Being Dark is a gift that I'm born with

I remember my childhood days when I was constantly criticized for my dark complexion. Being the only dark skin child in the house made me a soft target for all my relatives and neighbourhood aunties, who are always ready with uncalled for sympathy for Pooja being a dark-skinned “GIRL”. Not only this, they also had tips and tricks to make my skin look better and fairer. These tips were shared with my Mom and Taiji. The bullying was not limited to just the neighbourhood. It continued till my school, where the academicians also played a major role.

The pressure of being part of a society and applying the products was not only physically painful but drained me out mentally as well. It’s not only made me feel under-confident at my instances but also left some deep scars on my soul. It took me a long time to get comfortable with my own skin and to learn to stop accepting the beauty standards set by the westerners and great grand ancestors whose bills I’m paying.

Being born with a dark skin is not a choice I have made, but it is something I’m gifted with. Saying “Dark is Beautiful” and “Tan is in” sound easy to ears but difficult for heart & brain to under

stand. There are many initiatives started by the designers, activists, brands and celebrity for this are not enough. The work needs to start on the ground today itself. Where we not only telling our girls that beauty is not about fairness but teaching our boys as well as us that “Beauty is being confident/comfortable with oneself”.

What Dark-Skinned People Will Never Tell You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76X4JvjpXug