Facebook and Vaseline are being ridiculed for an application that allows users to lighten their face on the social network. Available on Facebook in India, the application “Transform Your Face On Facebook” is a promotion done by Vaseline to encourage male users to purchase their skin-lightening products.
Skin-lightening creams have also been prevalent in black American communities for several decades. L’Oreal, Fair & Lovely and Fair & White have been marketed to black consumers who are uncomfortable with their skin complexions.
One of the most recent cases of overt skin bleaching that garnered national recognition was former MLB star Sammy Sosa’s decision to lighten his skin. Sosa told reporters that his skin was made light after he used a cream to soften his skin.
But the fascination over lighter skin stems from the systemic racism that many countries have endured for centuries. European colonizers that invaded parts of Africa, India and Asia established power and forced the natives into a skewed perception of themselves. The Atlantic Slave Trade, Jim Crow laws and segregation played a major role in the ongoing conflict of identity and lack of self-worth in the black American community.
But using skin-lightening products are not only a sign of self-hate, the creams can cause severe health problems. According to Dr. David McDaniel of the Skin of Color Research Institute at Hampton University, most of the creams contain corticosteroids and mercury which can lead to damage of the nervous system. Other effects include hypertension, elevated blood sugar and stretch marks.
It’s a shame that Facebook and Vaseline continue to perpetuate the self-hate and idolization of white skin that has afflicted groups around the world.-amir shaw
