A "Dark" world

I was sitting in the bus, the rattle of tin against rickety structure almost lulling me to sleep. Over the comforting sound, I heard the murmur of voices. Two of my co-passengers were discussing, or rather ruing over their complexion- dark and how their mothers while expecting them did not eat right.

The faint threads of sleep immediately faded, as I focused on this rather "fascinating" conversation. In a country, where 90% of the population is dark skinned, this is a rather "common" complaint!

The question that arises is, why? Are we not proud of our legacy, ancestry? Why are we hankering after the white goodness? where does the perception that dark is bad and white is good come from?

There are numerous stories of dark-skinned girls who find it "difficult" to find grooms, or they have to shell out a "higher price" to compensate for their lack of good looks! The statistics and stories are appalling. It is not restricted like most things to girls only. While men are somewhat less affected, they too are conscious. Statistics would show about 80% of dark-skinned men marry fair skinned women. Reason, as in most case they are trying to whiten the next generation.

What is still more amazing, instead of feeling offended, shame is the more dominant or in most cases the only emotion! Why are we so conscious of something so natural as the nose on our face, or the sun shining in the morning.

Why for generations have we worshipped this whiteness, this fairness?

The evolution of science has lead to "whitening" "brightening" creams but have not evolved the mindset. Instead of discouraging they are enabling and abetting the mindset.

So, are we in effect entering a "darker world" or a "whiter world"?

Richer or Poorer?

As I sit reading a childhood favorite from the pen of Loiusa May Alcott, an overwhelming feeling grips me. It is like thin shot of liquid that pierces straight and settles in the heart.

What is it?

Reading about the simple times, am transported to a simpler time- the childhood. When woes were wiped with the coveted promise of an ice. When the thought of a favorite meal being cooked especially for you brightened your day and when the thought of a box of colors was enough to bring a skip to my step!

Repercussions for naughty deeds were banishment from the frolic of afternoon playtime, or forbidden to watch a favorite cartoon. Reading a book that is not in the curriculum often made the list of things that we categorized as pleasure.

Simple joys of a visit or an upcoming birthday filled the heart with sunshine!

So, where are those days. When did we forget the simple pleasures and the simple ways of life. Finding joy in a dish cooked with love. Regaling in the warmth of friendship that wrapped you in its cosy security. When did "friends" become potential benefit targets!

Oh! I cry for the loss of such simple pleasures. In wealth we have become so much poor!