There were very few British black women on TV or in music when I was a teenager; when you're growing up, you need someone you can identify with. I remember at Christmas being bought a doll that didn't look anything like me, so I threw it away.

In this quote, Alesha Dixon reflects on the lack of representation of British black women in the media and music during her teenage years. She highlights the importance of seeing someone who looks like you in positions of visibility, as it helps build a sense of identity and belonging. Dixon emphasizes that, during her youth, there were very few role models for young black girls in the UK, which likely contributed to a sense of isolation or invisibility for her and others in a similar situation.

The mention of being given a doll that didn’t resemble her underscores a painful reminder of how cultural representation can affect a child’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Dolls, often seen as symbols of beauty and identity, should reflect a child's own features to help foster a positive sense of self. Dixon’s reaction to throwing the doll away illustrates her rejection of a standard of beauty and identity that did not reflect her own. It’s an early sign of her desire to see authentic representation of people like herself.

Dixon’s experience is a powerful commentary on the significance of representation in shaping a child’s understanding of who they are and what they can become. The absence of relatable role models can make it difficult for children to envision themselves in certain roles, whether in media, music, or other fields. Her statement points to the need for more diversity in public spheres, so that children of all backgrounds can grow up seeing themselves reflected in the world around them.

Ultimately, Dixon’s quote highlights the emotional and psychological impact of lacking representation during formative years. Her experience of throwing away a doll that didn’t look like her is symbolic of a broader struggle for visibility and acceptance, and her later success serves as a reminder of how important it is for young people to have figures they can identify with. This moment reflects a significant aspect of her personal journey toward finding and embracing her own voice in an industry that was not yet diverse.