An "un"fair obsession !!

Are we Indians deeply racists ? Why are we so obsessed with fair skin ? Why is that whitening products in India is a 200 crore industry ?

There have been several advertisements featuring and promoting fairness which supports this overt prejudice. Children are often told not to play in sun as they may turn dark.

People generally associate white or fair skin with goodness and black or dark skin with evil or malice. What we do not realise is that hampers confidence of thousands of dark people, somewhere darkness holds them back. In urban areas we still have dark models who somewhat boasts the confidence of dark people however there are many rural parts of India where dark women face severe challenges on regular basis. In many places dark women are believed to be associated with black magic or are considered as witches and are raped and exploited with the imposition of rigid caste system and patriarchy. In many rural areas huge dowries are given away for marrying a dark woman.

Social injustice in India is always supported by personal prejudice. We can see alot of pressure by peer groups, magazines, and TV advertisements that perpetuates that fair is the ideal. The country is very much obsessed with fair skin. Being fair is believed to be superior. It has become an indicator of superior status. What we need is shift in the mindset. We need to embrace dark and be open to possibilities.

" Do not look for validation from others,
  Do not apologize for your skin colour,
  Teach your sons and daughters to be more sensitive,
  Celebrate every shade of beautiful. "
   
                                
                      .                 - Vishakha Singh