Skin deep!

It is definitely nothing new for countless numbers of black women in and outside of africa to want to have light skin tones.

And they go to great lengths to get it... 

 It is no secret that the history of black people in the world has contributed a great deal to this desire to be a light skinned woman.

"The lighter your skin, and smoother your hair, the better you are"- This is directly linked to the idea that beauty, success and class are what is projected when one possesses a light skin and straight hair.

I, personally have nothing against one wanting to look desirable or attractive, in whatever sense that may be for them. However, my preference is to keep my skin the colour that it is and for my hair to remain either an afro or dreaded in locks.
It is concerning though when one starts to research what goes into these skin lightening products...

Dangerous substances that could cause kidney failure, cancer and high blood pressure and even DEATH are what many women around the world applying on their faces. Doing this, in the name of the 'beauty' of being a light skinned woman.

These substances are hydroquinone, mercury compounds and topical steroids. These are the substances used in many of the skin lightening creams. Despite this, women are still willing to risk their lives a lighter skin tone...

 

Beauty can only be defined by how you feel about yourself inside first and only then will that which you feel translate outwardly to the world and you will be perceived the way you want...

Mothers need to instill in their girl children a love and acceptance of who they are, regardless of the skin tone they are born with. Fathers in the same sense, need to show their girl children an unconditional love and talk to their children about issues around beauty. When children grow up in a home that embraces who they are, they go out in the world knowing that it is ok to be you and that skin has nothing to do with beauty.

WHO YOU ARE IS WHO YOU ARE  MEANT TO BE, NOT WHAT MEDIA OR SOCIETY TELLS YOU TO BE IN ORDER TO BE BEAUTIFUL...