We Indians haven’t been able to end this unhealthy obsession with fairness. Although we suffered racial discrimination at the hands of our colonial masters, we haven’t learnt anything from it.
Instead of being against it, we have supported the notion that ‘fairness means beauty’. What no one teaches us is how to be happy with the way we look. From fairness cream advertisements to Bollywood movies, everything has reinforces the ‘fairness equals beauty notion’.
In this context, it becomes necessary to mention what happened in Madhya Pradesh on Monday. A woman who had adopted a child from Uttarakhand was rubbing stones on his body in order to make him fair. On someone’s advice, she was doing so to make his dark complexion go away.
The fairness belief has destroyed the self-confidence of millions of people with a dark complexion. From the time that they are born, they are reminded of how better they can look if they use a certain product or undergo xyz treatment. Our culture has failed to teach us to be happy with who we are and accept ourselves as we are. Instead of removing the darkness from one’s skin, try removing the darkness from within.
The ‘gora chitta’ image is fed to children even before they can look into the mirror and appreciate their features. As a kid who was dark, I remember children of my age advising me to use Fair and Lovely. Shocking, isn’t it?
As I grew up, I realised the importance of individuality. I realised how healthy the dark complexion actually is. I was especially thrilled to see the advertisement of this cream called pretty 24. Not that I’m endorsing it, but I loved what the ad said.
It’s high time that this obsession came to an end. It’s not just those who lack access to education who think this way, but it’s the educated class too.
Enough of ‘gorapan’. It’s time to accept and recognise the beauty that’s there in all of us.