Every magazine, every drugstore, every Sephora in the United States have lotions, powders, and creams that will darken, bronze or give you the appearance of sun-kissed skin. I have also tried the self-tanner lotions (similar to exskindiver) with little success. Usually the result is streaked legs and blotchy feet because I did not put the lotion on evenly. I have even contemplated the spray-on tan offered at most spas in the States just so I won’t look so translucent. I found this link when looking for images that demonstrates the motivation to look tan...click here
Now, fast forward in time (literally) and travel to Asia, where the exact opposite is true. The goal here is to look whiter, with all the same lotions, powders and creams mentioned above but these devices will whiten, take away pigment (I am a little skeptical about this one) of the skin, to get the white glow you desire. While people-watching here in the Philippines, I notice girls plastering white powder on their faces to look ghostly (since some of their darker pigment comes through). One girl made a point of showing me her “white”powder, as she caked it on her face. At this girl's display progresses, I think of my students in the States doing the same thing, plastering on makeup, but they are putting on bronzers and brown powder to look more tan. Even the reasoning behind this phenomenon is interesting. Asian women are seeking to look whiter to show they do not need to work outside, illustrating the levels of status they have achieved which allows them to stay indoors most of the day. Western women are seeking to look darker to show they are more earthy and athletic, confirming their status level of having time to be outside, sun-bathing or exercising, while most of us are stuck indoors working under fluorescent light.
So, the clash of cultures met my first night here when I was looking for sunscreen since I want a darker glow with limited sun damage (I have already tempted the skin cancer gods in my youth). I stumbled upon this obstacle of the lotions wanting me to look WHITER…????? What??? So, here is the cultural conflict—my instinct is to shun the whiter skin, but maybe it is beautiful after all?
6 comments:
Hope you are having a good time there. Isn't it interesting... the cultural differences.Hi to Teddy and Karen and her family! Miss you all.
i love this first post from philipppine soil!
Gigi, I didn't know you had an aunt in the Philippines!
still waiting.
I was brought here by Chesca's post. I've often pondered the same thing (asian cultures appreciate the lighter skin). i always thought it was because it separated one filipino from the igorut filipinos. (the indigenous people).
I too was brought here by Chesca's post..my opinion? I think its is just human nature to want what it is we don't have, don't you think?
I do find it very fascinating though..and I had no idea about this. Thanks for the enlightenment (no pun intended)
Dana
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