Ep. 77 When Beauty Becomes a Battleground: Why so Many Indian American Women Still Chase Western Standards

In this episode of S.A.L.E., Radha unpacks a viral TikTok celebrating “Indian genetics” and why it sparked backlash across communities. From British colonization to Bollywood’s fairness obsession to the Kardashian effect, she explores how Western beauty ideals still shape South Asian women’s self-worth—and what this means for dating today. If you’ve ever felt you had to change to be loved, this one’s for you.

🔗 Show Notes Links

Original TikTok by Saumya Gopal:
https://www.tiktok.com/@tallbrowng1raffe/video/7454003335297879338

The Juggernaut – Indian Genetics TikTok and Controversy:
https://www.thejuggernaut.com/indian-genetics-tiktok-anti-black-western-beauty-standards

Times of India – Nixon’s Anti-Indian Rants:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/1971-tapes-expose-sexist-anti-indian-rants-of-disgraced-us-ex-prez-nixon/articleshow/77934177.cms