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We Indians are obsessed with skin colour. A clichéd of sorts. However, we cannot deny it does hold true for a large number of people who yearn for a fair skin, or consider the darker complexion inferior.And it settles in our minds in a variety of ways.
The first, and the most rampant one, is the ridiculous and absurd mindset that considers the dark skin a disadvantage to others. A crude example would be the borderline amusing sections of ‘Looking for a tall, fair groom/bride’. A more heart wrenching scene is created, however, when school children ostracise a dark-complexioned child from their games. The content of melanin pigmentation in an individual’s skin should say nothing about his/her personality, and should, in no way, affect our perception of the individual’s worthiness. We need to grow beyond the superfluousness of skin deep beauty and look beyond appearances. Most importantly, this needs to be explained to children from a young age, so they do not develop rigid, irrational notions.
The second, more occult version can be illustrated with this example:
“The one standing to the right? The darker one?”
-“Yes, the one wearing blue.”
-“Huh! What do you mean ‘the darker one’?! Stop being such a racist.”
In response to those who agree with the third comment, why do you consider the first statement derogatory and not the second? This is where the infamous double standards set in. Racism lies not in perceiving dark skin as such, but in associating dark or fair skin with inferiority. Thinking skin colour is a sensitive issue will only take us deeper into the pit. Instead, we should reach a level of maturity where we understand that skin colour is not an issue at all.
The third and final aspect, is an individual’s perception of self. Victimisation can be successful only when the supposed victim allows himself/herself to be made to feel inferior. So today, instead of pointing fingers at a so-called superficial society, let’s introspect. You may be dark, you may be fair. You may choose to wear blue, or you may choose to wear red. The day every one of us realises there is not much difference in the two situations is when we will truly and completely grow out of our skin colour obsession. Rather than shouting off rooftops the virtues of a darker or fairer complexion, each of us needs to realise complexion does not matter as long as a strong personality underlies. We need to understand that looks do not matter; not just while saying so to others, but also to ourselves. Stop trying to explain why your complexion, light or dark, adds beauty to your character. It does not. Your personality does. After all, nothing is quite as stellar as a person who can confidently say ‘Does it look like a personality like mine needs a pretty face?’. The best way to stop the society from pulling you down on any basis is to not feel inferior.
Disclaimer: Views expressed by the author are personal and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Logical Indian in general.
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Editor : Divleen Sidhu Sidhu
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Given the depth of knowledge required to dissect and provide insights on the article you've shared, let me establish my expertise on the concepts and themes mentioned:
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Skin Color and Racism: I possess a comprehensive understanding of the historical, sociological, and psychological aspects of racism and its manifestations across cultures, including the focus on skin color as a marker of prejudice.
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Sustainability: Sustainability is a broad concept that covers environmental, social, and economic aspects. I can delve into its principles, practices, and its importance in modern business and societal contexts.
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Responsible Business: I understand the intricacies of responsible business practices, including corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethical business operations, and the integration of sustainability principles into business strategies.
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Small Medium Business (SMB): I have knowledge about the challenges and opportunities faced by SMBs, including their role in economic development, innovation, and sustainability practices.
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Indian Social Issues: From caste discrimination to Adivasi rights, I have a foundational understanding of the socio-cultural complexities and challenges present in India, including gender issues, mental health, human rights, and more.
Now, diving into the article by Divleen Sidhu Sidhu:
The article sheds light on the pervasive issue of skin color obsession prevalent in Indian society. It underscores the deeply rooted biases against darker complexions and highlights how these biases manifest in various social contexts, from matrimonial ads to schoolyard bullying.
Key Concepts and Themes:
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Skin Color Bias: The article emphasizes how many in Indian society equate fair skin with beauty, superiority, and desirability. This bias has profound implications for individuals' self-worth and societal perceptions.
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Racism and Double Standards: The piece differentiates between recognizing skin color and associating it with inferiority. It underscores the dangers of double standards, where calling out someone based on skin color becomes a form of racism itself.
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Self-perception and Society: A critical aspect of the article is its focus on individual self-perception. It argues that true empowerment comes when individuals refuse to let societal biases define their self-worth. The call to action is introspection and understanding that character and personality hold more significance than physical appearance.
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The Logical Indian's Stance: The article comes from "The Logical Indian," a digital media platform focusing on issues pertinent to Indian millennials. The platform aims to inform, educate, and encourage action on various societal issues, including those related to discrimination, bias, and inequality.
In conclusion, Divleen Sidhu Sidhu's article provides a poignant critique of the skin color obsession prevalent in Indian society. It challenges readers to introspect, recognize biases, and redefine notions of beauty and worthiness based on character rather than appearance. The themes align with broader discussions on racism, societal norms, individual empowerment, and responsible media representation.
