Fred de Sam Lazaro:
In almost every corner of the planet, there's a huge social dividend that comes from being lighter-skinned. Sociologists trace it back centuries to European colonization, slavery and class or caste.
Studies show people with lighter complexions earn more, are less likely to be arrested and, if convicted, serve shorter sentences than people with darker skin.
Whiteness is the global beauty standard. It is reinforced in marketing by the multibillion-dollar business of skin lightening products, hundreds of obscure brands, and some very well-known ones as well.
Fair & Lovely is one of the most recognizable brands across South Asia and parts of Africa. It's made by Unilever, better known in America for Dove, Caress and dozens of other household products.
Sociologist Margaret Hunter has studied colorism globally.
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