Is Lighter Better?

I was at the gym this morning mindlessly doing some cardio while staring at the TV screen right above me. Tyra (I really like her) was being interviewed on the Today show.  She was promoting the new season of “the Tyra Bank show”. She introduced to the audience a disturbing clippage of the episode scheduled to air later on.  Heart wrenching if you ask me.  See for yourself.

After watching this tidbit I had to find out more and tuned to the 9:30 show.

The topic, was about dark skinned women and skin bleaching.  Apparently, these 3 ladies had been using some skin lighteners for years.  They use prescription strength bleaching cream and in one instance liquid bleach, like Clorox. One of the guest being interviewed felt so strongly about the fact that being lighter is better, she also used a prescription bleach cream every morning on her 3 sons, and double the dose on the darker one.  Child protective services anyone?

The message this mother is sending to her children is unacceptable.  Teaching these kids they are not adequate the way they are is APPALING and irresponsible to say the least.

I understand the complexity of the subject and, quiet frankly, don’t care to judge what adults do to themselves.  I just can’t stand seeing children’s self esteem being chattered by unfit parents.  African American are not the only one being affected by the lighter is better syndrome. This ad gets the message across in the Indian community as well. Sad.

What do you readers think?