posted by Sam Richards
Totally amazing!!
I think I’m finally getting my head around a solution the race conundrum. It’s been twenty years of my own indecision and chaotic contemplation and inner struggle to figure out where and how to weigh in.
So recently, for example, I finally figured out where to stand on the issue of gun control and the Second Amendment. Basically I came upon the idea that either we disseminate guns widely so that everyone has one (or two or twenty) or we ban then entirely. It doesn’t seem to really matter which route we take, and we’re sure to keep arguing about the issue for another 200+ years if we don’t get extreme in one direction or the other. But back to the race solution…
Here it is: Just have everyone become white. It seems as though we now have the technology to make that happen and it comes, evidently, in the form of a simple cream that a person can apply before going to bed. We could all become brown, of course. However, the “quick tanning creams” currently on the market seem to make people’s skin more reddish or orange than brown. And white appears to be easier on the sensibilities of so many black and brown people anyway — who deep down seem to have been so affected by white supremacy that they secretly harbor desires for whiteness. Crazy world.
And Sammy Sosa seems to have the skin whitening product that works. It’s all good; it’s all white. It’s all a perfect storm of celebrity sports marketing that can hype us into oneness and togetherness.
Continued from previous comment…
So to give you some examples that may clarify what I'm talking about:
- I always heard girls say, "Daaang, he is dark as SHIT, he is too ugly."
- or if I was walking with some girls who had darker skin and a very light skinned black girl walked by, they would immediately start talking about her like, "What she thinks she all that just cause she light skinned?" A lot of my darker girlfriends seem to despise light skinned girls. And a lot of my lighter girlfriends seem to think they are for some reason better than girls who are darker than them.
- or for instance, darker girls hate when they see a cute Black guy with a very light skinned girl. They often get so offended. It's actually pretty ridiculous because I noticed that that gets almost the same kind of reaction as when they see a Black guy walk by with a White girl. And that makes me think of another thing… most Black guys I knew really had a thing for very light skinned Black girls, the lighter the better. Some of them even admitted to me that they would never even consider a girl who was darker than a certain hue. They would once again laugh at girls who were very dark. How stupid is that? They were offending their own race, but they could care less. When my friends would be discussing someone and a member of the group didn't know the person, they would always ask, is he/she light or dark skinned? Just like some of us may ask about different races like, "What is she – Black or White?" It's just like its own racial division within a race. If you aren't Black, or don't associate with Black people you would probably have no idea that this exists.
- Oh, and this one I love! I can almost never get any of my Black girlfriends to go to the beach with me because "they will get too dark!" I mean, you are Black, you have beautiful dark skin…and you are telling me you won't go to the beach with me because you don't want to become darker? I can kind of understand where they're coming from. But seriously, come on now. This doesn't really make any sense.
- And another thing that disturbs me the most is how much a lot of Black people make fun of African people. They straight up laugh at their accents and their very dark skin. That's just unacceptable. Doesn't it matter to them that maybe just a couple generations ago their great-grandpa was an African in America just like the one they're laughing at. No some of them just don't seem to be touched by that. Because in fact, I know a few people who have made fun of Africans who have African grandparents!!
If any of you understand this better than I do and want to answer some of my lingering questions, feel free to do so. Because really, in the end it just doesn't make sense to me. I just don't agree with it – it's just so silly..
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But I can’t preach about how it’s crazy how people would do that. I would be a hypocrite if I said I didn’t have change because I was being told what was beautiful- I guess you can say. I just got my hair colored today, why, because I wanted to look different. 2 years ago, I had Rhinoplasty because I hated my nose for years. So I guess I can say I can relate with people who want to change the way they look on the outside. Media puts such an emphasis on what "is" beautiful, It’s hard to think for yourself in such a day when we are told what to wear and what to look like. The solution to the race dilemma? I don’t know. I don’t think I’ll ever know. But I do know that it has to start with you. I never realized how precious our DNA is, until Sam’s class. How your eyes, nose, skin color all tell where we came from. I have such a deeper understanding and appreciation for the way I look, and other people should as well.
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I didn’t actually believe that these whitening creams existed, let alone actually worked, until this case with Sammy Sosa. I don’t agree with the use of these creams and etc. to change yourself into something that you aren’t. But in our society, having white features is what is predominantly seen as” beautiful”. We can see this everywhere we look such as TV, commercials, and ads. I don’t know if any of you have ever heard of the very controversial L’Oreal ad of Beyonce, in which her skin and hair was lightened to make her look “white”. This ad was very controversial because people thought that it was relaying the message, “Use our product and look whiter.” I feel like by using these whitening creams, we are conforming to what society is trying to make us believe. I can’t even think why anyone would want to be lighter. I love my skin color, and wouldn’t change anything about it for the world. People just need to realize that we are all beautiful in our own way and embrace who they are. Also, I was reading through the comments and replies on this post, and I noticed that they were all pretty similar. They all dealt with Sammy Sosa wanting to become “white”. I don’t think he wanted to be “white” as in American. I’m sure he is still proud of where he came from and embraces his culture. The thing is that in Dominican Republic there is discrimination within the culture itself. I’ve heard it countless of times within my family or just when I’m over there. The lighter you are the more good looking and the higher social standing you are thought to possess. It’s the idea that is engraved in their minds growing up, and maybe that is why Sammy Sosa wanted to become of a lighter complexion. He has his life set for him, he is known worldwide and has money to last him a lifetime. Why would he even care what other people see him as? I think it goes back to this idea that the lighter you are the higher social standing people see you as. He has the money. Why not the looks to match it? Sammy Sosa conformed to this crazy idea, which to me is probably the most absurd thing I have ever heard. Its sad to see the extent that some people would go to conform to society. If everyone were white, life would be so boring. I mean we would all look the same. Where’s the fun in that? We would have all become society’s little robots, conforming to every idea that has been thrown at us. I personally like learning about other cultures and love seeing the differences between other people and myself. Everyone just truly needs to do things for themselves, and stop doing things for other people.
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It seems stupid that people are buying into the idea of “whitening” their skins or getting a “tan”. However, a large percentage of people in the world today are getting involved with products that change their physical appearance. The media, I believe, has a huge impact on this dilemma. From the point of view of the “white” people, getting a tan looks rather “sexy” and “hot”. The shows on networks such as VH1 and MTV promote tanning. The “attractive” white people on these shows are usually “tanned” at all time. These networks sells an image to young white people around the world that tanning is “cool” and makes them physically look better.
From the majority of African American point of view, “the lighter you are, the more appealing you look to other people”. Light-skin African Americans have had things come their way easier compared to dark-skin African Americans. During slavery, the light skin blacks were working inside the house while the dark skins were working harder on the field. Slavery definitely impacted this “believe” that lighter is better. The media also plays a psychological role into getting Africans Americans into believing that a lighter skin is supreme. In many African American shows, the starring actors/actresses are usually light skin. Even rappers who many black youth look up to refers to light skin females as their attraction. In Lil Wayne new single called “Every Girl”, he said “I like a long hair, thick, Redbone…”. Light skin girls are referred to “Redbones”. Dark skin African Americans feels like that have to do more achieve or be in the same spot as a lighter skin African American.
I have also noticed that a percentage of dark skin Americans are not comfortable with their color because they do not want to be connected with the continent of Africa. Africans are viewed as illiterate, poor, and people of lower standards compared to the western world in the media of course. Some African Americans with a darker shade feel like they worth less than light skins and they are treated like blacks that directly came from Africa.
Even though I disagree with the whole idea of whitening cream and tans, I do understand some of the reason why people will do this. To be honest, would Obama be the president of the United States of America if he was darks skin? These are the reality that a dark skin African American has to face. But instead of changing our physical appearance into something we are not meant to be, we should appreciate and love our self for who we are. The matter of the fact is we would not be here if our ancestors did not possess the trait that they have passed on to us.
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I'm not surprised by the different types of skin whitening creams out in the market. Mainly because my mom is obsessed with them. I come from an Asian background where being tanned or brown isn't as appealing as being a fair complex. I remember when I was younger, my mom tried to get me to use some skin whitening cream because I was "too dark" from playing sports. I never did but my mom swore it would work. Now, she tries to get my younger brother to use this cream since he plays outdoor sports. He actually tired the cream for a month (not exactly sure how long) and saw no results. He stopped using it when my sister and I made fun of him for falling for such brainwashing item. My mom, however, is still convinced that these creams actually work.
Like my mom, I have seen many other Asians brainwashed by such commercials. This past summer I traveled to India. I was blown away by how many commercials and advertisements that exist for having lighter skin. Just walking into a store, I saw shelves stocked with all kinds of skin whiteners. It was amazing because so many people really buy into this idea that their skin pigment can be changed. What was even more interesting was that majority of the people buying these products were women. Even the commercials that I saw were targeting women more then men. Living in India for month and half, I learned that women with lighter skin color are easier to marry off then those of a darker complexion. Since arranged marriage is huge in India, one of the things that the groom's family looks at in the girl is her beauty. In terms of beauty, the skin color is probably one of the most important factors. I remember when I played sports and would become darker, my mom would tell me that no guy will ever marry me if my skin colored stayed that color. Before I never really understood, but now I definitely do. It's sad that some people cannot accept their own skin color. We are the way we are for a reason.
During my trip in India, the number of people asked me how beautiful are white people. I was like confused at first. But then they would go on about how they heard they are like this or that. Some thought by me living in a white nation, that I would have been whiter. They said such things like "it's cold there, why are not you lighter" or "I heard people living there, they just become more whiter." Keep in mind, these people I'm speaking of are mostly uneducated and many don't own a computer or television where they can search "white people." It was not just white people they were interested in, they also wonder what black people looked in. They were really curious how dark they were and where they were beautiful or not. Many of these people had a stereotype that being darker is not beautiful. This stereotype is not just in India, it is universal.
I just wish people would learn to accept people and themselves for what they are given. But as humans, we also want something we don't have.
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It seems as if from the beginning of time, people of darker complexions envied those with lighter skin. Stemming from the time of slavery, black was thought to be the least desirable skin complexion. Even the dictionary lists black as; "dark", "demonic", and "impure", "evil", "wicked", and "soiled". While white, on the other hand is defined as: "pure", "innocent", and” unsullied". Now, if I had the choice, I would rather be described as "pure" and "innocent" over "evil" and "soiled". So, the desire to "be white", in hindsight, is completely understandable. In the African American and other ethnic communities, lighter skin is looked at as most desirable. From an early age, kids in ethnic communities have been raised to think that lighter skin is more acceptable in society, though sad, but true. It is true because in society, it seems as if those of fairer skin get the "upper hand" and the "better end of the stick" in society.
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It seems as if from the beginning of time, people of darker complexions envied those with lighter skin. Stemming from the time of slavery, black was thought to be the least desirable skin complexion. Even the dictionary lists black as; "dark", "demonic", and "impure", "evil", "wicked", and "soiled". While white, on the other hand is defined as: "pure", "innocent", and” unsullied". Now, if I had the choice, I would rather be described as "pure" and "innocent" over "evil" and "soiled". So, the desire to "be white", in hindsight, is completely understandable. In the African American and other ethnic communities, lighter skin is looked at as most desirable. From an early age, kids in ethnic communities have been raised to think that lighter skin is more acceptable in society, though sad, but true.
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It seems as if from the beginning of time, people of darker complexions envied those with lighter skin. Stemming from the time of slavery, black was thought to be the least desirable skin complexion. Even the dictionary lists black as; "dark", "demonic", and "impure", "evil", "wicked", and "soiled". While white, on the other hand is defined as: "pure", "innocent", and” unsullied". Now, if I had the choice, I would rather be described as "pure" and "innocent" over "evil" and "soiled". So, the desire to "be white", in hindsight, is completely understandable. In the African American and other ethnic communities, lighter skin is looked at as most desirable. From an early age, kids in ethnic communities have been raised to think that lighter skin is more acceptable in society, though sad, but true. It is true because in society, it seems as if those of fairer skin get the "upper hand" and the "better end of the stick" in society. So, yet again, in hindsight, it seems it would be better to get the upper hand in society. Ultimately, the whole "white is better "concept is all a product of conditioning. I highly doubt that one wakes up in the morning and says," You know what? I think I want to be white today" I think it is worked into one's brain over a period of time, from childhood, school, the media, and society. People of darker skin have been so brainwashed by society, that they feel as though they have to be white to gain any form of power in the world and to be accepted by a white dominated society. Moreover, being a young woman who is of a dark brown complexion, I have witnessed first hand how being of a darker skin tone is least desirable, mainly from the opposite sex. When I was younger, boy had a tendency to go for the lighter girls, because they were thought to be "prettier" and "cleaner" than girls of darker complexions. Though I have grown to love the skin I'm in, I know a few young girls who have that burning desire to be lighter or of fairer skin. Frankly, I feel that this desire of wanting to be white is slowly dwindling from the minds of people with darker complexions. I feel that their will always be those who want to be lighter, and further white, but more and more people have come in tune with their complexions and have embraced their skin. Though society doesn't contribute to this comforting discovery, with its constant promotion of skin brightening creams, and constant and heavy rotation of white actors in movies, commercials, and television shows, which can give the impression that white people are the only people in society or are active members in society.
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It is nonsense to me how people can think that being white is perfect. If indeed the perfect “white” did cause the most devastating genocide in history, when the colonists came to the new world, why should anyone think that the color white meant perfect? I think that our world should not be color coded where a certain color outruns the other. I think people should be comfortable in their own skin and think of their color as the most beautiful thing in the world. Because doesn’t being different colors make us unique and special in our own special way? If we were all white or “perfect” this world would be very dull and not worth living. Brown is my color and I love it. I also love seeing many different colors around me and I ask myself why don’t people see race as a rainbow? Rainbows are beautiful and so is race. I also ask myself that if whites are seen as perfect, will this opinion ever change? Will a group of people that are deeply admired by others stand up one day and say “no I think purple is more perfect than white.” And will the rest of the world follow them? I am also not saying that everyone think that being white is better than any other color because I know that is not the case. I know that many of us around the world love who they are whether your black, white, brown, etc,. When it comes to tanning I will admit that for me that is a form of relaxation and it gives me a little more self confidence about my skin in the summer. Even though I am brown I like to go tanning in the spring because I love how my color turns in the summer and want to get a head start on it! I believe that many people like many white females view tanning this way as well. Eventually it becomes a habit a form to hang out with friends. It is also obvious that people in the most part want to look and feel good about themselves. The whitening cream should also be viewed as something to improve your self confidence even though it is permanent. I think it is judged a lot today because of how relatively and uncommon it is today, but apparently this is changing with Sammy Sosa recently doing it. I disagree with the many products that try to show that white is the perfect color however. And then I think that maybe when they mean “perfect white”, is like saying “perfect tan?” What ever the case may be there are my views on race and color.
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It is amazing how much skin color means in this world, you cannot blame these people for thinking that being white will make it all better. I mean come on, if people are being discriminated against based on their skin color, then you either get rid of discrimination or get rid of their skin color, and we all know that discrimination is something that is almost natural. Every one discriminates against something, whether it is cloth or food or skin color, there is always something that is better than another, we just have an amazing amount of people that do not like the color black for some reason, and this is an issue all over the world, and it has been around for thousands of years. So if the solution is to make everyone the same color then so be it, at least we will have less “hate crime” or maybe we won’t. Maybe next time you get pulled over by a cop, they would be able to use their portable DNA tester to see if you have any African descent in you because you look too white to be a drug dealer.
Whatever the case maybe, it is not going to be just about color, the human race will always find a way to discriminate against each other, whether it’s by your nose size or your hair color. It is almost inhuman not to discriminate against things that are different. It has become completely natural to categorize people based on their personality, habits, looks and even opinions. Humans are always going to favorite some things over others.
Racism will always exist even though nobody is born a racist, it’s always the parents or the family members that will put these thoughts in your head when you are young, and let’s face it everyone thinks that their parents are always right, that their religion is the only correct religion and so on. Since we can never get rid of racism, then we should try to make everyone look white so we all can be equal . . . but that’s not how it works. If our skin tone never changed over time and we were all look white or black, we will still find the differences between each other and those differences would have been our big issue today.
Everyone wants to be better than everyone else so they create these imaginary categories that make them feel better about themselves. Whether if you are white or black or green or yellow, you would still have a lot of good things to say about your race and culture, some people only wish they were white because they want to have an easy life, not because that other race has something special.
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It’s interesting to observe how society’s perceptions of light skinned versus dark skinned affects the way people perceive themselves. Sammy Sosa, a very well known athlete, and clearly a male, shows the evidence of how far individuals will go to fulfill society’s. There is a misperception that issues of light and dark is only referenced in regard to black, brown and white people. However, it is an issue within the black community. Therefore, I do not believe that Sammy Sosa’s complexion change is a result of him attempting to be white. I believe it is a result of him wanting to be lighter within the dark-skinned community. It’s an insecurity shared not only by women, but by men as well. Within the black community, many believe that the lighter skin positively correlates with attractiveness and social status. In all honesty, I do believe that was the motivation behind Sammy Sosa’s transformation.
We spend so much time reflecting on the racial dichotomy between people of color and white people; but in doing so, we neglect to realize the issues that exists within the individual subgroups. Sosa’s dramatically altered appearance brings light to the insecurities of many. It is illogical to assume that one will achieve whiteness through bleaching processes. But it is very possible to achieve a lightness of complexion that is more so than another person within your racial group. This is the motivation for a lot of individuals who undergo these procedures and utilize bleaching products.
As a society, we have projected the idea that light is right. I say light because light is not necessarily white. Many believe that because whiteness cannot be achieved by artificial means, the next best thing is to be as light as possible. It is a sad reality to witness as a dark skinned African American woman.
I remember being younger and wishing I was slightly lighter then I am. It’s interesting to reflect upon now that I am older. At school, fellow black and brown students would look down on me because I was not lighter in complexion. Naturally, this weighed on my self esteem. That was on a much smaller scale than what someone like Sammy Sosa would experience. The difference though between Sammy Sosa and I is that I grew out of my insecurities. There comes a time when you realize that you are who you are. It is sad to witness an individual alter their appearance to better suit society. I realized a long time ago that the color of my skin, whether dark or light, does not affect my character, nor reflects the ability for me to succeed. Granted it will be more difficult because of the history of our community, but I cannot fathom selling out to make life a little more pleasant for everyone else.
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Quite frankly I think all of this is quite hysterical. People actually want to deform their natural selves in order to look like the "popular" or "powerful" race. It's all a bunch of ridiculous bull shit. If for once people could stop looking outside of themselves for the solutions and look inside their beings, then they would realize that they were made that way for a reason. People need to find a way to make peace with themselves in order to accept themselves. Everyone is beautiful in their own way, and until they realize that, they will continue to live dreadful, unhappy lives. Also, they need to surround themselves with accepting people, rather than making themselves acceptable to other people. Rant is over.
Jordan Reinke
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I don't think that I understand this whole "wanting to be white" thing. Perhaps it's because I've grown up in a different generation than the one before. My parents and grandparents are some of the most racist people I've every met, and I didn't even grow up in the south! Which, I found while I was working there, seems to be a lot more racist than the north. Maybe we northerners are more adjusted to it. The people sitting next to us and working next to us are pretty likely to be a different color than pure white, if pure white even exists.
I am white and strawberry blonde, so maybe it's just my naivete coming out because I'm part of what people apparently want to be. I've never wanted to be anything other than what I am in terms of race. But my friends, both black and hispanic, are completely content with who they are, and I'm not sure that I know a person who would rather be white than what color they are already. It's the fun of it (plus it gives them an "excuse" to be a little louder and more obnoxious than we solemn, stoic, white people
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Maybe, also, my not understand of this comes from living in America. We are the melting pot, and therefore a collection of probably every type of skin color and ethnicity that there is in the world. The skin whitening creams that we shown in class were from other countries. Maybe it's TV and such that they see that makes them think that white is more glamorous, beautiful and successful.
I'm an engineer, not a sociologist, and I'll probably never understand this. But during this semester I'm going to try my darnedest to do so.
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I am too a fan of tanning and make sure that whenever I am on vacation, at the beach, or just in my backyard that I get as much sun time in as possible. I feel that I am more attractive when my skin has a glow to it. Every year, my family travels to a tropical place for Christmas, as I swear that the week in the sun helps me get through the long winters months. Plus, I cannot lie when I say that I like hearing from my friends “how tan I am.” I will also admit to using tanning salons in the winter to make myself not only feel better, but to look better too. I agree with the statement above; you may think I’m shallow, but I do it for myself, not to be a different race. Because of my chronic sun tanning habit, my parents have asked me to go to a dermatologist once a year for a skin check. Every time I go, I fear that I will be told that I have some form of skin cancer. Unfortunately, I also use the best oils and lotions including no sunscreens to gain a darker color of skin. Although I understand the unhealthy effects that I am exposing myself too, I can’t stop tanning. It is without a doubt an addiction that can become dangerous.
But like my desire to be darker, there are those people in the world who are unhappy with how they look. Like me, they may look in the mirror and feel that they would be more attractive if they had lighter skin. Does that make them wrong? If I can tan shouldn’t they be able to bleach? I do not believe that everyone who decides to try and become whiter does it to change his or her own race. Some may feel how I do, and are happier when their skin is tweaked to fit the look that makes them most comfortable. The creams that are often very dangerous and are can cause serious damage. Then again, a tanning bed can be just as deadly. So who is more at fault?
Finding out who you are is hard enough in today’s society. We are constantly being told how to dress, act, talk, walk, and feel. Being attractive to the opposite sex and yourself becomes a priority in a lot of people’s lives. It is hard to be comfortable with your surrounds when you aren’t happy with what is looking back at you. So in agreement with what was posted above, I feel that one should go for whatever makes them happy because in order to be the best we can be, we have to be comfortable with what we are.
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So far a lot of the comments I have read are fair, logical, and politically correct. Of course we're all confused by the idea of someone wanting to change their skin color to look like a different race, particularly black or brown individuals who want to look white. We mocked Michael Jackson and now Sammy Sosa for it, for they are black individuals who are praised for their talent and we have grown accustom to looking at them for only their talent, and not noticing their race. Those not in the spotlight, however, may feel, and obviously some do feel, a desire to attempt to fool the general public into thinking they are something different than they are, due to embarrassment or shame I cannot say for sure.
I don't see this as a shock. "White" has never been a term in history used derogatorily, whereas "black" and "brown" have. In the past to be a color other than white was seen as dirty and inferior, and although we would all love to think that racism is a thing of the past I believe I can say with certainty it is not, although it is hidden better.
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I remember being on a radio show and explaining to my black co-worker how I found it interesting that, while watching a boxing match with my dad, the announcer referred to the two competitors (who were both wearing red short) as the man with hair, and the man without hair, although one was black and one was white. I told her how I thought that was interesting that said announcer refused to acknowledge the color of either competitor. Well, this girl then exploded at me on the air, explaining (to put it delicately) how the announcer should not have said the black boxer and the white boxer because it is racially unfair to distinguish people by the color of their skin. It seemed clear to me, through her explanation, that she felt that being distinguished from another person by color was derogatory, because, in an effort to return to my main point, "black" has in the past been used in a racist way, and "white" has not.
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As a young adult I strongly believe the only solution to the "race dilemma" is for everyone to accept themselves for who they are. I’m fairly disappointed with Sammy Sosa alleged skin rejuvenating. For a popular role model to young children, he has not set a good example. Personally I believe you were born a certain way so don’t alter it but we all know that society thinks differently. There are so many things in this world designed to make us feel as if we need material things even surgeries to like ourselves or be respected. I blame the ignorant people who believe these social expectations because without any followers there would be no leaders to reiterate racism.
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The media was not mentioned but it plays a major role in why some people believe being "white" means successful or better than. Honestly it goes the same way for those who would like to be darker. It’s the depicted pictures of what society says can be beautiful or morally right from certain stand points. Don’t miss understand I’m a female, I’m all for making myself look nice and presentable but I have never been one to spend money on altering my face or body image. I don’t have anything in common with people who don’t see beauty is skin deep and no matter how much you change your outside appearance, who are inside will never change.
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In reality, I feel one way or another someone will be unhappy with the color of their skin and try to turn: white or"black", just as people alter gender types. The racism issues we face today is a step below the cruel intentions years ago. I believe that there are so many more issues then to be worried about who is changing there skin color and why. America is a free country and if we keep focusing on the little things then our economy will always suffer. As I have grew older and wiser with my choices, I realized that no one person is the same.
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Everyone has their own reasons for the way they live they life, the religion they practice, how they dress, what color hair they have. Let me pose a question. It’s a big deal when a guy like Sammy Sosa skin starts to change colors but it’s not a big deal when you have black women changing their hair color to blind? Does that mean that particular women want to be white? or do she just like the thought of having blind hair? By watching a 2 minute youtube video on this subject I was a little disturbed because it contradicts what America stands for. America “the land of the free”.Society is the reason why racism still exists today.
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People in the United States are bombarded by the fact that they have to fit into this image. To some the image is being “white”, having blonde hair, and light eyes. The fact that they feel they have to succumb to this image is ashame. Many people, from young adults to movie stars, and sports icons. They feel that they have to change their race to fit in and be accepted. People who bleach their skin do not realize that it is dangerous. Even the products to bleach skin are towards positive thinking towards being white. The products have name like perfect white and white power. The labels confuse people to change the way they are.
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This one is just ridiculous. I can't believe Sammy Sosa would do this. What is he going to do next, change his name to Stanley Stevens? When are people going to learn that color does not determine superiority? I would not be surprised if he gets a nose job next. Sammy Sosa like Michael Jackson send out the wrong message to their fans of how they should view themselves. Imagine the child whose icon is Sammy Sosa. Now say this boy is the darkest of all shades in the world, what will he think when he sees that his favorite baseball player is now “white”? Hey everybody,we are all human!
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I think the idea that everyone wants to come white or subconsciouly wants to become white is a little out there. I guarantee if you pulled over 100 "colored" people on the street and asked them if they would rather be white, they would think you were nuts. The idea of white supremacy might be appealing, but who says whites are the best? Certainly not most black people. Many people, who are not white, are proud of their culture and background that has to do with the color of their skin. I personally would not want to become a different color. I am proud to be white, just like I am sure a Mexican is proud to be Mexican with their color skin.
I agree that people all over the world want to look different, but I do not think it is a overall theme. People are always going to want to be something they are not, thats just how it is. People are always going to want something better, or to be like someone better. The reality is we will never be fully satisfied which is a problem with our generation in general. Our generation has been corrupted by media telling us we should look a certain way and many people fall victim to it, myself included. I admit to wanting to be tan. I will go tanning over the winter sometimes just to have a little color. I think I look better when I am tan, and it makes me feel better, making me feel more confident. Others may think I am crazy but its a personal preference. I would hope they would not judge me for doing something that makes me happy, just as I would not try to judge an asian woman for wanting to become white. But the reality is I probably would judge her, even though that would be hypocritical.
Along with everyone becoming white, I think that this concept could be considered racist. For example, the movie White Chicks came out a few years ago. I personally believe that if a movie called Black Chicks came out, there would be an outrage. Racism is still a large part of our society today, being felt by both sides. There are always going to be white people racist against blacks, but at the same time, there are many blacks racist towards whites. This is something I dont l believe will stop any time soon, its just the way of life.
I think that people are always going to do what they think what makes them happy in the end, regardless of what society tells us or how much other people judge us. I do not think everyone becoming white would be a solution at all. Many people would agree with me that this reasoning is rediculous and that we are all individals. But for those who want to become white, go for it. Whatever makes you happy, because in the end, thats all that matters.
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There are so many things out there that can make people of other races become more “white.” I took the sociology of gender class and during one of the current events presentations someone brought up the story of this glue that they sell is Asia to give Asian women the ability to get eyelids like white women. We discussed this in my soc 119 class a week or so ago and I learned that there are now surgeries that are done to permanently keep women’s eyelids that way. It was interesting to bring up the white wanting to become black through tanning and skin darkening lotions relating to black people wanting to become whiter by using the bleaching lotions. We make such a big deal about why black people would want to do this, but what I find disturbing is that the darkening of white people’s skin through tanning is completely normal. We are being hypocritical, even though it might be considered more socially acceptable to go sit in a tanning bed or put some bronzer on, how is that any different than black people wanting to lighten their skin? The answer is it is no different. Only recently has tanning been deemed negative because of skin cancer and the damage it can do to you. I admit I use those sunless tanning lotions and have never once put myself in the category of wanting to change my skin color, but after reading this post I have definitely thought more about it. I also wonder how many people who are supposedly using this lightening cream actually having the skin disease mentioned in the video. We could also look at this as another example of we should mind our own business and if that’s what someone wants to do, then let them. Plastic surgery is extremely popular in the United States to augment your physical appearance. No one scolds people for getting breast augmentation or a nose job because they don’t like the way those physical features look. However, when people take it to the extreme the media takes notice and tries to say whether it is unsafe or not. This could be getting media attention because of the drastic changes that were taking place in the color of Sosa’s skin. If we really believe that this is a direct result of people harboring feelings of being affected by white supremacy, we should take this opportunity to look at ourselves and see if we are truly being respectful of other people’s cultures, or making them feel like they are less of a human being than a white person. If the latter is what is actually occurring there is something seriously wrong with our society and it needs to stop. If everyone dressed the same, talked the same, or had the same skin color, the world would be an extremely boring place to live so we should embrace our differences.
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