The cost of being dark skinned in India

TLDR;

This video explores the historical roots and modern manifestations of colorism in India, arguing that it is largely a product of British colonialism. It examines ancient Tamil literature and Hindu deities to demonstrate that dark skin was once revered. The video also discusses the science behind skin color, the impact of Bollywood and children's media, and the need to instill pride in darker skin tones from a young age.

• Colorism in India is largely a product of British colonialism.
• Dark skin was once revered in ancient Tamil literature and Hindu traditions.
• Skin color is a biological adaptation to latitude and sun exposure.
• Bollywood and children's media perpetuate colorist stereotypes.
• Instilling pride in darker skin tones from a young age is crucial.

Introduction: The Origins of Colorism [0:17]

The video starts by illustrating how early experiences, such as choosing a "skin color" crayon, can introduce the concept of colorism. It then transitions to a broader discussion of how white foreigners are often treated with a "gora tax" or are even worshipped in India, while South Asians face discrimination and negative stereotypes in the West, highlighting the pedestalization of whiteness and the preference for fair skin. The video aims to explore the historical roots of colorism in India and the deliberate campaign by the British to instill self-hatred among the population.

Historical Context: Dark Skin as Beauty [4:12]

The video explores the historical reverence for dark skin in ancient India, referencing Tamil literature from the Sangam period (300 BCE to 300 CE) that celebrated dark-skinned heroines. It also highlights the deity Krishna, whose name means "dark" in Sanskrit and whose dark blue complexion is often depicted in art. Marco Polo's 13th-century observations are cited, noting that Indians depicted their deities as black while portraying the devil as white. This historical context shows that there was a time when dark skin was seen as a source of pride and beauty in India.

Colonial Influence: The Imposition of Racial Hierarchy [6:44]

The video discusses how the British colonial regime implemented a deliberate racial hierarchy in India between 1757 and 1947. Herbert Hope Risley, the census commissioner for the 1901 Indian census, played a key role in this by measuring physical features like skull size, nose length, and skin tone to create a table that placed whiteness at the top and dark skin at the bottom. This hierarchy influenced administrative roles, educational access, employment opportunities, and social clubs, which were often reserved for lighter-skinned Indians. The British created a feedback loop by favoring lighter-skinned individuals and then using their success as proof of their superiority, leading to the internalization of shame and the inheritance of arbitrary racial biases.

The Science of Skin Color: Melanin and Adaptation [11:12]

The video explains the science behind skin color, focusing on melanocytes in the epidermis, which produce melanin. Melanin protects the skin from harmful UV radiation and reduces the risk of skin cancer, with darker skin having more melanin and thus better protection. It also discusses the trade-off between melanin and vitamin D production, noting that darker skin produces less vitamin D. The video highlights how skin color correlates directly with latitude, with populations near the equator having darker skin and those near the poles having fairer skin, emphasizing that skin color is an adaptation to the environment.

The Formation of Indian People: Genetic Heritage [13:39]

The video explores the genetic history of the Indian population, starting with the ancient ancestral South Indians, who were likely dark-skinned due to high melanin levels. It then discusses the arrival of farmer-herders from the Iranian plateau around 5,000 years ago, who had lighter brownish skin tones. Later, pastoralists from the Eurasian steppe, who were likely fair-skinned and light-eyed, migrated to India and mixed with the existing populations, particularly in North India. This mixing of populations over thousands of years resulted in the diverse range of skin tones seen in India today.

Post-Colonial India: The Persistence of Colorism [15:35]

The video examines how colorism persisted in India after independence, despite efforts to reclaim cultural heritage. It mentions the launch of Fair and Lovely in 1978, a melanin suppressor marketed with the promise of a better life. The global skin-lightening market is now worth over $10 billion, with India accounting for a significant portion. The video also critiques Bollywood for perpetuating colorist stereotypes, such as darkening actresses' skin to portray Dalit characters. Additionally, it points out how children's media, like the show Chota Bheem, often depict darker-skinned characters as villains. Matrimonial advertisements also reveal a preference for lighter skin tones, particularly among men seeking female partners.

Reclaiming Pride: Voices of Change and Future Hopes [20:26]

The video highlights figures like E.V. Ramaswami, who advocated for dark-skinned South Indians to reclaim their identity and pride. It also mentions Bollywood figures like Nandita Das, who challenged the fairness industry. The video acknowledges the Unfair and Lovely campaign, which gave women a platform to reject colorism. It expresses hope in the younger generation (Gen Z) for their refusal to inherit the shames of the past and their determination to correct the course. The video concludes by advocating for teaching children pride in their history and biology, particularly the value of melanin, to foster self-esteem and end the cycle of seeking validation in foreign standards.