User:Ishamultani/Skin whitening

Asia
Skin whitening has been a commonly utilized practice in Asia stemming from Western as well as traditional Asian influences.

In South Asia, the colour of one’s skin determined social status as it implied the circumstances of one’s positionality. While pale skin suggested being away from the sun, darker skin signified the result of working in external conditions. With colonial influence from Britian’s occupation, there was a distinction in superiority and inferiority. With those in power attributing pale complexions, there was an association tied among class and position. The caste system was recognized in distinguishing hierarchy in which skin played a role in those who carried more power than those with lesser power.

The South Asian film industry was a contributing factor from colonialism in the reinforcement of these narratives. The appealing and heroic protaganist embodied a pale complexion, while the antagonist was darker in complexion. Imposing these portrayals through visual depictions influenced the practice of skin whitening to embody the suggestion of femininity and beauty.

Tumeric was a used ingredient in lightening skin tone complexion to be seen as desirable. Lighter skin was a contribution to appealing as the role of wife.

In Japan, Western values were adopted and translated through external appearance from the influence of events where the Americans and Europeans intersected with the Japanese. During the Meiji Restoration Period, western paintings carried by sailors showcased a narrative visually. Women were perceived as fragile and feminine through external features like lightened skin. These depictions suggest what was valued and deemed as desirable in Western regions.

Advertisements were a large influence in the marketable appeal of skin whitening in China and Taiwan. Skincare products that are recognized to protect the skin included chemicals that assist in skin whitening. These products were marketed and promoted as the solution to appearing young forever. Skincare products have been predominantly created to serve as anti-aging to women in China and Taiwan of all ages.

In the Phillipines, the practice of skin whitening was the result of colonialism. Skin whitening was a popular practice and industry in maintaining financial gain and external appeal. Skin whitening invited opportunity for greater treatment. White pigmentation translated to purity, marital appeal and beauty.