Anyways, why this post was prompted was because of my increasing concern towards my readers! Oh no, I am not altruistic. But, recently, I have started getting so many queries regarding how to become fair. Well, if you are a 10 plus something, I am fine with such questions. But, the unfortunate thing is that mommies are becoming paranoid for their 1-2 month old babies' complexions as well.
First, I am NOT making fun of you. Second, I am seriously concerned. Third, hear me out.
I totally understand where all this concern is coming from. Years and years of ill-treatment due to complexion differences more often result in such kind of anxieties. So, let me first reply to all those queries. PLEASE DO NOT BE CONCERNED. The babies and kids tend to change their skin color. In fact, skin color changes for even adults. So, keep their skin care routines healthy and simple and apply sunscreen regularly for kids above 2 years or ask a dermatologist or a paediatrician.
Now, coming to voicing my concerns, I think that we can not change the old mindset but we can lay down the new rules. We as the propagator of the future generations need to get over our insecurities and make sure our kids do not carry the same inferiority complexes which were drilled into us by the society. If at all, they should be taught how to fight and not feel bad for someone's comments. Because, there will always be one person who will speak ill. Because, there will always be some or the other struggle they have to undergo. And, because, we are better equipped in understanding our kids psychologies thanks to our own experiences.
So, instead of thinking how to deal with the issue, we should teach them how to face the challenges gracefully. And, this is just a small matter of complexion. I very strongly believe that any hesitation on the part of the parent gets conveyed to the kid somehow even if none of them actually understand what it is and that hesitation does manifest in the kid as he grows older.
So, instead of thinking how to deal with the issue, we should teach them how to face the challenges gracefully. And, this is just a small matter of complexion. I very strongly believe that any hesitation on the part of the parent gets conveyed to the kid somehow even if none of them actually understand what it is and that hesitation does manifest in the kid as he grows older.
So, this is my earnest request to all parents of all generations to please not get bothered by little things as complexions and clothes and rather focus on developing self-confidence and self-esteem in the child. And, this process actually starts since the conception of the baby! And, please do not take this post as a lesson in parenting. I do not have a kid of my own neither I have brought up any sibling of mine but these are some parenting rules I live by and would carry them out on my progeny.
What do you all think? Is it our responsibility to change the perspective of future generations or not?
PS: Please note that this post is not meant to hurt any sentiments. On the other hand, I respect them all and understand them!
Related Posts:
I have always had this problem and stil has..!! My mum doesnt find beauty in dark people.. hence i am the victim!!
ReplyDeletei wish people realize skin color doesn't really determine anything!
DeleteIn my opinion, it is immperative that we take on the responsibility of changing the perspective of future generations. As our world has evolve into a nationwide melting pot and with societies decreasing priorities on morals and values, I feel this is important. As a dark skinned woman, who grew up during a time when "light was right and black was whack" syndrome,primarily with women of color. It is important not to pass that along to our children, because how a child treats another child especially in regards to complexion can have a damaging effect on the child for future years.As that child grows up she can have a complex about herself and ultimately grow into a woman with the same complex. I am a woman who it took years to come into the beauty of my dark skin due to negative treatment as a child and then growing up. Therefore, teaching our future generations about inner beauty first no matter what the shade is important first then outer beauty.
ReplyDeleteyes, moulding our children's perspectives towards color racism is something in our own hands!
DeleteInteresting perspective. It is not just about being another race. I am Southeast Asian Chinese, and am NC25-30. The Taiwanese Chinese or Northern Mainland Chinese are much fairer, registering probably at NC/NW15. It is apparent from Taiwanese television programmes that they value girls who are that fair much more. And they call people who go on TV and are perhaps about NC/NW20 tanned/dark. I agree with you that rather than trying to achieve equality, what we can build, is resilience and confidence.
ReplyDeletehey Jyoan...glad you also feel so :)
Deleteyes, moulding the future generation is in our own hands....though there are many men and women out there who still want to be fair....i really dont understand why people mainly in India want something out of the box really.....hate it
ReplyDelete