Light Skin and Soap

In class last week we discussed the introduction of soap into society and its ability to bring forth many racist ideas and concepts. For example, when soap was first introduced it was often advertised as a product to not only simply cleanse the skin, but also "cleanse" the skin of people with darker complexions to turn them lighter. Obviously this concept is impossible as well as very racist. Many images in advertisements displayed a caucasian person using soap to "scrub off" the dark complexion of a black person. Obviously this is an impossible endeavor and almost unbelievable to even think of. The use of soap as a "cleansing" product in more ways than one during that time led me to contemplate the issues of skin color that still run rampant in society today. Unfortunately, many celebrities and people even today attempt to lighten their skin or choose to become lighter rather than darker if they have a choice through surgery. It is doubtful that these people have their ideas from those soap advertisements from many years ago, however, for some reason even in today's more open minded era there is still the concept of white superiority in people's minds. Celebrites such as Rihanna, Michael Jackson, and Nicole Richie have all created skepticism around their significantly lighter skin colors.

For example:

Nicole's skin is obviously lighter. Whether this is due to makeup or treatment it is uncertain, however, since her body appears significantly lighter in color it is doubtful that she used makeup.

Michael Jackson's lighten skin was perhaps partly due to disease, however, people also agree that he may have lightened his skin cosmetically as well.

All of these dark complexioned celebrities may have purposefully lightened their skin tones which shows an emphasis on the importance of skin color and the idea of light superiority. It is sad that even today people with darker complexions still feel the need to lighten their skin. Hopefully some day people will truly be able to be happy with their color, size, shape, etc. and love themselves for who they are.