Why every girl deserves a crown | Lulu Li | TEDxGrandviewHeights

Key Concepts:

• Social media's impact on self-perception and beauty standards
• Internalized societal beauty standards and their effects on self-confidence
• The importance of self-acceptance and embracing individuality
• Redefining beauty beyond physical appearance
• Empowerment through self-love and support
• The role of mentorship and community in building confidence

1. The Problem: Societal Beauty Standards and Self-Doubt

• The speaker opens by highlighting how social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy due to curated and seemingly flawless portrayals of beauty and life.
• She points out that constant exposure to airbrushed images in media (billboards, magazines, product packaging) creates an unattainable standard of beauty.
• These messages not only sell products but also shape self-perception, leading many to feel "not enough."
• The speaker shares her personal experience of hiding behind a mask for two years due to a lack of confidence in her appearance, fearing judgment of her facial features.

2. Turning Point: Inspiration and Self-Reflection

• The speaker describes a turning point when she encountered a YouTube video from a blogger who discussed letting go of others' opinions and focusing on personal happiness and fulfillment.
• This inspired her to ask herself tough questions:
  • Is hiding behind a mask the life she truly wants?
  • Does she want to let fear and others define her?
  • What future does she want to create for herself?
• These questions prompted her to take a leap and explore opportunities she previously thought were inaccessible, such as pageantry.

3. The Pageant Experience: Confronting and Redefining Beauty

• The speaker recounts a discouraging experience with a coach who suggested drastic cosmetic procedures (jaw shaving, nose bridge alteration, hyaluronic acid injections) to succeed in pageantry.
• This raised the question: Is beauty about erasing individuality to fit societal standards, or celebrating uniqueness?
• Despite these pressures, she decided to participate in pageants, initially feeling terrified and self-conscious on stage.
• She observed that other contestants, despite their imperfections, exuded beauty by embracing their true selves.
• This realization led her to understand that beauty is not about flawlessness but about self-confidence and self-worth.

4. Success and Empowerment: A Crown of Self-Love

• The speaker won the title of Miss Teen Personality Vancouver, which she sees as more than just a "sparkly accessory."
• Her crown represents the courage to show up, embrace her unique beauty, and believe in her own worth.
• She emphasizes that "every girl deserves a crown," not necessarily a literal one, but a "crown of self-love and acceptance" that represents inherent worth, unique beauty, and incredible potential.
• This message extends to all girls who have experienced self-doubt or have been told they are not enough.

5. Claiming Your Crown: Shifting Perspective and Building Support

• The speaker outlines how to "claim our crowns" and embrace our true selves:
  • Shift perspective from focusing on flaws to celebrating uniqueness.
  • Affirm self-worth daily ("I am enough just as I am").
  • Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you and remind you of your brilliance.
• She emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where girls feel empowered and celebrated.

6. Action and Impact: Mentorship and Fashion

• As the founder and president of UBC M Club, she mentors young women, helping them build confidence and embrace their unique beauty through photography, creating comp cards, and offering encouragement.
• She is also showcasing her own clothing line at New York Fashion Week, a platform she once considered exclusive and unattainable.
• She believes that "we all have the power to redefine beauty" and create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

7. Redefining Beauty: Embracing Individuality and Making a Difference

• Redefining beauty is not just about changing self-perception but also about recognizing the beauty in others' differences and uniqueness.
• It's about how a person's inner self shines and how they can make the world a better place simply by being themselves.
• The speaker concludes by reiterating that "every girl deserves a crown" and that the one who crowns you should be you.

8. Notable Quotes:

• "These messages not just sell products, they shape how we see ourselves."
• "Is beauty about erasing who we are to fit into someone else's standards or is it about celebrating which makes us unique?"
• "You don't have to be flawless to feel beautiful. It is about how you carry yourself even when you're scared."
• "Every girl deserves a crown... a crown of self-love and acceptance."
• "We all have the power to redefine beauty."

9. Technical Terms/Concepts:

• Airbrushing: A technique used to digitally alter images, often to create a flawless appearance.
• Hyaluronic acid injections: Cosmetic procedures used to add volume and reduce wrinkles.
• Comp cards: A portfolio of photos used by models to showcase their work.

10. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The speaker's journey highlights the pervasive impact of societal beauty standards and the importance of self-acceptance and self-love. By sharing her personal experiences and insights, she encourages viewers to challenge conventional notions of beauty, embrace their individuality, and empower themselves and others to claim their "crowns" of self-worth. The message emphasizes that true beauty lies not in flawlessness but in the confidence and authenticity with which we present ourselves to the world.