maybemalkaa

[maybemalkaa]

I originally posted this on FetLife. But it feels important to say everywhere.

pretty privilege is just white supremacy

Yup! You read that right! This is in a response to a post, I mean this with love and I don’t feel right not having a bigger conversation about it.

While it’s important to ask “What is pretty privilege” it’s imperative to know where it comes from.

“Ugh is this a political rant?”

It sure fucking is. Buckle in bitch.

“Pretty privilege” is often discussed as an unearned societal advantage given to those who meet conventional beauty standards. People deemed “pretty” are granted better opportunities, treated with more kindness, and often navigate life with fewer barriers. But what many fail to examine is how these so-called “standards” of beauty are rooted in racism. Pretty privilege isn’t just about individual attractiveness—it’s a system that upholds Eurocentric ideals and excludes people of color, disabled people, trans people, faggots, and dykes alike. It’s perpetuates the same power structures that uphold white supremacy.

The fucking FOUNDATION of modern beauty standards are tied to colonialism. When European colonizers colonized, they also imposed their cultural ideals, including their ideas of beauty, on the people they oppressed

So it was all about pale skin, straight hair, narrow noses, and thin lips became markers of “civilization” and “desirability,” while features associated with Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) were deemed “savage” or “ugly.” These standards weren’t just superficial—they were tools of domination, used to dehumanize and “other” non-European peoples.

So today these beauty standards absolutely monopolize every community. Why? Because it’s everywhere. Social media, TV, video games, etc.

These are very obvious “benefits” of pretty privilege. Which just further expose its racist underpinnings. If you google a single thing (without confirmation bias) you’ll see literal STUDIES that consistently show that people deemed attractive earn higher salaries, are more likely to be hired, and receive better treatment in the workplace.

Okay, so we know where it comes from.

Now what?

We have to shift the conversation about beauty privilege away from individual experiences and toward systemic change. Pretty privilege isn’t just about being attractive—it’s about who is allowed to be seen as attractive and why. Until we address the racist foundations of beauty standards, pretty privilege will remain a tool of oppression, reinforcing the very hierarchies it claims to ignore. To dismantle the racist underpinnings of pretty privilege, we must acknowledge how deeply beauty standards are tied to white supremacy. This means critically examining the media we consume, celebrating diverse representations of beauty, and rejecting Eurocentric ideals that exclude people of color.

So what can white people do?

You can learn about racism, white privilege, and the systems of oppression that benefit white people.

You can recognize how white privilege benefits you daily, even in ways you don’t notice.

You can give POC money

Acknowledge that systemic racism exists, and reflect on how you can use your privilege to help dismantle it.

When POC share their experiences, listen without defensiveness or interruption. Believe them. Validate their experiences instead of centering your own. If a person of color is speaking, pay ATTENTION.

Call out racism when you see it, whether it’s in your family, workplace, or friend group. Silence allows racism to continue unchecked. Use your voice to challenge injustice, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Be accountable for your mistakes.

Amplify POC voices

Do some research…

We all know that racism won’t end overnight, but every single action you take matters. Commit to showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable, and remember: allyship isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being persistent in the fight for justice everywhere.

[maybemalkaa]

Painting by the great Christopher Fisher

[maybemalkaa]

My really hot dentist who had to remove my tooth told me I have really strong bones.

Anyone wanna break em?

[maybemalkaa]

A painting of some edible flowers ~

[maybemalkaa]

I went on this trip to Colorado last year. I almost crashed a Porsche in a snow storm on my way to this hot spring.

[maybemalkaa]

101 needles done by me film shot by me.

@on_mywayto_mars amazing face.

[maybemalkaa]

Parched 🩸

[maybemalkaa]

These. In my cheeks. Now.

[maybemalkaa]

hey do you wanna come over and play needles

[maybemalkaa]

throat goat

two 8g, one 10g, and some sexy hypodermics straight through the throat and collar. the holes these left continued to bleed for a few days, both on their own and from being forcefully reopened by nails and teeth. the scar tissue ~3 months later is knotted, prominent, and good for stimming. done in collaboration on me, by malka (maybemalka on ig). we are both experienced & actively learning risk-aware edge players.

[maybemalkaa]

It’s me. Malka. I’m in here.