Fair and Lovely
India's Obsession with White Skin
Did you know that India is obsessed with fair skin. What are the implications of this unhealthy desire for fair skin? How does this translate into society … our thoughts, self worth and interactions? We explore this topic in depth with Suhrid Ganguly, a Bengali, who has a darker skin complexion.
The public in India is constantly bombarded with advertisements and messaging that promotes desire for fair skin over their natural skin color. Below is a small sample of such ads. Companies that advertise and sell skin lightening products include the likes of Garnier, Emami and Hindustan Unilever.
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Credit: Hindustan Unilever. The game of marketing and perception.
Credit: Hindustan Unilever. Transform from dark to fair in just 1 day!
Resources
The Doll Test
Bollywood Superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, promoting skin lightening cream.
Documentary Film – Dark Girls
BBC Article – ‘Racist’ Thailand skin-whitening advert is withdrawn
BBC Article – Africa, where black is not really beautiful
BBC Article – #unfairandlovely: A new social campaign celebrates dark skin
A Letter to Indians Everywhere: Put away the Fair and Lovely
Article in The Epitaph – Dear Bollywood, please stop promoting colorism
Episode 4 | Published: February 13, 2016
Twizted Myrtle is sustained by listeners like you. As a solo creator, crafting each piece demands significant time, money and resources. Your ongoing support, big or small, makes a real difference. If the content here enriches your life in any way, please consider becoming an ally as a sustaining patron.
Twizted Myrtle is sustained by listeners like you. As a solo creator, crafting each piece demands significant time, money and resources. Your ongoing support, big or small, makes a real difference. If the content here enriches your life in any way, please consider becoming an ally as a sustaining patron.
