A society where even the most privileged face colour shaming.
In a recent IPL match, Suhana, accompanied by her friend Ananya Panday, was spotted cheering for her father’s team, the Kolkata Knight Riders, in a faceoff against the Lucknow Super Giants. Unfortunately, amidst the excitement of the game, Suhana became the target of online trolls once again, who shamelessly attacked her for her dark complexion, a screenshot of Suhana standing next to Ananya, who has a fairer complexion, was misused it in a distasteful manner, insinuating a before-and-after scenario of applying fairness cream. Such incidents not only showcase the ugly reality of cyberbullying but also highlight the persistent issue of colourism in our society.
The obsession with fair skin in Indian (and all Asian) society has deep roots, often perpetuated by media, advertisements, and societal norms. This obsession not only perpetuates colourism but also promotes harmful stereotypes about beauty and worth based on skin tone.
It’s crucial for individuals and society as a whole to challenge these harmful beliefs and promote inclusivity and acceptance of all skin tones. Embracing diversity and celebrating the beauty of all skin colors is essential for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.