Abstract
The practice of skin lightening is prevalent amongst dark-skinned people globally. Various current studies that map this practice and that seek motivations behind the practice are examined. It is observed that through shrewd marketing, dark-skinned people are offered a promise of a better quality of life, obtained by a lighter skin, through the use of skin lighteners. In spite of the severe health risks involved, the promise is ostensibly irresistible to some dark-skinned persons. A pastoral response is offered that affirms the full personhood and complete humanity of dark-skinned people as fully human and whole in their dark skins.Keywords: Skin lightening, Dark skin, Image of God
Highlights
Appreciating the image of God in all humanity: Towards a pastoral response to skin lightening as image enhancement to exit dark skin
Light skin is viewed as a standard of beauty globally, and amongst dark-skinned populations
The publication further notes that in 2004 nearly 40% of women surveyed in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, including Malaysia, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, reported using skin lighteners
Summary
Appreciating the image of God in all humanity: Towards a pastoral response to skin lightening as image enhancement to exit dark skin. This article hinges on the proposition that a Hollywood, or rather a media perception of image, strengthened by unrealistic advertising promises, creates a sense of dissatisfaction with the self This is arguably worsened by possible existing after-effects of colonialism of the dark-skinned people by white people, which creates a sense of inferiority and a desire on the part of the darkskinned to be like the white coloniser. It is imperative to cultivate a constructive and affirming view of oneself that is informed by a thorough understanding of the perfectum and aesthetics of created human beings Such an approach fosters wholeness, positive image and contributes to appreciation of the Creator. A recent World Health Organization (WHO 2014) report demonstrates that women from Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America frequently use skin-lightening or bleaching products. The products are mainly used amongst immigrants, http://www.indieskriflig.org.za
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