You know the scenario. It's been used in almost ALL skin-whitening products' commercials. Girl about to audition for whatever, or go out on a date, but all of a sudden doubts herself and shies away because she's dark-skinned. THEN TADAHHH!!! The magical whitening soap/lotion/pills appears on the screen, changes the model's color to an incredibly lighter tone, and unbelievably boosts her confidence levels too! This is just really annoying. There are so many degrading self-esteem messages they send out to the dark-skinned women targeted by these ads.
With our society's obsession to be lighter, we decided to feature Ria, a 19-year old Lasallian bronze beauty who's accepted her color and is enjoying life in her brown skin.
Have u always been dark?
Yes, I've always been dark. 19 years and counting.
Were there negative labels attached to your skin color growing up? If yes, how did these labels affect your personal view on your body image?
Yes, definitely. Especially in grade school, I'd often be teased by my male classmates and even some of my girl friends about my skin color. Some of my male classmates would call me 'negro' and other labels like that. Even in my own home as a child, I felt that my family wished that I was lighter. I even remember my lola used to buy me all these soaps and lotions to make me lighter, and she'd always remind me to avoid playing outside if it's sunny so that I wouldn't get darker.
Although generally I was always aloof about everyone's prodding, at some point, it got to me. We all know that there's a point in every girl's life when she cares about her appearance above anything else, and when I was in that period in my life, I felt the need to conform to the preferred ‘mestiza’ standard.
Did you ever dream of becoming lighter? Why/why not?
Yes, I did. I think I entertained the idea when I was around 13 years old or something like that. I wanted to become lighter because I was annoyed at all the people who teased me at school. Although it would never qualify as being bullied, (because I’d always fight back—boys included…ha ha!) it was enough pressure to have me do my rounds in the grocery, meticulously choosing the best whitening soaps and lotions that would make my skin lighter. I also had my fair share of insecurities with my morena skin, especially when my girl friends started to get boyfriends; and I attributed this to their being mestiza.
Did you personally struggle with your skin color?
I did struggle at times. I had my bouts of jealousy towards fairer-skinned girls, and resentment for my genetics. But all I had to do was to remind myself that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes—and color—and that in time, found out for myself that it is indeed true. :)
Have you ever experienced verbal abuse from family regarding this?
NEVER. I am blessed to have such a loving and supportive family. Crazy at times, but nonetheless, a very awesome family.
How did you come into terms with your color?
I came to terms with my skin color because I eventually realized that looking good was not exclusive to mestizas. I realized that being ‘beautiful’ means being comfortable in your own skin and working with what you have. I also have to credit my favorite college professor, Miss Judy Sibayan, for opening my eyes to diversity through her memorable and very thought-provoking class discussions.
I also found that people have become more open-minded and aware of the diversity of beauty, which I find ultimately inspiring. The Gutierrez sisters are a living proof of this and I greatly admire them for it.
What is your message to other women who feel inferior because of their skin color?
First thing—WHY? Second—DON’T. Third—DON’T. Fifth—DON’T. If you find yourself feeling inferior because of your skin color, REPEAT.
Who/what to blame for this? Years and years of the media and the ourselves listening to the people around us who keep telling us that we are not perfect. This overlaps other beauty stereotypes; there’s the perpetual weight issue (which btw, if I think, if you are going to lose weight, it should be done because you want to be healthy and not because of vanity), there’s this, the issue of skin color, there’s also the one-million things wrong-with-your-face-so-get-plastic-surgery issue, among many others. But the thing is, these flaws will never cease to exist until you tell yourself that they don’t exist.
You know what? They probably don’t.
So learn to accept yourself. There is nothing wrong with you. The prettiest girls are those who are comfortable in their own skin.
What's a most memorable experience you've had regarding your skin color?
A guy once told me out-of-the-blue, in all seriousness, “You know what I love about you? Your color. I don’t know. You just…glow.” :)
Ria is a Communication Arts major. An aspiring writer, musician and a lover of fashion. She LOVES CHOCOLATE & coffee. Lastly, she's a supporter of various social issues.
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I wanna end this post with this awesome jazz muzak by Charmaine Clamor, an exquisite Pinay singer who gives us so many reasons to be proudly Filipina.
Feel good in your skin. Don't let anyone --AGAIN, ANYONE-- make you feel inferior because of your looks. OWN YOUR SKIN.You are beautiful! :)
Plump love,
Danah