Unveiling Reality: Shifting Mindsets and Embracing Transition in Beauty Standards

Ahmad Waseem

In a world where beauty seems to be all about fair skin,
let’s ask ourselves:–few questions:
Who decides what beauty is? What constitutes beauty?
Who dictates beauty standards in society? Is it necessary to associate beauty with white fairness? Why do people also internalize this belief?
How do societal norms influence perceptions of beauty? When did fairness become the benchmark for beauty? How can we challenge and redefine beauty norms? Why is it crucial to promote self-acceptance and diversity? What steps can individuals take to resist societal pressures regarding beauty standards? Or Do we follow these rules without questioning them?
Whether in villages or cities, in India or the West, the concept of beauty almost universally equates to “being fair-skinned.” We may all deny it, but do we truly believe it ourselves, or do we merely say it to show off or satisfy others? Let’s be honest. Why do beauty products always say they’ll make you fairer? And why do we hide things like sanitary pads while fairness products get all the attention? It’s time for a change. We need to admit that things need to be different and take responsibility for making that happen. In India, brands like Fair & Lovely (now called Glow & Lovely), Pond’s White Beauty, Garnier Light, Olay Natural White, Nivea Natural Fairness, L’Oréal White Perfect, Himalaya Herbals Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream and others say fair skin is beautiful. But real beauty is more than just skin color. It’s about feeling confident and being yourself, no matter what you look like. Let’s face it: Beauty isn’t just on the outside. It comes from feeling good about who you are, inside and out. We need to stop thinking beauty is only one shade. As we go through life, let’s redefine beauty in our own way. Let’s celebrate our differences and be proud of who we are. That’s how we’ll make the world a better place for everyone. But we can’t forget about important things like periods. Even though Bollywood stars talk about fairness, they rarely talk about sanitary pads. It’s time to change that.We need to make sure everyone knows that periods are normal and it’s equally normal and okay to talk about it. We need not to learn only but also to teach our kinfolk (OURS) that beauty isn’t just about how you look—it’s about being yourself, no matter what. Let’s come together on this journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Let’s show the world that real beauty comes from within, and it’s something we all have.