'Women in Africa and Asia use bleaches to get fairer; sometimes to a point to harming their health'. I have heard this line, this comment, in many a coffee conversations with my fellow mates. But, how is queuing up for an injection that gives you a permanent tan any less harmful or more healthy? Or even for that matter hours on your back in 40°C?
Why do people ask me with wonder what is it like to be as a society, obsessed with fairness. I generally talk about the fairness creams available in the Indian market, the demographics of the population likely to be the consumers of such products, with the same sense of inquiry I ask about tanning parlours.
Why is it so difficult to comprehend that a tropical place where the common physical feature is dark skin can covet fair skin? Perhaps, the same way that fair skinned people covet a tanned look? But I am told, “Oh, but that is different. A tan is a sign of health not wanting dark skin.”!!!!!!!! Probably, different psychological approaches by the media and marketing wisecracks, based in a more ‘savvy’ and politically correct society.
I would simply say, it doesn’t matter which way you look at the glass, it’s about the price of the drink in it. It’s about peddling consumer goods, whether its skin bleaches or tanning lotions. It’s about creating a general dissatisfaction about your physical appearance irrespective of your base primer.
If all this globalisation; which is making it possible for two people from completely different backgrounds mate and procreate will not do it…. I am sure the cosmetics companies will give a huge helping hand in creating a drab monotone shaded society.
Why do people ask me with wonder what is it like to be as a society, obsessed with fairness. I generally talk about the fairness creams available in the Indian market, the demographics of the population likely to be the consumers of such products, with the same sense of inquiry I ask about tanning parlours.
Why is it so difficult to comprehend that a tropical place where the common physical feature is dark skin can covet fair skin? Perhaps, the same way that fair skinned people covet a tanned look? But I am told, “Oh, but that is different. A tan is a sign of health not wanting dark skin.”!!!!!!!! Probably, different psychological approaches by the media and marketing wisecracks, based in a more ‘savvy’ and politically correct society.
I would simply say, it doesn’t matter which way you look at the glass, it’s about the price of the drink in it. It’s about peddling consumer goods, whether its skin bleaches or tanning lotions. It’s about creating a general dissatisfaction about your physical appearance irrespective of your base primer.
If all this globalisation; which is making it possible for two people from completely different backgrounds mate and procreate will not do it…. I am sure the cosmetics companies will give a huge helping hand in creating a drab monotone shaded society.
1 comment:
Everybody wants what they don't have.
One of my favorite stories is The Sneetches by Dr Suess. It's about these creatures called Sneetches, some have stars on their stomach, others don't. Their place in society is determined by whether or not they have stars.
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