The Evolution of the Quest to Become the Whitest Person Alive

The Evolution of the Quest to Become the Whitest Person Alive

Over the years, society has had numerous beauty standards that have always been the aspiration of many individuals. One of those standards is the quest to become the whitest person alive. The desire for fair skin has been dominant in various cultures, and it has changed over time. This article discusses the evolution of this beauty standard, and how it has impacted culture and society.

The Origins of the Obsession with Fair Skin

The obsession with fair skin is not unique to a specific cultural group. It is a phenomenon found globally, with anecdotal and historical evidence supporting this trend. In Asian cultures, for instance, people with lighter skin are often deemed more attractive. The same concept is also evident in African and Caribbean cultures, where people resort to skin bleaching products to achieve fair skin. Historically, the preference for fair skin was mostly a representation of social class. Lighter skin tones were seen as a symbol of wealth, as people who worked outdoors tended to have darker skin.

The Impact of Colonialism on Fair Skin Standards

During colonialism, beauty standards perpetuated the myth that lighter skin was superior to darker skin. Colonialists imposed these beliefs on the people they ruled, often resulting in the adoption of fair skin standards by the native population. The idea behind the preference for fair skin was intended to denigrate the darker-skinned people’s culture, rendering it inferior to European culture. These colonial beauty standards still continue to influence modern beauty standards in various cultures worldwide.

The Inevitable Impact of Globalization on Skin Whitening

The influence of globalization on beauty standards has led to a growing trend of skin whitening products across the globe. As people of different cultures mix and interact, the need to fit into the broader social circle and conform to society’s beauty standards has made many people obsessed with lightening their skin. Skin whitening products have become a profitable industry, with various brands offering a complete line of skin whitening solutions.

The Dark Side of the Obsession with Fair Skin

The pursuit of lighter skin is often associated with negative consequences. Skin bleaching and whitening products often contain harmful chemicals, some of which may lead to catastrophic health consequences like skin cancer, mercury poisoning, and liver damage. Using these products can also lead to skin thinning, which can reduce the skin’s natural resistance to bacteria and disease. Moreover, the normalization of whitening products perpetuates colorism, where people judge others based on their skin tone rather than their personality or character.

The Future of the Quest to Become the Whitest Person Alive

Over the years, cultures’ beauty standards have evolved, and so have modern societies’ perceptions of skin tones. With the increased awareness of the harmful effects of skin bleaching, the trend towards using natural, organic skincare products is gaining momentum. People are embracing their natural skin tones, and some cultures have even declared war against the skin whitening industry. It is up to individuals to decide what beauty standards to embrace, but the obsession with achieving fair skin at any cost should cease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the quest for fair skin is a historical phenomenon that has evolved over time. The impact of colonialism and globalization brought about a change in beauty standards worldwide, creating an obsession with fair skin. This unhealthy obsession is perpetuated by the beauty industry, which has created skin whitening solutions for profit. However, the normalization of skin whitening products perpetuates colorism, which is a social issue. It is high time people embrace their natural skin tones and stand united against the skin whitening industry.