India’s Obsession With Fair Skin – Understanding And Battling The Problem

by Vaibhav Mehta
Understanding Indias obsession with fair skin

Do you ever look at dark chocolate and feel uncomfortable? Do you feel the need to sprinkle some baking powder on it to make it attractive so that you can consume it? No, right? You accept it the way it is because you like it for the flavour it possesses. Then I wonder why there is this obsession with fair skin and unfair discrimination based on human skin colour in the world, especially in India. Shouldn’t the people be accepted the way they are, irrespective of their skin colour? Shouldn’t people be judged by their character, their skill sets, the humanity they possess rather than the colour of their skin? India definitely faces this problem of fair skin obsession. Most people here believe in the myth that only fair skin is beautiful. So let’s try understanding India’s obsession with fair skin and bust a few myths along the way.


Understanding India’s Obsession With Fair Skin

Indias obsession with fair skin is so deep that the 'fair skin is attractive and dark skin is not' ideology is fed in the Indian kids from childhood

Whether we admit it or not, this fascination for the fair skin is embedded in Indian kids right from childhood. From elders finding fairer children “more beautiful” and giving more attention to them, to being told as a kid to not go out and play in the sun otherwise you’ll become dark, we are fed this ideology from childhood that being fair-skinned is the right thing to be and that being dark is a “problem”. As a result, we pressurise our kids to be a certain way to be accepted in society.

This dangerous ideology sends a message across that dark skin is unattractive, undesirable and thereby creates this inferiority complex in people who aren’t fair. It makes them grow into adults who are victims of a slave mentality where they start putting a person at a higher pedestal purely on the basis of his/her fairer skin colour. This behaviour gradually develops into an attitude that breeds insecurity, lack of self-confidence and places undue pressure on people to be lighter-skinned.

The remaining damage is done by the peer groups “cracking harmless racial jokes” for fun, at the expense of their darker-skinned friends. Add to that the fairness & beauty cream ads running on Indian television channels, trying to aggressively market the “fair skin is the answer to all your problems” narrative and you have the perfect manipulative sales pitch. In these ads, fair skin helps people to nail big job interviews, makes them desirable to the opposite sex and turns them into rockstars overnight; talent and intelligence of the people be damned.

Therefore, the misconception that “fair skin is better than dark skin” becomes a belief and you have a section of insecure, under-confident people with dark skin, ashamed of their true identity, trying to fit in the perfect society by buying these “aspirational life-transforming products” & filling the pockets of the cosmetic companies. Matrimonial advertisements with descriptions blatantly saying “need a fair bride/groom” add further misery to the already crashing dark skin stock.

This is how a society, suffering from an inherent slave mentality, passes the misguided belief from generation to generation creating a section of fair-skinned people who have a superiority complex and a section of dark-skinned people who have an inferiority complex.

The currently prevalent myth that “English is a measure of one’s intelligence” feeds on the same slave mentality which is fuelled by lack of self-confidence and native pride.


A Personal Encounter With Fair Skin Obsession

I am an actor working in Mumbai, India. So I regularly go out for auditions trying my best to grab quality projects that can elevate my acting career. However, something that I don’t like about the entertainment industry is the stupid obsession it has for fair-skinned actors.

Indias obsession with fair skin is also visible in it's Hindi film industry as dark skinned actors generally have to struggle a lot to get opportunities in films

Almost every audition update reads something like “Need fair, upmarket, classy, rich looking male/female actors” because obviously, people with a wheatish/dark complexion can’t be classy, rich and upmarket. In fact, they are a symbol of poverty. Funny how we even decide people’s economic standing based on their skin colour.

It is amusing and ironical simply because of the fact that the richest industrialists and business tycoons of India are not fair-skinned but have a dusky, darker complexion.

I have seen actors who have been rejected at the doorstep of an audition room just because they are dusky/dark-skinned. They could have been more talented than their “fairer counterparts” sitting inside but then their dark skin colour hampers their chances to audition. Something like this kills the self-confidence of an artist who is anyway vulnerable and whose success/failure in the field of acting is out there in the public domain.


Fairness And The Celebrity Connection

It’s no secret that Bollywood (Hindi film industry) and cricket are the most popular professions in India. People here look up to actors and cricketers and treat them as icons/demi-gods. They try to emulate whatever their favourite actor or cricketer does – both on-screen and in real life. In such a scenario, the celebrities from these fields should understand that they have a moral responsibility towards the society and should be all the more careful so as to not spread the wrong message.

A large reason behind Indias obsession with fair skin is the aggressive marketing of fairness creams by cricketers and filmstars

So when a high profile actor/cricketer endorses something as shallow as fairness creams, then it influences the psyche of a nation. Because their face behind a fairness cream advocates the fact that if you want to be successful like them, then you have to be fair. And that message sets a wrong precedent for the youth of the country. The youth sees being dark-skinned as a roadblock to success and flocks in stores to buy these “career-shaping products”, only to be disappointed later.

However, it is heartening to read articles about certain celebs rejecting fairness cream endorsements despite being offered huge sums of money because they don’t believe in discrimination on the basis of skin colour.

We need more and more such examples in a society that’s blindly obsessed with the idea of fair skin. Also, some casting directors are shunning the idea of “being fair = being a good actor” and providing equal chances to all kinds of actors, as long as they do justice to the character they’re expected to play. So all’s not lost. Hope still remains.


We Are All Just The Same

Some people would be surprised to know that people with a dusky/darker complexion have the same body parts as their fairer counterparts. Being fair or white doesn’t automatically give you the license to be a prick. God doesn’t bless you with 207 bones instead of 206 just because you’re white.

To summarize, let’s get some “shit” straight. White-skinned people don’t poop white chocolate and the sun doesn’t rise from their arse. We are all just the same at the end of the day so this irrational segregation on the basis of skin colour needs to stop.

When Obama won the US Presidential elections, all that took centre stage was his skin colour instead of his other qualities

I still remember being amused with the media houses for continuously reporting Barack Obama as the first black African-American president when he won the US national elections. Yes, though it is, in fact, the truth, somehow every headline involving him accidentally featured the word “black” in it.

It seemed like Obama’s hard work, his journey, strategy, and election manifesto had all taken a backseat and didn’t matter. All that really mattered and took centre stage was his skin colour. It made me realize that not just India, even the US, to this day, is obsessed with fair skin. In fact, at that time, one of the American senators even went on to explain how America voted for Obama only because his skin was a lighter shade of black and because he didn’t have a Negro dialect.

This sensationalising of black people as a special category and discrediting their achievements by painting with a narrow-minded racist brush subconsciously creates a divide in the society, sending a message to the society that they are not one of “Us”.  My question here is just this – “Who has given you the right to decide who’s ‘us’?”


CONCLUSION

A Panda is an amazing example of how black and white can co-exist and also look beautiful at the same time

As individuals, we need to be comfortable in our own skin and accepting of other’s skin as well, eradicating this obsession of society with fair skin. On a side note, I hope and pray that PETA continues it’s efforts towards protecting the Panda. At least that way we have a living example of how black and white can not only co-exist in harmony but also look adorable & cute while at it.


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Battling India's obsession with fair skin and busting a few myths along the way

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36 comments

Ewa June 11, 2019 - 3:41 pm

Such an important message! Sadly, not all people understand it. I hope it will change in the future!

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Rachel June 11, 2019 - 5:39 pm

I wish as a society we were more accepting of people’s natural skin, whatever the colour, tone or look. Very interesting and thought-provoking post.

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Hayley Stainton June 11, 2019 - 6:25 pm

I really like this article. It’s very well written and left me wondering whether you were from India or whether you just lived there as a ‘darker skinned’ person.

My PhD research was on TEFL teachers in Thailand and I came across many stories like this. People were offered jobs until they saw their skin colour when these offers were retracted. It’s sad to hear.

Fortunately, this attitude towards dark skin is not everywhere in the world and I like to think that this kind of thing isn’t very common in the U.K. where I live, although I’m sure some would say differently.

Nonetheless, great writing and I wish you all the best in your acting career.

Hayley | Lifeasabutterfly

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Vaibhav Mehta June 20, 2019 - 8:26 am

Hi Hayley! Thailand is one helluva place to carry out PhD research, I must admit. Haven’t faced it in India myself but you travel overseas and kinda get a hang of it from certain quarters. Thanks for your wishes and glad you liked my writing.

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Sarah Bailey June 11, 2019 - 6:46 pm

I can’t imagine what it is like to battle this every day of your life, to feel like it less than, I just, my words aren’t enough to say how sad it makes me that people are still fighting this daily.

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GiGi Eats June 12, 2019 - 3:11 am

I hate when I hear and read thing such as this because it makes me realize how much some people dislike themselves. We are all such unique individuals that need to focus on our positive attributes (all of them)… And the color of one’s skin shouldn’t/doesn’t matter at all!

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Krysten Quiles June 12, 2019 - 3:35 am

I’ve never really understood the skin color thing. I’ve always had a belief to just let a person be a person and base their worth on who they are as a person and on their merits. Idealistic, I guess.

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Kiwi June 12, 2019 - 9:34 am

I am a black woman with lighter skin and I hate colorism. It makes me so upset all shades of melanin is beautiful and media and society needs to stop it with this generational divide with us when it comes to skin obsession. I know other countries have this issue too that fair is best, but its not fair to think like that.

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Sundeep June 12, 2019 - 11:01 am

Stealing Michael Jackson’s lines – It don’t matter if you’re black or white.. in today’s day and age we have way too many important things to worry about then just discriminating people based on their skin colour. That was a lovely read

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John June 12, 2019 - 11:11 am

We are all people. We have one planet, there is no planet B. The sooner the world wakes up to this and treats each and everyone with respect irrespective of the differences (like skin colour),the better. Only before it’s too late.

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Steph Social June 12, 2019 - 1:50 pm

It’s sad that we are not over this by now! Everyone should be happy and comfortable in their own skin:) I wish!

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Paula Stewart June 12, 2019 - 4:31 pm

Growing up in the South, I’ve witnessed more than my share of racism from everyone. Black, White, Asian, Mexican, Muslum, Hindu, Christian it doesn’t matter. I’ve seen them all show prejudice against another because of their skin colour or religion.

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Vaibhav Mehta June 20, 2019 - 8:22 am

Has the situation improved with time or is it still the same where you live?

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Caitlin + Dani June 12, 2019 - 10:29 pm

Thank you for sharing your viewpoint. This was interesting. A message that puts it out simple and straight. No place for such beliefs anymore!

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Rosey June 13, 2019 - 10:59 am

It’s a good analogy to use the dark chocolate and powdered sugar example. I hope the message catches on instantly for everyone who reads it.

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Hannah Marie June 13, 2019 - 11:44 am

Beauty cannot be labeled due to skin color. Whatever it is even you are black, white or brown we are all beautiful as we are. Equality and peace to everybody.

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Lyosha June 13, 2019 - 6:07 pm

I don’t think skin colour should be an issue. In a healthy world, there should be no sensation over black/white/Asian race taking a position or over gender etc. Why should it be better? Lighter or darker skin in a movie, for example, might mean anything only if it a plot point, when it is important for the story.

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Alexandra Cook June 13, 2019 - 7:20 pm

It is crazy how something like that can be such a big part of someone’s day. Some people need to rethink their ways and preconceived notions on skin color.

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laurenofalltrades June 14, 2019 - 12:17 am

I can’t pretend to relate to this, but I do appreciate that you shared it. I hate that people are discriminated against because of something they have no control over. Maybe one day people will grow up and not care about skin color anymore.

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Swathi June 14, 2019 - 4:43 am

Color is not matter, being a good human being is matters that is my moto. I am not obessed with colors either. great read . you put very well in this post.

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Dana Brillante-Peller June 14, 2019 - 6:13 pm

There’s beauty in accepting yourself for who you are, and not looking to change what you were given. It’s a wonderful feeling to embrace all that is you.

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Jessica Joachim June 20, 2019 - 11:36 am

As an extremely pale woman, I never understood the fair skin obsession. I hate how light I am, but I think all skin is beautiful. I can’t wait for the day that we are looked at for more than our skin, more than our gender… looked at as humans !

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Natalie June 20, 2019 - 3:30 pm

It really saddens me to read your personal experience in the acting industry. We are all beautiful in our own way, no matter our background or our looks.

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Tara Pittman June 20, 2019 - 5:01 pm

We are all made in God’s image and need to look past color. I think that we are all beautiful no mater what our skin looks like

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Chad June 20, 2019 - 11:43 pm

I can’t agree more with you! Skin color do not matter, white, brown, black or yellow. It is what inside that matters most.

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Annie Cho June 21, 2019 - 4:06 am

I think you hit it right on the money. It’s about accepting and loving ourselves no matter our physical appearance, and treating others the same as well!

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Ceci Rey June 21, 2019 - 1:21 pm

This was written well and should be shared for others to read too. With that being said, I can not tell you that I understand what it is like to walk in your shoes. However, I am a female, who is EXTREMELY pale. I was bullied most of my childhood for this. From hearing that I reflect the sun to being a vampire. To this day, I always make sure I have make-up on if I am leaving the house because there will always be that one person who will ask me if I feel ok…I look a little pale. Even though they mean well, it still strikes a chord within me. Now, being the mother of 5 girls, I do my best to put my own insecurities to the side and preach how beautiful they are each day. I also teach that it takes many different kinds of people to make the world go around. But, the world doesn’t turn because of the color of their skin. It is the type of person they are and what they bring to the world. I believe, that it is up to the parents of the future generations, to change these views. At least that is what I try to do with my own. Thanks for sharing!

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Vaibhav Mehta June 22, 2019 - 9:21 am

That’s a lovely way of parenting Ceci. Glad your experiences made you better and not bitter. It all starts with the upbringing. Appreciate your efforts to bring up broad-minded children accepting of all kinds of people.

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Kaitlyn Fortier June 21, 2019 - 1:55 pm

This makes me so so so sad. No inferiority! I’m very fair and always wish I was darker.

All skin types are beautiful!

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Amy-Lynn Denham June 21, 2019 - 3:38 pm

My heart hurts for this struggle that so many people face for the most ridiculous and assinine reasons. To make a child think they are inherently less than based on something over which they have no control, something which, in fact, makes them beautiful, makes me angry. Alas, I know anger is never the answer to the problem, but it’s hard not to feel it. I can’t imagine what it would be like to grow up with those messages bombarding me every day.

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Itzel Gomez June 21, 2019 - 4:25 pm

We’re Mexican, but the idea of lighter skin being better is something we deal with as well. My mom always refuses to go into the sun and is always wearing hats and longer sleeves, etc so she doesn’t get too dark. I wish everyone accepted others and themselves.

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Brittany Vantrease June 21, 2019 - 11:03 pm

I’m sorry this is an issue at all. I would never want my kids or others to feel insecure about themselves and even though I try to teach my kids that there’s beauty in everyone and everything, I know that not everyone in this world feels that way and I hope for a day when everyone and every skin tone is considered beautiful for everyone.

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Scott Gombar June 23, 2019 - 12:16 am

Well written and from the heart. I find beauty in all skin tones. Definitely a message that needs to be spread.

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Myrah Duque June 24, 2019 - 5:37 pm

I was born in the Dominican Republic. My father was black and my mother blonde with blue eyes. Living there in my early years, this was not seen as odd. We move to the USA and it is. We couldn’t understand why. Love is love no matter who you are. I got picked on when kids found out. It was not nice. This is so unfair. Sadly not everyone understands. It needs to change.

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Ewuzie Kingsley June 25, 2019 - 10:26 pm

This is interesting I think many people who think less of them self due to their skin color actually need a revolution and restructuring Of their mind because, with such impression would have no true love for one’s self thanks for sharing this is pretty educative.

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fleck water softener ohio February 23, 2020 - 10:57 pm

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