between the diaspora and the homeland. Moving back to India independently at age 17 was a deliberate choice to ground her representation in the everyday realities of the country. "Sometimes when you're living abroad, you are made to feel like you're not Indian enough. Then other times, you're made to feel like you're not Arab or local enough. But being Indian is more than just geography, it's the morals and values that you carry within you."
In conclusion, Kaziah Liz Mejo's journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity. Her story encourages us to question the impact of social media on body image and to embrace our true selves, flaws and all. As she continues to inspire others, Kaziah serves as a shining example of how embracing one's individuality can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
