Bias, Bigotry, Barrier: Why Fair is Beautiful?

Anjali takes a hard look at the fairness bias and is disheartened by it. An exclusive for Different Truths.

It is essential to step into someone’s shoes to understand the hurdles. While growing up, many things intrigue us. An individual’s skin tone is one of the many fascinations that this country possesses.  Comparatively fair by Indian standards, I once received some advice to not stand in the sun.

The person said, “You are so fair; you will turn brown if you stand in the sun.” This statement had come from a boy who had naturally tanned skin. It made me realise how being of a “fairer skin tone” is more applicable for girls than boys. Here was an example of bias, bigotry, barrier and blatant gender discrimination.

I could not digest this statement. I never thought that a darker skin would make me any different. Possibly because I grew up among people without such colour complexes.  In rebellion, I remained where I was.

Fairness Creams

Fairness creams and skin bleaching industries flourish because of this bias. I was happy when a popular brand of fairness cream changed its name to be more inclusive. And was not for dark complexion people alone, as it had targeted earlier. 

I took up the topic of ‘Colourism’ as a school project, in grade 11, with the intent of gaining better knowledge and insight into colour discrimination.  After interviewing people, I was completely disheartened and was disappointed to know the terms people use for calling people of darker complexions.

One word I frequently came across is maila. It means dirty in English. Instead of embracing one’s complexion and having pride in it. The dictates of the society influence us. A warped up choice enrages me. A person with a fairer complexion is beautiful. How sad!

Fairness Fads

To my dismay, I even came across various home tips to make girls fairer. Like if one drink milk in place of tea and of course “avoid the sun” then one may turn a shade or more lighter.  One of the most fascinating theories I came across was that “pregnant women should eat cashew nuts and drink saffron infused milk for the baby to be born fair.” If that theory worked, we would all be Kaju Katli and Rabdi.

Popular Bollywood song lyrics such as “Gori gori gori gori” and “Chittiyaan kaaliyan” all reinforce the concept of white supremacy. And how only fair girls are beautiful and appealing. Colourism surrounded me way more than I realised.

On a fine Sunday morning, I sat on my balcony reading a newspaper. Matrimonial ads drew my attention. More specifically, the ‘Brides wanted’ section. The specifics read, ‘girl should be thin, tall, and fair.’ Some ads stressed ‘very fair’ too.

We have come a far way from much worse discrimination. We have reached basic understanding of how an individual’s complexion is based on genetics more than whims. We still have a long way to go. I am eagerly waiting for the day when we are ready to look beyond a girl’s skin tone. Wish we are able to look at her inner beauty and inherent talent instead.

Visuals by Different Truths