.png)
Harriet Tubman
This is what came to mind, last week, as I heard more and more stories on skin bleaching/lightening.
Yes, it has been around for year and probably will be around for many more, but I guess I had just lost sight of the issues. I guess in my naivete, I thought having the first black president would make us love ourselves just a little bit more. As I watched more and more sisters let go of the 'creamy crack' and accept the hair that pushed naturally from their scalps, I thought we were finally in another mental space.
 |
| African singer Dencia |
.jpg) |
| Sammy Sosa |
I'm not sure how I lost sight of the reality, because I live in Haiti, a country still plagued by the residue of slavery. I've experienced racism at the hand of my own people because of my caramel/light brown/cafe au lait/peche complexion. I watched as doors that had been slammed in my face, suddenly open when they heard the perfectly articulate English come out of my mouth. The lack of accent some how made me just a little bit lighter and therefore immediately more...desirable.
Or in the states, when confronted with my color, people react with, "You don't look Haitian." The media makes them believe that Haiti is only dark skin and kinky hair. I want to scream, "People, do your research, we are of Indian/French/Spanish/Lebanese... descent." We ALL come in different colors, sizes, ethnicity, religions, this is what makes the world so rich. You are what makes you special.
Right now one of the most talked about people in the worlds of fashion and entertainment is the beautiful African queen, Lupita Nyong'o. Lupita took the world by storm! It seemed almost as if "they" didn't even notice her dark skin, prominent African features, and natural fro. They seemed to really notice her palpable beauty. Even with all of that, and with the accomplishments and accolades are "they" ever really satisfied?
 |
| Vanity Fair: Said to have lightened Lupita's skin for their February issue |
"WOMAN LOVE THINE SELF"
Do not let another person's standards or ideals define you. A person cannot give or take away your self-worth, only you can decide this. And for many of us this will be a challenge, because society/religion/self hate has done a number on us. But shouldn't the most simplest thing be, to love ourselves? My father always told me, you teach people how to treat you. How can anyone love us, if we do not first love ourselves. By accepting and appreciating what makes you you, and by loving yourself, you give off an energy and a presence that cannot be ignored. This is the definition of beauty.
Beauty is a characteristic of a person, animal, place, object, or idea that provides a perceptual experience of pleasure or satisfaction. Beauty is studied as part of aesthetics, sociology, social psychology, and culture. An "ideal beauty" is an entity which is admired, or possesses features widely attributed to beauty in a particular culture, for perfection."
What do you think?
Please watch the videos below for more info:
Note: Skin lightening can cause; skin damage, skin cancer, sun sensitivity. Extended use can effect the kidneys and other organs.
Mystique
** TO FOLLOW BLOG, PLEASE GO ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE FAR RIGHT AND A DROP DOWN MENU WILL APPEAR...WELCOME!
ALSO AT:
** TO FOLLOW BLOG, PLEASE GO ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE FAR RIGHT AND A DROP DOWN MENU WILL APPEAR...WELCOME!
0 comments:
Post a Comment