Tracing India's Historical Obsession with Fair Skin

8.27.2023 Harshini Vijayavelan, Co-Founder of DOSA

Intro   

In the kaleidoscope of India's cultural narrative, a certain preference towards the shade of skin has always stood out time and time again— a bias towards light skin. From classical literature to the newly placed billboards within busy streets, the preference for lighter complexions has left a noticeable mark on India’s society. India's selective bias towards light skin is exclusively visible through movie/tv-show castings, makeup products, and the modeling industry. This fascination with fair skin, though often unspoken, threads through history, permeates popular culture, and intersects with issues of caste, class, and self-esteem. 

Where did it all begin?

Before we address the issue of discrimination based on skin tone[aka colorism], it's important to learn where it all originated from. Dating back to the beginning of British colonization in 1757, Indians were bombarded with the stereotype that the lighter the skin, the higher the caste/class. The British rulers inflicted the idea that European features were superior, associating light skin with power, authority, wealth, and intelligence. 

British rulers would often offer government jobs to light-skinned Indians, all the while constantly demeaning on dark-skinned Indians. 

This is also due to the Aryan invasion theory. According to the Aryan Invasion Theory, the light-skinned Indians were originally from Central Asia and European descent. Those who introduced the theory also believed that these Aryans were the more intelligent, high-class, and culturally advanced group. Despite its subsequent debunking due to insufficient evidence and reasoning within modern debate, this theory did impact the perspectives and policies of certain British colonizers during the colonial era.

More about the Aryan Invasion Theory

The Aryan Invasion Theory indeed influenced colonial attitudes and inclinations of certain British officials towards fair-skinned Indians. The theory posited that fair-skinned Aryans, originating from Central Asia or Europe, were perceived as more intellectually advanced, culturally refined, and superior.

British colonial authorities often employed theories like the Aryan Invasion Theory to legitimize their authority and reinforce notions of racial and cultural supremacy. These attitudes played a significant role in shaping colonial strategies, including the preferential treatment accorded to individuals deemed to bear closer cultural and physical resemblance to the colonizing powers. 

Why is this an issue?

As the majority of Indians do not fit with the standard, the market for "skin whitening creams" and "skin bleaching" treatments has grown tremendously. According to TheConversation.com, the market for these creams and salves pulls in over $400 million USD annually, and a study in 2014 found that 90% of Indian girls deemed "skin-whitening" to be a high priority. 

Not only do girls feel uncomfortable in their own skin, but they feel that they need to have a lighter skin tone to be respected in general. Girls grow up internalizing these perceptions from a young age. They might notice that lighter-skinned individuals are sometimes more celebrated and given preferential treatment, whether in educational settings, job opportunities, or even within their own families. As they progress through adolescence, these observations can evolve into an intense desire to conform to these skewed beauty ideals, as they perceive it as a prerequisite for societal acceptance and respect.

Health Complications

The use of skin whitening treatments and creams can lead to a range of serious medical problems, highlighting the hazardous nature of succumbing to societal pressures and harmful beauty ideals. These products, often laden with chemicals and compounds meant to alter skin pigmentation, pose significant risks to both physical health and overall well-being.

One of the primary concerns associated with skin whitening treatments is the potential for adverse skin reactions. Many of these products contain active ingredients like hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and mercury, which can cause skin irritation, redness, and inflammation. Prolonged use of such ingredients can disrupt the skin's natural barrier, leading to chronic conditions like dermatitis or even worsening existing skin problems like acne.

Beyond the immediate skin-related issues, the systemic absorption of these chemicals pose a risk to internal organs. Mercury, for instance, is a common ingredient in skin whitening products and can lead to mercury poisoning. This can cause a range of symptoms, including neurological and gastrointestinal problems, and can have lasting health complications.

Another alarming consequence of skin whitening treatments is the increased susceptibility to sun damage. Many of these products make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to a higher risk of sunburn, premature aging, and an increased likelihood of developing skin cancer over time. Paradoxically, individuals who seek lighter skin to fit societal standards can end up with even more damaged and unhealthy skin.

Moreover, the cycle of dependency on skin whitening products can contribute to a psychological strain. The constant pursuit of an unrealistic standard of beauty and the fear of returning to one's original skin tone can lead to obsessive behaviors, anxiety, and even depression. This unhealthy fixation on appearance can significantly impact one's self-esteem and self-worth, perpetuating a negative cycle that further undermines mental health.

The medical problems associated with skin whitening treatments underscore the need for a broader societal shift in attitudes towards beauty and self-worth. Recognizing the dangers of adhering to such harmful standards is essential for promoting healthier body image perceptions and preventing long-lasting health complications. As individuals and communities become more aware of these risks, there is hope for dismantling the deeply ingrained biases that perpetuate these dangerous practices and fostering a culture of self-acceptance and inclusivity.

Closing Ideas

Our discussion sheds light on the intricate web of historical, social, and psychological factors that intertwine to shape the preference for light skin in India. From the colonial era's perpetuation of racial hierarchies through the flawed Aryan Invasion Theory to the present-day media's portrayal of beauty, the preference for fair skin has left an indelible mark on Indian society. This preference not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also perpetuates colorism, fostering discrimination and inequality within communities.

However, the tide of change is undeniable. As awareness grows and conversations surrounding colorism gain momentum, there is hope for a more inclusive future. Challenging the status quo requires a concerted effort from all segments of society, involving media, education, and policy changes. Embracing diversity, understanding the historical context, and dismantling deeply ingrained biases will lead to a more compassionate society.

It's crucial to remember that our worth extends far beyond the borders of skin color. The beauty of India's rich cultural tapestry lies in its diversity, and it's about time we celebrate and honor this diversity in all its forms. By collectively rejecting harmful beauty ideals, we can create an environment where every individual, regardless of skin tone, can thrive, and where true respect and acceptance are based on the content of character rather than the shade of skin. As we move forward, let's be architects of change, fostering an environment where self-worth is determined by authenticity and kindness.

Additional Resources:

https://theconversation.com/bleached-girls-india-and-its-love-for-light-skin-80655

https://scroll.in/article/936872/two-new-genetic-studies-upheld-aryan-migration-theory-so-why-did-indian-media-report-the-opposite