Unfiltered – the good, the bad, and the honest

In a world where people present their lives edited in such a way as to create a misleading narrative, Unfiltered is pulling aside the veil to feature real people and their stories.
By Ciara O’Shea

Human beings are inherently social creatures. We thrive when we have a sense of belonging. Finding one’s community was once merely geographically determined, it consisted of your immediate family and members of the local population. Today, with the expansion of social media and our overwhelming desire for connectivity, we have larger networks than ever before. We interact with strangers from every corner of the planet, but can they really be considered our community? In a world where filters, both literal and figurative have become commonplace, how do we find a true sense of belonging? This is the challenge Unfiltered has been created to overcome. 

Unfiltered, a pioneering new platform by Omaira Farooq Al Olama, was created to challenge the status quo, amplify the voices of the marginalised, and recognise people who have shown true resilience and strength in overcoming adversity. In essence, Unfiltered is not merely a new media platform; it is a movement and a call to action encouraging us all to bring back transparency if not for us then for the next generation. 

As a platform, Unfiltered is dedicated to every person who feels unseen by the traditional media landscape. Articles will confront issues that impact mental health and focus on self-improvement while touching on important topics that are relevant for the whole family. Nothing will be considered taboo – our talks and podcasts will be available for people looking for more authentic and vulnerable storytelling, while our events will bring the whole community together in the real world.

Traditional media is synonymous with unrealistic beauty standards, we have long been told what we should aspire to look like, an aesthetic that has never been as diverse or inclusive as it should have been. This lack of true representation has led to insecurity and stigmatisation for many, which can lead to self-esteem and mental health issues. Allyship will be at the heart of Unfiltered, where true diversity will be expressed. The pages of the platform will feature people of every size, shape, colour and ability, and – yes, unfiltered –  in the latest fashions. Fashion and beauty are for everyone and will be key components of Unfiltered, reminding us all that representation truly matters. 

Unfiltered aims to provide a more accurate depiction of society, not merely by featuring individuals who have long been overlooked, but by discussing topics that have been considered taboo for far too long and is a platform where real people talk about the real issues of everyday life which are often hidden or brushed under the carpet, as well as the type of issues we have been programmed to believe should be dealt with privately. Society has a very particular set of rules specifically for women which Unfiltered wants to break.

And break them we shall. Over the past decade the Middle Eastern market has seen unprecedented progress in the emancipation of women. According to Al Olama, this is only just the beginning. “I feel a huge change is coming now even more so than before. Women in this region are breaking out of their so-called boxes and the stereotypical responsibilities that have been in place for years and they are ready for new adventures! Women are tackling roles that would have previously been considered impossible and this has shifted perceptions. We need to empower these women and remind the new generation just how capable they are.”

Social media is used to glimpse into the lives of others, yet we often forget that we are watching a highlight reel and it is skewing reality for many of us. “Reality is so much more interesting than an illusion!” said Al Olama, adding, “If we continue as we are I worry that we will lose touch with reality, both in our relationships and, more worryingly, in ourselves. Unfiltered is here to celebrate real stories, showcase pioneers and shine a light on people who have shown true strength of character. Let’s honour honesty and transparency in order to create an authentic community.”Unfiltered will unashamedly raise the voices of the voiceless to remind us all that we define our own standards of success, beauty, and self-worth. Welcome to your new community. You belong here and we hope you are ready to join the movement!