Colorism in the South Asian Community

Written By: Anuva Mundra

Edited By: Claire Xin

“Make sure you don’t spend too much time outside, you’ll get darker, alright?” “Beta, put on this face wash, it will make you lighter.” “Look at their skin tone, it’s so dark, have their parents gone mad?”

These sayings above are very obvious statements of colorism, the discrimination against darker toned people mainly among those in an ethnic or racial group. However, these sayings above are also very similar to the sayings that many South Asian children have grown up listening to. From the face wash, Fair and Lovely, to lemon juice, there are a variety of products and hacks used to lighten a person’s face, many of which South Asians have been encouraged to use on their face and skin to make it a lighter color. The preference of a lighter skin complexion plays a huge role within South Asian beauty standards, and also a very evident role in how South Asian society runs.

Many believe that colorism came to be such a big thing in the South Asian community because of the caste system. In the olden days, those who were a part of the lower castes would have to work in the sun more than those who had a higher caste level, leading them to have darker skin compared to the others. Because of this, having dark skin was a sign that you were a part of the lower caste, meaning you were unfortunate, and less wealthy than others. Despite the caste system being gone in the present, many still believe that darker skin means you aren’t as well off, demeaning those who naturally have dark skin, resulting in those not wanting their dark skin.

The evident colorism has changed the beauty standards for South Asians entirely. During wedding days, many brides who have a darker skin complexion will go to their make-up artist, and return as a very different person because their skin has been lightened so much. Many, especially younger women, are shamed for not having a lighter skin tone, and are encouraged to use different “remedies” and try to “fix it”, most of which end up harming them in the end. One example is the aforementioned lemon juice, which ends up giving many a painful acidic burn. Some are also encouraged to use bleach, which is very dangerous and causes many health problems. They do this just so they won’t be “dark”, because of how much bad stigma is associated with it. These few examples show the length that people are willing to go to get lighter skin for themselves or their children, showing how colorism plays such a big role in the community.

South Asian society is also affected by colorism. Certain roles can be decided based on the skin color someone may have. When going to meet candidates in an attempt to find their child a partner, it is very common for the parents to say no because of skin color. Job roles can even be denied because of the person’s skin tone. Famous actors and actresses are also denied awards and achievements and even roles because people don’t want to be represented with skin tones “like theirs”.

The colorism in the South Asian community has made a huge impact, but the standing of it is slowly starting to diminish. The face wash Fair and Lovely, known for its whitening technique has changed its name to Glow and Lovely, and has erased its marketing stating how good it is for lightening your skin. Diversity is being promoted in work areas, and everyone is learning to love their skin, no matter how it may show.

Colorism in the South Asian Community

Written By: Anuva Mundra

Edited By: Claire Xin

“Make sure you don’t spend too much time outside, you’ll get darker, alright?” “Beta, put on this face wash, it will make you lighter.” “Look at their skin tone, it’s so dark, have their parents gone mad?”

These sayings above are very obvious statements of colorism, the discrimination against darker toned people mainly among those in an ethnic or racial group. However, these sayings above are also very similar to the sayings that many South Asian children have grown up listening to. From the face wash, Fair and Lovely, to lemon juice, there are a variety of products and hacks used to lighten a person’s face, many of which South Asians have been encouraged to use on their face and skin to make it a lighter color. The preference of a lighter skin complexion plays a huge role within South Asian beauty standards, and also a very evident role in how South Asian society runs.

Many believe that colorism came to be such a big thing in the South Asian community because of the caste system. In the olden days, those who were a part of the lower castes would have to work in the sun more than those who had a higher caste level, leading them to have darker skin compared to the others. Because of this, having dark skin was a sign that you were a part of the lower caste, meaning you were unfortunate, and less wealthy than others. Despite the caste system being gone in the present, many still believe that darker skin means you aren’t as well off, demeaning those who naturally have dark skin, resulting in those not wanting their dark skin.

The evident colorism has changed the beauty standards for South Asians entirely. During wedding days, many brides who have a darker skin complexion will go to their make-up artist, and return as a very different person because their skin has been lightened so much. Many, especially younger women, are shamed for not having a lighter skin tone, and are encouraged to use different “remedies” and try to “fix it”, most of which end up harming them in the end. One example is the aforementioned lemon juice, which ends up giving many a painful acidic burn. Some are also encouraged to use bleach, which is very dangerous and causes many health problems. They do this just so they won’t be “dark”, because of how much bad stigma is associated with it. These few examples show the length that people are willing to go to get lighter skin for themselves or their children, showing how colorism plays such a big role in the community.

South Asian society is also affected by colorism. Certain roles can be decided based on the skin color someone may have. When going to meet candidates in an attempt to find their child a partner, it is very common for the parents to say no because of skin color. Job roles can even be denied because of the person’s skin tone. Famous actors and actresses are also denied awards and achievements and even roles because people don’t want to be represented with skin tones “like theirs”.

The colorism in the South Asian community has made a huge impact, but the standing of it is slowly starting to diminish. The face wash Fair and Lovely, known for its whitening technique has changed its name to Glow and Lovely, and has erased its marketing stating how good it is for lightening your skin. Diversity is being promoted in work areas, and everyone is learning to love their skin, no matter how it may show.