The Obsession with Fair Skin in the Subcontinent: A Deep-Rooted Issue

One common aspect in Indian households when a child is born is the concern over the baby’s skin color. It’s often not about the baby’s health but rather about how fair the baby is. Parents frequently resort to various products and numerous old wives’ tales to achieve a fairer complexion for their child. These range from feeding saffron milk to a pregnant mother to bathing the baby in almond milk and besan. There’s no shortage of advice given to already overwhelmed mothers. I, too, faced criticism for eating olives during my pregnancy.

But why this obsession with fairness? In this blog, I will focus on the experiences of babies and school-going girls with colorism. The challenges faced by women due to colorism deserve a separate discussion altogether.

Let’s first dive into history to understand the root of this issue.

Historical Roots of Fair Skin Obsession

The preference for fair skin in the subcontinent has roots in various historical and cultural influences. Ancient texts and epics often describe heroes and heroines with fair skin as epitomes of beauty and virtue. Colonial rule further entrenched these biases, as lighter skin was associated with the ruling class and power. Over time, this preference permeated society, becoming a standard of beauty that persists to this day.

Early Life: From Birth to School

From the moment a baby is born, especially a girl, parents and relatives shower the new parents with advice on how to lighten the baby’s skin. Traditional remedies and modern products are suggested, ranging from specific oils and lotions to dietary changes and bathing practices. The underlying message is clear: fair skin is preferable, and every effort should be made to achieve it.

As children grow, the emphasis on fair skin continues to shape their experiences, particularly in school. Fair-skinned girls are often favored for roles in school plays, performances, and other public-facing activities. This preference creates a hierarchy where lighter-skinned children are more visible and celebrated, while those with darker skin tones may feel sidelined.

Struggles for Recognition

In such an environment, recognition in school becomes a struggle for many children. To stand out, those who are not fair-skinned often feel pressured to excel academically (become the “nerd”) or to act out (become the “naughty kid”). This dynamic reinforces harmful stereotypes and places undue stress on young children, who may feel they need to overcompensate for their skin color to be acknowledged and appreciated.

So what does this struggle lead to? It leads to an impact on the self esteem of girls that last throughout their lives.

The Lasting Impact on Self-Esteem

The obsession with fair skin and the resulting preferential treatment can have lasting impacts on a child’s self-esteem and identity. Girls who are constantly compared to their fairer peers may develop feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This can affect their confidence, academic performance, and social interactions, creating a cycle of low self-esteem that is difficult to break.

In a world that is filled with so much toxicity, how do we protect our girls?

How Parents Can Help

As parents, it is crucial to help our girls navigate this toxic behavior and protect their self-esteem. Here are some steps we can take:

  1. Celebrate Diversity: Teach children to appreciate and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including skin color. Emphasize that beauty comes in all shades and that their worth is not determined by their appearance.
  2. Positive Reinforcement: Provide consistent positive reinforcement for their abilities, talents, and efforts rather than their looks. Praise their achievements and character to build a strong sense of self-worth.
  3. Role Models: Introduce children to diverse role models who have achieved success in various fields. Highlight individuals who have excelled because of their skills, intelligence, and hard work, not their appearance.
  4. Open Conversations: Have open and honest conversations about beauty standards and societal biases. Encourage children to share their feelings and experiences, and provide a safe space for them to express themselves.
  5. Advocate for Change: Advocate for more inclusive practices in schools and communities. Speak up against discriminatory behaviors and policies, and work towards creating environments where all children feel valued and respected.

Conclusion

The obsession with fair skin in the subcontinent is a deeply rooted issue that affects children from a young age. By recognizing and addressing this bias, we can help our daughters build strong self-esteem and navigate a world that often values appearance over substance. It is our responsibility as parents to protect and empower our children, ensuring they grow up feeling confident and cherished for who they are, not how they look.

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