November 20, 2024, by Hao Nguyen
Growing up as a Vietnamese-American, I’ve always been drawn to the vibrant stories interwoven into my cultural roots and how they shape my understanding of beauty. I remember a time as a kid when I usually watched a traditional Vietnamese New Year celebration at my family’s temple in Vietnam. As the dancers moved gracefully, their ao dai flowing with each step, I felt a surge of pride in my heritage. At that moment, I realized beauty is more than superficial looks, but an expression of one’s rich cultural heritage.
Upon reading the article “Hitler’s Racial Ideology: Content and Occult Sources” by Jackson Spielvogel and David Redles, I found my realization of beauty with the chilling ideologies presented in the article on Hitler’s racial beliefs in sharp contrast. I am reminded of how he manipulated the concept of beauty that was being used as a tool for oppression in his agenda. Hitler and the Nazi regime propagated the notion of an “Aryan race,” which they falsely claimed to be a racially superior group primarily characterized by features like light skin, blonde hair, blue eyes, and they viewed this group as the ideal standard of humanity. This misguided
belief equated beauty with Aryan supremacy, fostering a narrative that marginalized and targeted those who did not fit this ideal—leading to the horrific consequences of the Holocaust. Such histories remind us of the critical importance of promoting inclusivity through our understanding of beauty. For me, beauty lies in the celebration of diversity and individuality, as exemplified by the colorful expressions of my cultural background. This not only challenges oppressive standards but also fosters a world where everyone is empowered to share and celebrate their unique beauty.
