‘Why is lighter still seen ws better in African beauty?’
From the roots of colourism colonialism and slavery during colonial times a lighter skin was often associated with the colonizers who held power, wealth, and authority.People with lighter skin were sometimes given preferential treatment , favouring them more than those with darker complexion. They were offered good jobs, education or positions of influence.In slavery , lighter-skinned enslaved people were often placed in the house while darker-skinned ones worked in the fields, creating a hierarchy. This later led to Internalized racism over generations, where communities began to adopt these harmful beliefs themselves.
THE REALITY TODAY ABOUT COLOURISM
. Beauty standards still favor lighter skin where by light-skinned influencers, models and actresses often get more visibility as compared to those who are dark.Makeup brands sometimes cater more to lighter tones leaving darker shades limited or even ignored.
Social media filters and editing apps subtly encourage lightening ,where in booming skin lightening Industry,billions are spent yearly on bleaching creams, pills not forgeting injections especially in Africa and Asia.Despite health risks, many use them to fit in.
Workplace and career bias studies in different countries show lighter skinned people often get hired faster , earn more or are assumed to be more competent than those who are dark. Colourism in Pop Culture music videos, Nollywood or Bollywood films and adverts often center lighter-skinned leads.
THE IMPACT OF COLOURISM ON YOUTH
. Low self esteem and Body Image
Where dark skinned youth often grow up feeling less seen ,attractive or less worthy.This makes them compare themselves to their lighter skinned peers who get more attention online or even in real life.
. Mental Health Struggles
Due to constant teasing, bullying or negative comments about skin tone can lead to depression, anxiety or even social withdrawal.
.Unequal Opportunities both in schools, jobs or entertainment where lighter skinned youth may get favored, shaping how darker skinned youth see their future prospects.
. Identity confusion among the youth as they may be struggling to love their natural African features ,they might feel torn between embracing their melanin or trying to change it for acceptance.
Solutions of colourism and hope
- Educating people that colourism is a social construct born from colonialism and racism and all types of shades of skin are beautifull.
- Empowering the youth and encouraging self love by spreading a positive message about embracing melanin.
- Ban harmful skin lightening products Where the government can regulate or ban harmful bleaching products to enhance safe skin care that is healthy.
- Encouraging and manufacturing beauty products that do favour both skins.
- Creating awareness about colourism to make people to be confident in their skins and put an end to it.