Skin lightening continues to hold currency across the world.
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Tan France, of Queer Eye fame, delves into the skin-shade prejudice he experienced as a child in England and the colonial history at its roots.
A shop selling skin lightening creams in Nairobi.
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Skin lighteners are being used more than ever before, especially in urban areas and among men.
Detail of book cover.
Wits University Press
The long history of racist beauty standards alone cannot explain the ongoing global use of harmful skin lighteners.
Meghan Markle’s marriage to Prince Harry was portrayed by some as offering ‘hope’ to all people of colour.
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The racism that underpins colourism must be challenged.
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A philosopher’s take on the ethics of products that allow parents to lighten the skin colour of their unborn baby.
In many parts of Africa skin lightening is a popular practise despite the health risks associated with it.
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Unregulated over-the-counter skin lighteners can have detrimental effects on the men and women who use them. So why are governments in Africa not taking steps to ban these products?