I grew up in apartheid South Africa where buying power and society was geared towards whiteness. We also had many products that were marketed and produced in predominantly caucasian countries. So colours such as ‘flesh’, ‘nude’, ‘naked’ and ‘invisible’ would have been available only for caucasian skin tones. It was almost impossible to find hosiery, plasters, underwear or makeup designed for more melanin-rich skin. I guess products are designed to sell and companies went for where the market was.
Over the years, local brands made giant inroads into the South African market, with haircare ranges for afro-caribbean hair types, makeup colour-ways for everyone, and underwear in all shades. People with darker skin make up close to 90% of the market after all.
The same has happened even in Sweden, where more than 20% of the population is foreign born, mostly from Syria. The market for products for different skin tones is significant. Brands such as Rihanna’s Fenty make up come in a variety of shades for all skin tones. My own beloved, beautiful daughter has darker skin and curly hair. I am so happy that brands cater for her in terms of colour and also height. Our world seems to be going backwards in so many ways. I am grateful that this is not one of them.
I was so happy when my cousin in South Africa sent this to me a while back. What a difference from when we grew up.
I adore those crayons. How wonderful. And yes, it’s about time.
We still have a long way to go before we can completely stamp out racism. I’m just so pleased to see that there are now items available for all skin tones (thanks to RiRi for Fenty and others launching products for different skin colours). I want to see (and live in) a world without war, equality for all, where everyone is protected under the law and NO ONE is above the law (not even the dumpster who, it has to be said, is way past his jail time).