My immediate family was always very supportive. It was my own fear of the rest of the world not accepting me, the rest of our society not accepting my wish to be an actor.
Lupita Nyong'ORead
I got teased and taunted about my night-shaded skin, and my one prayer to God, the miracle worker, was that I would wake up lighter-skinned. The morning would come, and I would be so excited about seeing my new skin that I would refuse to look down at myself until I was in front of a mirror because I wanted to see my fair face first.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects a struggle with self-identity and societal beauty standards.
Lupita Nyong'o's quote articulates the deep emotional impact of societal beauty standards, particularly for those who do not fit the traditional mold. Her longing for lighter skin symbolizes a broader issue of self-acceptance and the yearning for approval based on external attributes, highlighting the pressures that many individuals face regarding their appearance. It speaks to the internal conflict between personal identity and societal expectations, resonating with anyone who has experienced similar feelings of inadequacy or alienation.
Themes
IdentityBeautyAcceptanceSocietySelf-Worth
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about embracing diversity, this quote can illustrate the journey towards self-acceptance.
More from Lupita Nyong'O
All quotes →[My mother] always said I was beautiful and I finally believed her at some point.
Lupita Nyong'ORead
What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion: for yourself and for those around you.
Lupita Nyong'ORead
That you will feel the validation of your external beauty but also get to the deeper business of being beautiful inside. There is no shade in that beauty.
Lupita Nyong'ORead
As human beings, we aren't as individual as we'd like to believe we are. And I think that's what makes acting possible. Despite the fact that I have not experienced something, I have it in my human capacity to imagine it and to put myself in someone else's shoes, and to take someone else's circumstances personally.
Lupita Nyong'ORead
I've loved the opportunity to learn about the fashion world and appreciate it as an art form, and I look forward to my continued education, but I never want it to take over my acting.
Lupita Nyong'ORead
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