Colourism is a constant battle we are constantly fighting against. But it is difficult to bring change in a society that for long has believed that fair skin is acceptable and dark skin is not. Despite the brand ‘Fair & Lovely’ changing its name to magazines and films featuring dark-skinned people, much of the country still supports colourism.
For example, many young people have been using a filter on Instagram which makes their skin look black. They have been further using it to make before-and-after ‘Reels’ – being sad about having dark skin and happy while having fair skin. Screenshots were shared by a Twitter user. Have a look:
There's an actual blackface filter that ends up showing you differently towards the end when you shoot a reel on Instagram and Indian people are doing this like some Fair and lovely ad shit and glorifying it what is wrong with people! pic.twitter.com/Wn0Y1FOSRx
— Valia Babycats 🏳️🌈 (@Vaishnavioffl) July 24, 2021
In almost all the videos first the person looks sad that they are darker, and they touch their face and look at their hands. Then they turn back to their original “fair” color and look happy. pic.twitter.com/0Y5ZzcyRO4
— Valia Babycats 🏳️🌈 (@Vaishnavioffl) July 24, 2021
No seriously what is this racist fair and lovely shit, @instagram please ban this goddamn filter and trend pic.twitter.com/bnM6583KT8
— Valia Babycats 🏳️🌈 (@Vaishnavioffl) July 24, 2021
This video has 2.2 million views. What the actual fuck. pic.twitter.com/Wkc0bBbkzf
— Valia Babycats 🏳️🌈 (@Vaishnavioffl) July 24, 2021
People online slammed Instagram users for using the above-mentioned filter. Many highlighted how this promoted colourism and racism.
Indians are glorifying it, because they too believe in colourism.
— Garima | #GetVaxxed! (@thebrownwoman) July 24, 2021
No matter what people say, racism is deep seeded in our culture. Social media needs to advance to a level where it can cut off such negativity from reaching even a few thousands.
— umaer (@umearshk) July 24, 2021
I am not shocked. I am just disappointed that last year we actually made a brand to change its name to control skin colour discrimination and this is what we are doing now.
— Shubham (@ashubhguy) July 24, 2021
Instagram should ban this feature in India , this feather will only make people uncomfortable against black or brown people , there should be no hatred or disgust against any race
— Jayesh Gandhi (@JayeshG61575020) July 24, 2021
What else to expect when people are bombarded with ads and messages that fair is beautiful, dark skin tone is not. https://t.co/NEWqvgnkas
— Geetha (@geetmh) July 24, 2021
This is so disgusting @instagram
Remove the filter immediately.When will Indians stop with this colourism sh!t. https://t.co/cwDWO88eIX
— Nick (@imNickRoy) July 24, 2021
What daaaa hell is that. 😖😖
This is pure racism, she even had south Indian chandan tika when she was black and "sad". https://t.co/1qCvhSu144— चेहराविहीन (@_paradiso_o) July 25, 2021
WHAT THE FUCKK?!
And most Indians when I tell them colourism is a real issue.They respond with 'Aye but aaj kal thodi yeh sab hota hai'
Fuck y'all. https://t.co/YcXQu2l1t1
— Neenu (@kpophustle) July 24, 2021
What’s your take on this? Tell us.