Have a problem with the way you look?

I thought the whole 'color-ism' deal started back in the day, with slavery and colonialism. Typically, when "white" skins were not only dominant classes, but dominant skin tones as well, and black skin was deemed undesirable. Wasn't that hundreds of years ago? Why are people still making an issue of it today?

For Pete's sake, look at the widespread advertisements of Fair and Lovely. I don't think there is one Indian that exists, without the knowledge of Fair and Lovely. We have grown up with those commercials. And then we see Shahrukh Khan as the brand ambassador of Fair and Handsome. Coincidence?

Why is it always about the 'fairness' of the skin? Even if you see advertisements for blemish creams and acne treatments, if you notice carefully.. the before and after picture does not only clear the blemishes or acne, but it also makes the skin 1 - 3 tones lighter. Why? How does the blemish cream has to do anything with the fairness of one's skin? I think it's the long spread notion of "white-ness" as desirable. We still hear people talking today about brides and stuff, 'She isn't as fair as her sister' and there are comparisons between siblings. Sometimes, parents say things like.. you are not as fair as your brother/sister, what happened to you?

I am one of those people. My brother has a more fair complexion than mine, like my mother. My dad and I have the same skin tone. How does it matter? I wish there was something to stop this "fairness" madness. It might not sound like a huge issue to the ones who are naturally fair-skinned. There are girls that try tonnes of products (typically skin bleach, and fairness products) to look desirable. Because being "fair" is apparently being up to the mark. Many girls are rejected on a daily basis for marriage proposals in India, because they are not "fair" enough. It doesn't matter if the guy has like one testicle or something, but the girl HAS to be fair, you see.

I beg to differ. Look at slightly darker skin tones that are so beautiful. Look at Tyra Banks. Are you saying she is undesirable? Sure, the mainstream media has not straight-forwardly portrayed true black skin tones to represent products. It is seen that slightly lighter skin-toned black people are chosen to represent products and for commercials. I am talking the skin-tones of Tyra Banks and Rihanna. Look at Kajol, Konkona Sen, Bipasha Basu, and Tanushree Dutta. These are gorgeous women and are not completely fair skinned.

Conclusion: Fairness has become the "definition" of BEAUTY. The society needs to know that beauty exists in all shapes, colours, forms, and sizes. It is not the "white" or fair skin that is desirable. It is not just thin bodies that are desirable. It is not just the size zero that makes a fashion statement. It is not the 'big boobs' and 'perfectly round ass' that makes a good body. Let's look away from the delusion media creates for us, and pressures us as women to adapt to a new definition of beauty, that is technically, not possible.

I am posting a very interesting link - Dove Campaign to change YOUR view of beauty, do check it out. It's worth it :) Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U