Welham Girls' School

I believe it is important for me to start by defining the term “skin colour” first. Skin colour is the colour or complexion of one’s skin and is caused as a result of genetics, pigmentation, and exposure to the sun. Humans have a tremendous range of skin tones, from absolutely deep browns to the palest hues. With a colour wheel that is wide and diverse, there are 110 different skin tones, each with a unique undertone. Just try to picture the word "skin colour," which is so distinct for each person, being substituted with a fair skin tone or a light peach tone.

 

How often have you discovered someone refer to a fair skin tone as “skin colour”? "Skin colour" is, unfortunately, only understood as an indicator of fair skin tone or light peach hue. These words are used, more often than usual, interchangeably. Can a particular tone of skin be called "skin colour"? It is distressing to say, but many of us don't realise only just how common this is, and we keep making the same error. Our society fosters this notion so deeply that even children as young as 4 years old perceive that a light peach or fair skin tone is "skin colour.” 

 

I was observing my cousin, who is 4, colour a picture of a character. He asked me to pass him the “skin colour” pencil to tint the character's skin. He pointed toward a light peach-coloured pencil. If even young children are taught this then the future is truly hopeless and miserable. I will give you a relevant and undeniable example that you can attempt yourself. Go on Google and search skin-coloured lingerie. Most of the results say skin-coloured or nude lingerie is for fair-skinned people because apparently, that is the “skin colour.” In addition, skin-coloured lingerie for darker skin tones is rare and typically more expensive than that for fair-skinned people.

 

The kind of colourism it promotes is just so deplorable. In a way, you are merely saying that the skin colour of those who are not fair-skinned are not skin tones. They will feel that their skin tone is not right, something is wrong with it because it is not the so-called “skin colour.” It causes a multitude of adverse effects on those who have darker tones. It is also one of the biggest reasons that causes people to use skin lightening products since they want a skin tone that matches society’s beauty standards. Why do they have to do this? Because society instills in them the notion that there is something wrong with their skin tone, which causes them to doubt themselves and lack confidence.

 

I intend no hate towards those who are fair-skinned, but I seek acceptance toward those who are dark-skinned and all the other skin tones that exist because every human being is unique. Let us remember all colours are beautiful. Lastly, I would like to end with a famous quote, “Dark skin is not a crime and light skin is not a prize.”