The fashion industry often pushes the idea that whiter is better
Walking around with darker skin is hard on many women. There is a lack of representation in all forms of media, causing people to question why they are so uncomfortable in their darker skin. Social media and the beauty and fashion industry often push the idea that whiter is better while trying to sell beauty products to women worldwide. Cosmetic procedures allow people to bleach their natural skin color to appear lighter. Amazon still offers a variety of skin-bleaching creams. A huge retailer such as Amazon selling items that have been created to dehumanize minorities sends a strong message that beauty is based on physical appearance, starting with the color of your skin.
The beauty industry has made over $10 billion on skin-bleaching and lightening products. According to a report in Vogue, the worldwide skin-lightening industry is projected to grow into a $24 billion business by 2027. In India alone, $432 million worth of skin bleaching is used annually. Some companies, such as L’Oreal, Unilever and Johnson & Johnson, have contributed to the toxic stigma that lighter is better. In June 2020, Johnson & Johnson announced it would remove two lines of skin-bleaching products, while L’Oreal and Unilever agreed to stop using the terms white, fair and light for their night-care products. Ultimately, it does not feel like enough.
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The Union-Tribune’s commitment to local journalism includes support for these organizations, which served as our partners in the Social Justice Reporting Project: the Asian American Journalists Association San Diego, the San Diego Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists San Diego-Tijuana Chapter, and the San Diego Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. We support local voices through paid internships for high school and college students and with cash awards for border filmmakers and Baja journalists.