Colorism in Asia

Seetha Rami Reddy, the author’s grandfather.

As a young South Asian woman, my skin has been likened to excrement and trash my whole life. My brown skin has not been considered a positive part of who I am, but rather a detractor. As I have grown, I have come to realize most people only really compliment me when my skin is light. All of those compliments seem to fade when I come back from India and have naturally become much darker. Smiles turn into concern for my complexion. And I’m not the only one. My…