Daily Mail Artical

Yesterday I read an article about race. Please forgive me if i am way behind on this. But in my defence i never usually read the Daily Mail. It was by chance that i was told about this feature so i checked it out online.

I thought this was good article because, it was honestly written and the journalist shared her own experiences in the story. I don't think this was for us to judge, but rather understand how some women of colour value or de-value themselves in today's westernised world.

Ugandan born journalist Yasmin-Alibhai-brown writes about the effects of western globalization. And how the epitome of beauty, glamour and class, is a "white, woman. "
To most people of colour, we understand that the westernized 'ideal' is Caucasian, as from a young age we are heavily exposed to such imagery. However, in recent times it seems that more and more ethnic minorities are actually believing this. Now, when we have more opportunities than ever,we sabotage our own progress with self hatred.

I suppose the one thing that all of the accounts mentioned in the article had in common was. The desire to fit in and be completely accepted.This i can sort of understand.
If i was in a room with 50 women wearing orange and i was in pink, I may want to fit in by wearing orange also. But Isn't that general human nature?

What does upset me is the fact that the media encourage the division between ethnic minorities.

Within the Asian communities fairer skin is considered attractive, this is then reinforced with the models they use in advertising campaigns or actresses they cast in films. Yasmin makes a humorous point when she advises that many of the models featured in the magazine Asian Bride are actually Eastern European. Hilarious!

She also mentions that celebrities of mixed race are envied by many "ambitious black Britons"(NOT ME!) And honey skin is OK, which is why stars such as Beyonce, Halle Berry,Rhianna are all considered as an acceptable shade of brown.

When I speak to my great uncles and aunt about life and growing up in the West Indies in the
1950's and 60's. They often say how racism and discrimination was abundant, and how most jobs were based on your looks and complexion rather than your skills or qualifications.

Nearly 50 years on and the same stigma is attached to dark skin. Whats interesting is that since i have been living in London i have experienced much more prejudice from ethnic minorities than any other. And i have also experienced much more covert discrimination from white people than i ever had in my life. And i was born and bred in a small predominantly white town! Whats that all about? Isn't London supposed to a tolerant melting pot or creeds and colours?.. Whatevs!

I write about this because it truly baffles me. I understand that people have many differences and that we all criticise from time to time. However to place yourself above somebody purely based on their country of origin and the tone of the skin is preposterous. To oppress or hold peopleand nations back from progress, development and financial Independence can only be described as in-humane.

What do you think about the article? Check it out