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Sandaa Aye

Professor Colson

English 101

23 September 2017

Modern Discrimination: Colorism in South Asian Culture

It is difficult to grow up in culture that embeds colorism. Simra Mariam, a victim to this

form of discrimination, shares her experiences with colorism and its prevalence in South Asian

society. Colorism is defined as discrimination towards those with darker skin tones. Daring to

Be Dark, published earlier this year sheds light on the issue, arguing for its current prominence

in South Asian culture. As a woman from a South Asian background, she shares personal stories

of discriminatory struggle. Throughout the article she incorporates experience with research, thus

contributing to the effectiveness in her argument. It is a misconception that colorism has

completely vanished, but Mariam communicates a platform for the underrepresented.

Ultimately, she serves as a symbol for representation for many South Asians who could not make

it to her position. In providing this sort of relatability, the article draws in those in need of

representation as well as many who want to learn about colorism itself.

The article first opens up with a personal anecdote. It follows Mariams childhood and

how her light, sought after skin tone put her in a position of power. Everywhere she looked,

products, ads, movies, showcased this notion of whitewashed beauty. By introducing this

segment, Mariam is able to convey the struggles of colorism, how it even takes a toll on children.

As mentioned by Mariam, Even as a child I thought it odd and uncomfortable that I was treated

so differently from my relatives and friends, whose dark skin was used against them from day

one. Through the incorporation of this personal story, Mariam exposes her strong ties to the
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issue. It allows the audience to feel sympathy both for the author and those who currently suffer

the constraints of colorism. This is also where she introduces this sense of representation.

Victims of colorism, not limited to South Asians are able to look up and see this figure who went

through similar trials. They see someone who talks about their issues, who they can relate to.

This is undoubtedly her strongest approach because it draws emotions out of the audience. It

produces a compelling argument and serves as a beacon of hope to victims of colorism.

By introducing the background of hierarchy in South Asia, Mariam enlightens the

audience on how skin tone connotations came to be. One of the relating issues that Mariam

brings up is the caste system; a structure designed to divide Hindus into different positions of

privilege. She explains that though caste discrimination has been outlawed by the Indian

government; still plays a tremendous role in shaping Indian society and the social hierarchy

through South Asia. Although it was not the case, light skin became known as a symbol for

wealth. This notion only reinforced beauty standards revolving around lighter skin.

Understanding the background of hierarchy in South Asia allows the reader to better understand

how colorism came into place. By doing this, Mariam paints a picture, providing an overview of

the roots of colorism.

Throughout the article, Mariam evokes strong elements of sentiment and reasoning. But

she also builds upon her credibility. Coming from a South Asian background, being born in

India, witnessing forms of colorism first hand, Mariam has a good understanding of colorism. By

incorporating her background, the reader is able to understand the connection between the author

and the issue. Her close ties with colorism result in a reliable argument. It reminds us that

colorism has not disappeared, continuing to affect the South Asian diaspora.
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Although Mariam does not primarily argue for action, she includes different

organizations that aim to end colorism. Thus proving that she went above and beyond in her

research. One of the mentioned groups is Sabyasachi Mukherji, a fashion designer from Kolkata.

He is known for hiring numerous dark skinned models to participate in his ornate campaigns. In

addition to this designer, Mariam addresses the campaigns designed to put colorism to an end.

She mentions Nandita Das, an indian actress who became an activist for the Dark the Beautiful

campaign. Das a victim of colorism, was basically told that she would not be able to play any

roles as an upper class woman because of her dark complexion. Mariam even goes as far as

including the activists quote, stating that Prejudice or conditioning is not a habit; its much

deeper than that. The inclusion of this actress turned activist, builds the articles credibility. The

audience is able to see the prevalence of colorism in the beloved bollywood industry. It depicts

the realness of discrimination in South Asian culture, and how it further corrupts the workforce.

More so, it builds towards Mariams argument because it introduces someone with a degree of

popularity that colorism has no bounds.

From the beginning until the end, Mariam constantly builds upon her argument. First she

showcases her knowledge on the topic, revealing close relations and knowledgeability. Then she

moves on to give background on the topic itself. Not once does she lose momentum, even as she

includes various token of credibility and source. The text is structured in both an alluring and

informative matter, allowing the reader to feel a sort of enlightened sympathetic feeling. The

article presents a strong relatability towards those victims of colorism and many who have had

the luxury of ignorance. Ultimately, Mariam fulfills her duty as a writer and a South Asian

woman.
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Works Cited

Mariam, Simra. Daring to Be Dark: Fighting Against Colorism in South Asian

Cultures.Huffington Post, 27 March. 2017, Accessed 30 Sept 2017.

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