I want to talk about Skin Color and why some black people feel the need to bleach their skin. As Nigerians, we do not realize that on some unconscious level, skin bleaching has eaten deep into the fabric of our society. This conversation isn’t talked about constructively in the Nigerian society because we mostly feel we are not affected by it while others who talk about it tend to body shame, bash or praise those who bleach. However, this is a social Phenomenon that merits our attention as black people.

In our Nigerian society, we have identifying markers such as religion, tribe, class, education and ideology. We however do not have skin color as an identifier. The later can be found in countries where there is an endemic racial issue often characterized by racial discrimination. Why then am i talking about skin color as a resident of the most populous black nation on earth?

THE HYDROQUINON BOOM
Recently, with the monstrous growth of the internet coupled with the social media, information has been on the fingertips of almost any one who can read and afford a data subscription. I will give kudos to the western media. They have been able to project their perception of beauty all over the world, from long silky hair, more pointy nose to a pale skin and unfortunately, black people are latching onto this idea of beauty as the standard. Some have conveniently ignored the rather obvious fact that beauty standards are not universal. Each race has its own beauty markers if i may say so. An Indian, Chinese, European, Nigerian, Somalian etc cannot be held to the same standard of beauty. Each individual should define beauty for themselves as we are all unique individuals.

A while ago, i found myself among a group of Nigerian women who were fixated on the idea that lighter skinned individuals are more fortunate with love, employment and are considered more beautiful. I watched them do everything to keep their skin lighter and how they sucked up to those they considered “beautiful”. I have even listened to a lady make inquiries about a bleaching cream suitable for children. Insane right? The sad thing is they didn’t even realize the effect their self loathe was having on their daughters. Those poor girls will grow up thinking something is wrong with them because all they heard as babies were their mothers whining about their skin color.

Lets us be confident in out blackness. Lets celebrate ourselves. Define beauty for yourself and revel in the freedom it affords you.

They thought bleaching makes them attractive. People that bleach stink especially when they sweat.

Pls add this caption to the topic "yorubas get in here"
Bleaching is their specialty

kemthegirl:


Lets us be confident in out blackness. Lets celebrate ourselves. Define beauty for yourself and revel in the freedom it affords you.

Well said, sister!