Let’s dive into a topic that’s been as persistent as that auntie at family gatherings who insists you need a husband ASAP – colourism in South Asian communities. Growing up amidst the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka, I found myself caught in the crossfire of the complex battle between the undesirability of darker skin and the societal SHADE-Y obsession with an elusive light skin standard.

The Cultural Day Conundrum

Cultural days at school were a swirl of vibrant traditions and cultural pride, or so I thought. But the harsh reality was that the deep-rooted colourism playbook often meant I wasn’t picked for dances or plays. Why? Because my darker hue didn’t fit the conventional narrative. Guess what this led to? I became the queen of solo performances. I might not have landed me a spot in the group dances, but it sure taught me the art of dancing to my own rhythm and making my own damn rules.

TV, Social Media, Beauty Industry: Where’s My Hue?

Growing up, my colour was MIA – not on TV, not on social media, and definitely not in the beauty industry. It was like playing a game of “Where’s Waldo?” but with my own reflection. The impact on my confidence? Instead of feeling invisible, I thought that my colour was like a rare gem – not overexposed on TV, not splashed across social media, and certainly not monopolising the beauty industry. It did take my confidence hitting the ground and not feeling comfortable in my own skin first to eventually realise this.

Homemade Skin Whitening Treatments: DIY Discrimination

Colourism, deeply rooted in South Asian culture, made its way into my life through homemade skin whitening treatments. “Don’t play in the sun,” they said. “Avoid tea; it darkens your skin.” No, dear critics, it’s not a crime to bask in the sunlight; it’s a celebration of life. My sun-kissed glow is not a flaw; it’s a testament to a season well-lived.

The Cousin’s Wedding Fiasco

Fast forward to my cousin’s wedding, where one well-meaning relative casually suggested skin whitening products to secure her a ‘good’ husband. As if love comes in a fairness cream jar! I couldn’t help but wonder, is finding true love really dependent on the shade of your skin?  It’s time to debunk the myth that our value hinges on a narrow spectrum of colour. We are not just shades; we are stories, dreams, and untapped potential.

The Skin-Deep Beauty Conundrum

Colourism is like an uninvited guest that just won’t leave. It’s deeply entrenched in South Asian communities, a tale as old as time. The obsession with lighter skin has become so embedded that some even resort to homemade methods during pregnancy to ensure a lighter-skinned baby – as if a child’s worth is measured by the hue of their skin.

What’s Beauty Really Costing Us?

So, here’s the million-dollar question – what is beauty really costing us? Why do we, as South Asians, continue to worship lighter skin like it holds the secret to eternal happiness? Colourism may have tried to seep into our lives, but it as an opportunity for a revolution.It’s time to shift the narrative, celebrate the diverse shades that make us who we are, and challenge the obsession with light skin. Our worth goes beyond the confines of a colour palette; it’s woven into the very fabric of our existence.

Conclusion
In a world where colourism persists like a wine stained white dress, it’s up to us to rewrite the narrative. Let’s celebrate our melanin, challenge the obsession with light skin, and refuse to be defined by societal standards. After all, beauty is not confined to a specific shade – it’s a kaleidoscope of individuality, resilience, and unapologetic self-love. 

Here’s to breaking the chains, embracing our shades, and living life in full colour!