Who Said Only Fair Is Lovely? The Deep-Rooted Stigma Of Colorism We Need To Erase

Add as a preferred source on Google

The brass door creaked as Diya stepped into the grand living room of the Varmas. The air smelled of sandalwood and freshly brewed chai, but beneath the hospitality lay an unspoken tension, one she had felt many times before.

Her mother, Leela, sat beside her, pressing the edge of her saree between her fingers. Her father, Mohan, cleared his throat and forced a smile as he spoke to the boy's parents.

"So, what does Shaan do?" he asked, attempting to ease the conversation before the inevitable scrutiny of his daughter began.

"He's a senior software developer in Bangalore," Shaan's father replied, his voice brimming with pride. His glance toward Diya was brief, and uninterested.

She felt their gazes-measuring, calculating. It was always the same. But this time, she refused to lower her eyes.

Shaan finally spoke. "And you, Diya? What do you do?"

"I'm an architect," she answered, her voice steady. Before Shaan could respond, his mother, Kamini, leaned forward slightly. "That's nice," she said, her voice carrying a deceptive warmth. "But tell me, what fairness cream do you use, dear?"

The words weren't unexpected, yet they still felt like a slap.

Diya straightened her posture. "I don't use any," she said firmly.

Kamini let out a small sigh. "Such good features you have. If only you took a little care... Shaan is very fair, and, well, couples should complement each other."

Her mother flinched. Mohan coughed awkwardly. Diya could feel the familiar weight of shame pressing onto her shoulders. But this time, she refused to carry it.

Mohan exhaled, then spoke carefully. "She is our only daughter. Everything we have is hers. We will also gift you a car and some jewellery, there won't be a lack of anything when we sent her to your home"

Diya's breath hitched. She turned to her father, disbelief flashing across her face. "Dad, no."

Mohan's eyes softened, pleading. "Diya, we just want you to be settled in a good home."

Diya stood up. "I deserve respect first."

A heavy silence filled the room. Shaan looked away, unwilling to meet her eyes.

Diya took a deep breath before turning to the Varmas. "I am proud of my skin. And if I need to be packaged with money or a car for someone to accept me, then I'd rather not be accepted at all."

Mohan's lips parted, as if to protest, but something in his daughter's unwavering gaze silenced him. Leela reached for Diya's hand as she turned to walk off, her grip tight to stop her from leaving.

But without another word, Diya walked out of the house. The evening sky stretched wide above her, its deep brown hues merging into shades of gold and crimson. Beautiful in its own way. Just like her.

As she stepped onto the road, she felt something she hadn't in a long time-light. Unburdened. Free.

Her future was hers to shape.

And she was in no rush.

Colorism : The Silent Barrier That Still Holds Us Back

Colorism-the preference for lighter skin tones over darker ones-is not just an issue of personal bias; it is deeply embedded in societal norms, shaping opportunities, perceptions, and even relationships. While often mistaken for simple prejudice, colorism has historical roots in colonialism, slavery, and rigid beauty standards, affecting people across racial and ethnic lines.

Understanding the impact, and manifestations of colorism is essential in addressing this deeply ingrained issue.

The Social Impact Of Colorism

Colorism continues to influence people's lives in ways that go beyond personal preferences-it dictates societal perceptions of beauty, intelligence, and even worth. In many cultures, darker-skinned individuals face difficulties in securing jobs, forming relationships, and gaining acceptance in elite social circles.

Take the case of Diya, a young architect, who faced rejection in a marriage proposal simply because of her skin tone. Despite her education, career success, and self-confidence, she was subjected to scrutiny from a potential groom's family, who suggested she lighten her complexion. Her own parents, fearing she would struggle to find a match, offered wealth and material assets to make her more "desirable." But Diya boldly refused.

Her story highlights how deeply colorism influences even the most personal aspects of life, reducing individuals to their appearance rather than recognizing their character and achievements.

Colorism In Beauty Standards And Media

The media has long played a role in reinforcing colorist ideals. From fairness cream advertisements to the preference for lighter-skinned actors in film and television, these messages shape societal beauty standards. In industries like Bollywood and Hollywood, many darker-skinned actors have been sidelined or edited to appear lighter, reinforcing the idea that beauty and success are linked to fair skin.

Moreover, the global skin-lightening industry profits from these biases, selling products that promise "brightening" and "whitening" solutions. This billion-dollar market thrives on the insecurities created by colorism, further perpetuating the stigma against darker skin tones.

Fighting Colorism : A Collective Responsibility

Addressing colorism requires uncomfortable yet necessary conversations. Those with lighter skin privilege must acknowledge and challenge these biases rather than dismiss them. Parents and communities need to shift their focus from skin color to individual character and abilities.

In Diya's case, she refused to let societal norms dictate her worth. Her bold stand is an example of how confronting colorism begins with personal defiance and self-acceptance. But real change requires collective effort-educating younger generations, rejecting outdated beauty standards, and amplifying voices that challenge discrimination.

Beauty Beyond Complexion

Colorism is a form of discrimination that continues to hold people back from opportunities and dignity. When people begin to challenge colorist attitudes, they open doors to a future where self-worth is not measured by complexion but by character, talent, and humanity.

It's time to redefine beauty-not by the shade of one's skin, but by the strength of one's spirit.