Colonial Heritage and Western Beauty Standards: Sputnik Africa Examines the Roots of Skin Bleaching in Côte d'Ivoire
Colonial Heritage and Western Beauty Standards: Sputnik Africa Examines the Roots of Skin Bleaching in Côte d'Ivoire
The debate around skin bleaching persists in Côte d'Ivoire, where lightening products remain popular despite the serious health risks associated with using unregulated cosmetics.
Voluntary depigmentation among Africans is a serious issue, and Ivorian authorities plan to counter it by launching the second phase of an awareness campaign.
Many individuals share their fears, hopes, and pride with Sputnik Africa in the face of this paradigm.
Where Does the Fascination With Lighter Skin Come From?
"This story dates back to colonial times. People made us believe that having lighter skin brings comfort and fame. So, since then, people have always valued a lighter complexion," said Marcelin Doh, founding president of the NGO CEMCI-CI, which supports this campaign.
A view shared by Étienne N'goran Landry, a sales manager for a cosmetics brand: in a world dominated by Western standards and European films that promote "milk-white skin" as ideal, many African women "tell themselves that the best skin is white skin," which is false because "we are in Africa."
Constrained by Standards
A user of these products speaks to Sputnik Africa: she mentions the pressure from those around her who would say, "Ah, you're too black." She therefore feels unable to stop using lightening products.
Black Skin as Symbol of Identity, Not Disability
"We are black, and we are truly beautiful. It's not necessarily when you lighten your skin that you are beautiful. No, you can stay black," shares another woman with Sputnik Africa.
"Self-esteem is the best way to live. You don't become beautiful; you are beautiful. You only maintain that beauty. Remain and stay what you are," concludes Doh.
Serious Risks
The use of highly concentrated lightening products can cause severe after-effects and side effects: hyperpigmentation and even skin cancer.
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