For the longest time I was told I wasn’t light enough. I wasn’t fair skinned enough and therefore, not beautiful enough. Okay, that’s colorism that most people - men and women - in the Desi community are familiar with. But get this: recently I’ve been told I’m not dark enough. “For what?” you ask. Not dark enough to have the right to be offended by colorism. Not dark enough to speak out about this issue. Not dark enough to know the pain of others darker than me who claim to have it worse. Well, it’s not a competition people. Colorism is an issue that I have personally dealt with, mostly throughout my childhood, and it has left a mark big enough for me to feel like it’s something I have somewhat of a responsibility to change. And I’ll gladly accept that responsibility and continue to speak out about this issue that is hushed by parents who still cling to that unfortunate cultural “safety” that fair skin provides their children in Desi communities. SO many people are made to feel inferior, abused, harassed, downgraded and bullied because they don’t meet this antiquated standard of beauty and status. So why on earth wouldn’t I do everything I can to change this standard and stand up for anyone who feels like this issue has impacted them negatively??? Speaking out about colorism isn’t about seeking pity or trying to follow a trend - it’s about empowering yourself AND others by letting them know that they aren’t alone and that any amount of pain they have felt isn’t insignificant. By saying someone’s not dark enough for something, you’re doing the EXACT same thing that you faced when you were told you weren’t light enough. Light skin, dark skin whatever - we’re all BROWN. Why divide us further? And why would you ever want to be anything other than what you are? You are beautiful ✌️✌🏻✌🏼✌🏽✌🏾✌🏿
s/o to @sruthijayadevan for undo-ing my writers block on this topic with her post 💕
