Asians and Fair Skin: Are They Used Interchangeably?

But if you're thinking 'bout being my baby; It don't matter, if you're black or white. ~ Black or White, Michael Jackson

If only it is as simple as that. If you have fair skin, it just means that your skin is pale or light-colored. But why is it that we have an ingrained perception that Asians need to have fair skin? Is it because an elevated status begets those with fair skin? Do people treat you differently depending on how fair your skin is? Is that even fair?

Having fair skin can be a pigmentation disorder. People suffering from albinism lacks melanin pigment in the eyes, skin and hair. This causes the appearance of these areas to be almost white in color. This disorder is hereditary in nature and is few and far in between. Nevertheless, however much Asians want to have fair skin, it is safe to say that this is not the direction that they wish to go. The reality is that they control the fairness of their skin with the aid of cosmetics.

Perhaps social acceptance is the main reason that Asians pursue the pinnacle of having the perfect fair skin incessantly. With the constant introduction of whitening products and judging by how fast they are snapped up, one can only surmise that it is social conditioning and peer pressure that drives Asians to having a fairer skin. Even babies, as they come out of the labour room, are judged upon. Ah? So dark one? How can? goes one grandmother. Wah, so fair the skin! So cute! goes another. One would think the powers above have mixed up the paints required for Asians. It is uncanny how Asians perceived themselves that they MUST have fair skin. It is, as if anything less (or darker) makes you a non-Asian, that you do not fit into society - an outcast.

It is possible that this perception was conditioned upon years ago by our forefathers. And being of a particular lineage within a particular geographical area lends to a certain skin tone. This gives credibility and increases the expectation of new-borns to be of a similar skin tone. As time goes by, the expectation slowly becomes fact. And in modern times, it does not help that the advertising industry portrays pretty models who are fair skinned. This leads to further conditioning that having fair skin means that you are a pretty lass. While this may be true, it is hardly all-encompassing.

So, do you have fair skin? Do you think you will be prettier if your skin is fairer? Do you enjoy the second looks that you think you have been getting? It may be due to your fair complexion. Then again, it may not. It is all fine and good if you are a lady. However, if you are a gentleman, having fair skin may cause you to be the butt of endless jokes. Suddenly, the term 'tall, dark and handsome' does not apply to you anymore. Apparently, having fair skin does not equate to being manly. In fact, quite the opposite applies.

Without a doubt, Asians ladies and fair skin are expected to go hand in hand. No thanks to societal conditioning and misguided expectations. The question is, should Asians continue with this perception at all? As MJ says, it should not matter whether your skin is black or white. After all, it is said that beauty is only skin deep.