Changing Beauty Concepts: An Inclusive Approach

Posted by Edward Williams on November 28th, 2020

We live in a world where everyone judges your entire personality based on skin colour. There is always a likeness towards a baby with a lighter skin tone. Being white gives many privileges in society. This fondness is so deep-rooted in society that most of the advertisement promotes models with lighter skin tone. Thus, pushing black and brown skin children to a state of self-doubt and inferiority complex. The worst case is that it is marketed not only by cosmetic companies but also by technology and photography companies. They beautify the selfie taken by improving complexion and making users feel they look better. The recent changes in the beauty and makeup industry give us a glimmer of hope.

 Zozibini Tunzi won the Miss Universe title last year, also three other famous beauty competitions in the US were titled by black-skinned models; the list includes Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA. All four titles were won by black-skinned models for the first time in history. This is the change we want the industry to have; a broader sense of acceptance of beauty is the need of our generation. No human should feel inferior because of his skin tone. It is not an easy thing to change, like cutting the head of the snake. It is deep-rooted in our society, like a cancerous tumour that is pushing a particular section of our society into deep shame.

Some of the other positive trends in the beauty industry are the rise of models who are obese, wrinkled, bald, grey hair, or has vitiligo. These shifts and efforts to find beauty in everything and everyone have to be appreciated and promoted. At the same time, we should not be ignorant about cancer that is deep-rooted and continuing to grow in our society. Cancer that profits from skin lightening creams, fairness face washes, etc. They try to market insecurities that are injected by a toxic section in our society that is reluctant to agree the dawn has come. They fiercely try to pass these misconceptions to future generations, but as with any good cause, they cannot hold the force for much longer. The youth has to lead the way; acceptance should pave the path for change. The focus from lighter, clearer skin should change to enhancing one's beauty and being the best version of themselves. Our teens should feel they are beautiful the way they are! Let them use products that are designed to enhance the beauty they possess, not the one that guarantees a different look.