As a little girl, I’d put on makeup in an attempt to look pretty like the dolls I had. Like most girls at that age. There is an innate sense of grooming, or primping, if you will, in every female. But how far down does the idea of ‘beauty’ go? We see countless commercials for fairness creams, even though the modelling and film industries are now supposedly welcoming dusky complexioned women. There is this strange obsession with fairness with many in India. We see it right from descriptions for a potential bride to the entertainment field. You might say the westerners don’t have this problem as their race is made that way already. But what about the olive complexioned Mediterranean people? They take pride in their race and colour with a gusto.
The want to look fair drives people to desperate measures here. They bleach, trowel on make up or use every cream available. All of these for a temporary solution to their problem which is not even a problem. While the cosmetic industry is enjoying the benefits of this long standing fairness standard, there are many women both young and old, who suffer varying levels of low self esteem. Now it’s happening even with men. Talk about gender equality in the oddest context! This seems to be a sad state of affairs as nobody seems to heed the saying – “Beauty isn’t just skin deep”. It goes deeper still. If we look at physical appearances, then, dressing well and having confidence in your appeal goes a long way beyond something as superficial as complexion. If we look at the personality, then traits like courage, understanding, self esteem and humour make a person beautiful to others.
You might say this is easier said than done, brush it off and continue perusing the store shelves for a fairness cream. It might be an issue beaten to the ground for years.
But wouldn’t it be great to be comfortable in your own skin? There is no better skin for you than your own after all. So, just keep that glow going, people!
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