This weekend we are going to our family lake house in Wisconsin. I am so excited to go to the beach, ride the wave runner, attempt to water ski (maybe), have a bon fire, and just enjoy nature. I won’t be able to post for a couple of days, since we are going to be Wi-Fi free, but I will be posting photo updates on twitter, so follow me @Zahra_Sandberg!
It is a little known, and incomprehensible to some, fact that there are people in this world who will avoid getting a tan at all costs. This is particularly common with people from South Asia (India and Pakistan, in particular). The extent of it ranges from mild – avoiding outdoor activities as much as possible – to drastic – applying lightening creams, despite the fact that some have been found to be carcinogenic.
I know this because I believed it myself until not long ago. I would never admit it because it is a ridiculous and shameful way to think, in my opinion. It was just ingrained in me from my childhood, even though I wasn’t even consciously aware that I believed it. I think my desire to do fun stuff outside outweighed all of those worries, which is how I personally overcame it.
There is probably a ton of research on why this is the case, the effects of colonialism and the standard of beauty being some of the reasons, etc. but in this day and age, isn’t it just a silly idea to keep perpetuating? Especially when there are so many people who are doing the opposite to themselves by over tanning in a tanning bed?
We are lucky to live in a country where were are free to believe whatever we want. This Independence Day, here’s to loving yourself for who you are, just as you are. Happy 4th!
Share