February 18, 2008
Black History and the Bleaching dilemma
By: Rootzgirl
It's black history month and I can't help but think back to the many things we have to be proud of as black people...but it's also a time that really makes me feel sad too.
When I look around and see the many bleached out faces it makes me wonder, where is that sense of black pride. Remember when we used to say 'black is beautiful' with so much conviction...is that no longer the case?
What is it about our colour that drives many to put their health at risk all in seeking that product that will let them appear much lighter than they really are? What is so repugnant about having a mahogany colour that (in my opinion) is the most beautiful thing to behold?
Then again, I wonder if the poor suckers can help themselves as I have time and time again heard comments such as 'anyting too black nuh good,' 'meck sure unno pickney have some colouring' (implying if they are dark skinned, they should talk to someone who is much lighter).
Little girls growing up were not made to feel a sense of pride as the dolls they were given to play with were anything but black. Once I tried to buy my niece a mahogany coloured doll and was bluntly told, "aunty it too ugly!"
Believe it or not we are programming them to feel as if there is nothing beautiful about our colour when we glorify another.
Ironically, I can't help but be amazed at how some whites put their health at risk by staying in the sun all in the hope of looking 'darker.' When they come to our shores they make it a point to get their hair 'corn row' a style, which we are slowly doing away with!
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month let's make the conscious decision to start valuing ourselves even more. No more bleaching...if you are tempted take a good look into the mirror and tell yourself that you are God's beautiful creation and perfect just as you are.
If you have to bleach for someone to love you then they definitely are not worth your love.
In closing I borrow a line from James Brown song, "say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud!"
