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Okay so beyond the issue that this name change solves nothing- it’s important to note that skin lightening/bleaching products are INCREDIBLY dangerous. They are not FDA approved and can lead to mercury poisoning, memory loss, kidney failure, high blood pressure, etc. https://twitter.com/sang1983/status/1278675418170548224
Colorism is incredibly harmful and this is one of the most blatant examples of people with darker complexions being made to feel less than, unworthy, ugly, etc. so much to the point that they feel the need to use products that can cause major damage to their health.
Lightening creams are not specific to one region. They are marketed heavily in China, Japan, Korea, Southern Asia, parts of Latin America, the Middle East and many countries in Africa. If you think this is comprable to fake: tanning stop right there
Companies capitalize off of the discrimination against people with darker skin and push along the message that “light=good” this creeps into every aspect of life, from hiring practices, to stereotypes, the criminal justice system, the beauty industry and so much more.
As a white passing woman of color I have an immense amount of privilege and have a responsibility to acknowledge and use that privilege. If you are white or white passing or someone who doesn’t face discrimination from colorism I strongly encourage you to do the same.
Still, even with this privilege, I have been lightened many times during photo shoots almost beyond recognition. Girls even paler than me have been encouraged to bleach their skin by their agencies in order to maintain contracts (further maintaining the beauty standard)
Changing the name of a product that actively contributes to colorism does nothing. If anything it worsens the problem with a veiled attempt at acknowledging its contribution to discrimination. These products cause physical harm to people. The beauty industry needs to do better.
