Not Fair, But Lovely
by: RACHIN DESHWAL
Just before the pandemic, I recall having my landlord over. While sipping his tea, he enquired if I and my sibling would also have tea like my parents. Upon knowing that we both do not take tea, he asks, “Rachin to Gora hai lekin Rahul Kyun nhi?” (Rachin is fair-skinned but why is Rahul not having tea).
While this is just a casual remark over one’s complexion, it also highlights the subtle yet deep-rooted preference for fair skin in a country like India which houses skin tones ranging from white to dark chocolates (sadly, using these delicious comparisons do not ease the complexities with this issue).
Geographically, India is quite close to the Equator and receives more exposure to the Sun than those countries near the poles. This has led to a gradual evolution in the indigenous people to develop a darker skin owing to the skin pigment melanin that protects the skin from the harmful effects of the UV rays as confirmed by several studies including from the American Journal of Physical Anthropology and Penn State University.
While science has done its work for putting the facts out, we as Indians have chosen to simply ignore it. Most artwork depicting Indian mythologies has shown fair skin as being related to the virtues of goodness and kindness while the darker complexion is about the evil forces. This perception has become so strong that the fairness industry in India has grown to become a billion-dollar entity.
Aaliya Ilyasi, a master’s student and a freelance make-up artist says, “Most of my clients prefer lightening their skin tones by two shades even though there was no need for the look they have in mind.” Aaliya, who usually catered to around 5 to 6 clients before the lockdown, says she prefers not to do it and adds, “It is against my ethics but they pester me to lighten the skin tone even if it takes me more hard work to do the same. They tell me — nayi nayi Shaadi hui hai, rishtedaar pata nhi kya-kya kahenge.” (I just got married, relatives will surely comment something.)
Sukriti Dasgupta, a Delhi based media student, shares a similar perspective, “ I often work outdoors and have a busy schedule and hence cannot look after my skin all the time. ” Sukriti, who believes personality does not depend solely on the skin color says, “ My mother is often told that the effect is now noticeable on her skin by our relatives.”
The belief that a lighter skin tone is better can be more prevalent in a Western country that has light skin tones in a majority. However, not justifying looking down on any skin color, this perception does not cater to India’s population. This perception has also entered how our media portrays the different skin tones in their content.
Jasmine Kaur, who is a professional actor when free from her studies talks about how she had to face rejection due to her skin tone “ I have given over 200 auditions by now and have been rejected for roles just because my skin tone was not as fair as they wanted for their product advertisement or character” Kaur, who has acted in projects such as the film Kabir Singh and Netflix series Leila, says that “ issues involving skin tone and body shaming need to be discussed more today than ever.”
With the whole debate now rising to the upfront, skin whitening creams in India have shunned the portrayal of a dark-skinned woman or a man not being successful in their lives. But the conversation around the same needs to be taken to deeper levels.
For instance, the cosmetic industry should not be focused solely on skin color but also on skin health such as hydration and sun protection to keep the skin healthier in the longer run. The marketing communications such as those catchy television advertisements also need to address the issue efficiently — that skin tone is a part of the holistic personality and not a prerequisite for a happy and successful life. As for those who still wish to work on their skin tone, the need to be seen as a healthy and personal choice.
Aaliya while adding to the same view shares, “ cosmetic brands now need to include models with different skin tones as well. While also focusing on benefits such as overall skin health from these products.”
The conversation also needs to be steered in personal lives such as with friends and family that skin health is more important than focusing singularly on skin tone. And the fact that skin tones like all people are unique, beautiful and wholesome in their way.
Sukriti also feels that “ Our skin tone is something that God has given us and we don’t have any control over it. We are all beautiful and incomparable. Personality, behavior, kindness — these are the qualities that define who we are. ”
But for people who still get tormented by padosi aunties ke body-shaming taane, throw those aunties some sass and wit!
#equality #discrimination #stopracism #humanrights #blacklivesmatter #self_love #beautiful
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