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Syra Health to Present at NobleCon20Defending national champion UConn lost its second consecutive game for the first time since the 2022-23 season on Tuesday. The No. 2 Huskies fell 73-72 to Colorado in the consolation bracket of the Maui Invitational. The game wasn't without its controversial moments with two separate foul non-calls examined by the broadcast team late in the game. UConn head coach Danny Hurley was visibly frustrated with the officials, just 24 hours after he was assessed a technical foul for his sideline antics. Alright UConn fans, Let's hear it: pic.twitter.com/XdYnm4Budp Dan Hurley is fuming. UConn on the ropes right now. pic.twitter.com/uQ1EN1CS8S The Buffaloes trailed 40-32 at halftime and completed the come-from-behind win on the backs of seniors Elijah Malone and Julian Hammond III. Both tied for the team lead in points (16) but Hammond hit four crucial three-pointers, two of them in the second half. It was an impressive win for Colorado which lost five of its top scorers in the offseason after winning 26 games and making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2023-24. The Huskies shot 48.7% from the field but sent Colorado to the free throw line 28 times which ultimately came back to bite them. It was an uncharacteristic performance from UConn, which lost its first game as a program since Dec. 20 on Monday in a dramatic 99-97 defeat to Memphis. It now will play for seventh place on Wednesday against the loser of the No. 5 Iowa State vs. Dayton game which tips off later Tuesday night.
G rowing up as a dark-skinned Tamil girl, I quickly learned that comments about appearance were an inevitable part of life. At weddings, family gatherings, or even casual meet-ups, someone always had something to say. “You’ve gained weight, what happened?” “Stay out of the sun; you’ll get darker.” And the one that stuck with me the most: “You’re pretty for a dark girl.” Though such remarks were sometimes framed as compliments, they often left me feeling anything but complimented. For those who might say them, these comments might seem like harmless observations or even “helpful advice”. They think it’s just brutal honesty, but I honestly think it’s brutal. The truth is they reflect a broader cultural pattern that many Tamil women experience, with their bodies and appearances subjected to relentless scrutiny. The excuses often given, such as “That’s just how we were raised”, do little to mitigate the lasting impact of these words. For those on the receiving end, the damage to self-esteem and self-worth is real. In Tamil households, discussions about weight are almost unavoidable. From “Are you eating enough?” to “You’ve been eating too much”, opinions are freely shared. Food, a source of joy and connection, often becomes a site of judgment instead. Even at family gatherings, the amount of food on your plate can invite unwanted commentary. If you serve yourself generously, someone might warn you about gaining weight. If you take less, questions such as “Are you trying to lose weight?” are inevitable. It’s a no-win situation. This fixation on weight is not limited to family conversations. Societal pressures to conform to beauty standards are deeply ingrained, and research confirms their harmful effects. A study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences found that 47% of Indian women in the 18-to-35 age group experience body image issues, with societal expectations playing a significant role. These pressures are particularly pronounced for young women in Tamil communities, where criticism around weight is normalised and pervasive. Alongside weight, colourism remains a deeply rooted issue in Tamil culture. Growing up, I was frequently reminded to avoid the sun to “stay fair”. For many women and girls in India, the fear of spending time in the sun is not about getting sunburned, it’s about getting darker. Fairness creams or homemade remedies are heavily promoted in society as if lighter skin is the ultimate key to success. The message is clear: lighter skin is better. For young Tamil women, seeing themselves judged against these unrealistic standards can deepen feelings of inadequacy and exclusion. The emotional toll of these comments, whether about weight or skin tone, is significant. Often dismissed as harmless, such remarks can erode confidence and lead to long-term mental health challenges. Studies by the World Health Organization reveal that over 25% of women in India report anxiety or depression tied to body image concerns. For Tamil women, who often face these pressures within their families and elsewhere, the effects are even more pronounced. Colourism has its roots in colonialism and casteism, but its modern-day impact is profound. India’s skin-lightening industry, valued at over $500 million annually, is a testament to how entrenched these biases remain. A 2024 report by Dove found that 26% of Indian women have tried skin lightening or bleaching products, highlighting the extent of societal pressure to conform to fairer skin standards. For darker-skinned women, these societal preferences can be exhausting. Remarks such as “You’d look so much prettier if you were lighter” aren’t just insulting; they are constant reminders that darker skin is often viewed as a flaw. Even so-called compliments such as “You’re pretty for a dark girl” expose the underlying bias — that beauty is conditional, measured against Eurocentric ideals. The media plays a significant role in perpetuating these harmful beauty standards. Tamil cinema often casts fair-skinned female actors in lead roles, while darker-skinned women are relegated to limited genres, supporting characters or excluded altogether. This lack of representation reinforces the idea that lighter skin is more desirable. Women actors in Tamil cinema are also subjected to intense scrutiny regarding their weight. Fans and media outlets frequently discuss whether a celebrity has “let herself go” or become “too thin.” These public critiques not only affect the individuals involved but also reflect and reinforce broader societal norms around beauty. For me, the damage of these remarks accumulated over time. I avoided certain outfits, dreading the flaws others might point out. Social gatherings became less about connecting with people and more about bracing for judgment. Even now, those comments linger, shaping how I view myself and my body. The excuses of “That’s just how we were raised” or “Just ignore it” are no longer sufficient. Culture is not static, it evolves. Tamil culture, while rich and vibrant in so many ways, has its share of harmful practices that must change. Parents and elders need to recognise the power of their words. Instead of focusing on appearance, we should celebrate individuality and encourage confidence. Food, an integral part of Tamil culture, should be enjoyed without judgment or guilt. Representation in the media is another critical area for change, and Tamil cinema and television have a unique opportunity to challenge harmful beauty standards by showcasing diverse forms of beauty. Hollywood, while not perfect, has made strides in this regard, and one of the most significant wins for Tamil women was the casting in Bridgerton . Seeing a dark-skinned Tamil woman portrayed as a romantic lead on an international platform was groundbreaking. This kind of representation is a powerful example for Tamil media. By casting dark-skinned women actors and plus-sized individuals in leading roles, and celebrating them for who they are rather than reducing them to stereotypes, Tamil cinema and television can redefine beauty standards for future generations. Following Bridgerton , this shift could be transformative, helping young Tamil women see themselves as worthy and beautiful just as they are. Breaking these deeply ingrained norms won’t happen overnight, but change begins with awareness. The next time you are tempted to comment on someone’s appearance, consider the potential impact of your words. And if you hear someone else making such remarks, challenge them. For those of us who have been at the receiving end of these comments, it’s important to remember this: your worth is not determined by your size or skin tone. You are enough, exactly as you are. Tamil culture has so much beauty to offer, but it’s time to leave behind the aspects that cause harm. By encouraging kindness, inclusivity, and respect, we can create a community where everyone feels valued for who they are, not how they look. shri.mahadevan@gmail.com Published - December 08, 2024 01:12 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit
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