When Black Ain't Beautiful - Skin Bleaching in Brown Communities Across the Globe

I recall my sister buying Ambi Fade Cream when we were in high school. She said it was for blemishes, I knew otherwise. She still hasn't shaken her esteem issues around her color and beauty.

This is not just an African-American issue, or a black issue, but a practice that is rampant across the globe. Lighter is beautiful in Western aesthetics.

When Sammy Sosa's photo revealed the dark brown Dominican's attempt to look like a ligher Latino, it open the flood gates of the worldwide bleaching phenomenon that has never been excluded to women.

However, I must mention, more women practice skin lightening because it is related to marriageability. (Click photo to hear an audio blog about Asian whitening)

What folk don't talk about is the pressure to be white is prominent in Asia. In ads throughout Japan, Korea, China and India, celebrities are used to promote how whiter skin leads to better partners and more success.

In Africa and the Caribbean it is heartbreaking. The phrases are similar, but the affects are harsher. The products shipped to these countries are riddled with chemicals that have burned through the skin, causing cancer, permanent skin damage.

If you ever see an African woman or Caribbean woman who has tons of make-up on, it might be due to the damage caused by lighteners. I saw that a lot in Africa.

But the off the counter products found in Africa are just a touch of what you see throughout Asia, America and Europe. Just a hint: Fair and Lovely is made by the parent company of Dove, you know the one that promotes that you be beautiful and content with who you are.