You turn 'Insecure' on, and you see a sea of brown. You see at

In the grand narrative of human connection, the ties of friendship and shared identity often emerge as a powerful force that transcends all external barriers. Yvonne Orji, in her reflection on the world of Insecure, offers a profound observation: "You turn 'Insecure' on, and you see a sea of brown. You see at the core of it a strong friendship between two brown-skinned girls." These words carry a deep resonance, for they speak to a truth that has been echoed through history—that friendship rooted in shared experiences, culture, and identity is not merely a connection, but a force that shapes the very core of who we are. At the heart of Orji’s statement lies the idea that friendship between two individuals who share similar backgrounds and struggles creates a bond of strength, one that redefines the meaning of connection in ways that transcend the superficialities of race or appearance.

In the ancient world, friendship was often defined by the shared experiences of those who had walked similar paths. The Greeks, for example, understood the power of philia, the bond between those who shared in common virtues and beliefs. It was a friendship not born out of mere proximity or convenience, but out of a mutual understanding of each other’s struggles, joys, and aspirations. Achilles and Patroclus, whose bond was tested on the battlefield, were not merely comrades in arms but were united by their shared identity and loyalty. Their connection was deepened by their shared struggle, much like the friendship Orji speaks of, where two individuals, bound by their shared cultural identity, are able to find strength and empowerment in each other.

The strength of a friendship based on shared identity is not just in the moments of joy, but in the times when struggles arise, and each friend can lean on the other. This bond is like the friendship between David and Jonathan, whose unwavering loyalty and shared understanding of one another’s roles in the world made them inseparable. Their connection, built not only on affection but on mutual respect, shows that true friendship is not based on superficial qualities but on a deep, profound understanding of shared humanity. Just as Orji describes the central bond between two women who share the experience of being brown-skinned, David and Jonathan exemplify the unity found in friendship that transcends external conflicts or pressures.

At the core of Orji’s statement is the recognition of friendship’s power to shape identities and create communities. In the ancient African cultures, friendship and kinship were not only recognized as a social bond, but as a central element to the survival and prosperity of the community. The concept of ubuntu—“I am, because we are”—embodies this profound truth. It teaches that the individual is inseparable from the community, and that through shared experiences, we come to understand the very essence of our being. Orji’s portrayal of brown-skinned girls and their strong friendship echoes this ancient wisdom, highlighting how friendship and cultural solidarity create a foundation for mutual growth, understanding, and empowerment.

As we look toward modern society, Orji’s words also shed light on the importance of visibility and representation in media. Just as in ancient times, where heroes like Hercules and Odysseus were celebrated for their deeds, today’s heroes are equally shaped by the relationships they form, particularly when those relationships are represented with authenticity. The power of diverse representation in media—whether it be in friendship, culture, or identity—creates a space where individuals can see themselves reflected, and in doing so, can find strength in their own story. Just as the ancients celebrated heroic bonds, Orji reminds us that the visibility of these friendships is crucial for empowering the next generation to understand the value of their own connections and identities.

The lesson we must take from Orji’s reflection is the timeless value of shared identity and friendship in shaping the essence of who we are. In our own lives, let us seek to build connections that are rooted in mutual understanding, respect, and shared experiences, recognizing that true friendship lies not in surface-level interaction but in the deep resonance of commonality. Whether through the bonds formed by shared struggles, identities, or cultures, the strongest relationships are those that allow us to be our authentic selves, empowered by the friendship of others who truly understand us.

Let us also remember the importance of visibility and representation, not just in media, but in all aspects of life. The more we see diverse friendships celebrated—whether in the ancient stories of heroic bonds, or in the modern depictions of real-life relationships—the more we are able to cultivate a world where every identity is seen, heard, and valued. Just as Orji illuminates the strength in the friendship between two women who share a deep cultural and personal bond, so too must we honor and nurture the connections that define us, creating a world where true friendship, based on shared understanding, becomes the foundation for all human connection.