How does media portray skin bleaching?

How does media portray skin bleaching?

The natural appearance of a person plays a significant role in defining beauty in both men and women. As a result many people aim at improving their physical appearance through any available means and procedures to meet the standards and demands of the world. Although dressing has always been considered in describing beauty, a trend has emerged where people concentrate on improving and modifying their natural appearance in order to win beauty titles and crowns. It is quite amazing that some of these methods have long term effects on victims, a factor which has been overshadowed by society demand. Consequently, people have been influenced to accept some of these practices as the most preferred and highly recommended. One of these aspects of beauty which is perceived as good is skin bleaching which continues to affect thousands of victims in the world. It is believed that media has significantly promoted this culture by portraying as the most appropriate approach of becoming a beauty icon in the entire world (Wallace, 2007). There have been cases of people developing skin cancer, emanating from skin bleaching accompanied with a wide array of other harmful factors.

The skin is the largest body organ in terms of surface area. As the outer covering of the body, many people have the interest of maintaining its standards through various means including change of color. Skin bleaching is also referred to as skin lightening or skin whitening and it involves the use of chemicals like cosmetics to lighten or whiten the skin. It has become a common trend among many people in the world including both black and white people. The practice has also been associated with prominent personalities like musicians who bleach parts of their bodies portraying a mixture of colors with a good example being the late Michael Jackson. Skin bleaching has turned out to one of the most controversial topics in the history of humanity. It has been criticized by many people of its fatal effects which continue to affect the health of millions of people around the globe. It also has negative impact on issues of racial supremacy, identity and colonial mentality. Skin whitening makes individuals not to appreciate who they are with regard to originality and background, making it hard to embrace personal identity. Despite the negative effects of skin bleaching, many people still view it as a good practiced which should be accepted in the entire society. Despite this perception, skin whitening has received sharp criticism (Wallace, 2007). A midst this controversy blames indicate that media has played a major role in portraying skin bleaching as an acceptable behavior without considering countless negative effects it has on victims.

According to this research, controversy has always surrounded the role of skin bleaching in beauty. Many medical experts and dermatologists argue that skin whitening has more than fatal effects on human health. It has also been noted that the practice is closely associated with the media industry. As result, this research is aimed at establishing the role of media in portraying skin whitening as an acceptable practice.

Research questions

  • What are the negative effects of skin bleaching?
  • How does media portray skin bleaching?
  • How does media promote skin bleaching?

Skin-bleaching is one the most discussed topics with regard to human health in a contemporary society. Because of the emergence of manifold skin chemicals and concoctions, there has been increased focus on the negative effects of skin bleaching together with its relationship to media. Many researchers, medical experts and other analysts have invested their time and resources in unraveling the truth that lies behind skin whitening. This researched information has become quite resourceful for academic purposes and in educating the general public on the negative effects of skin bleaching. Thousands of books, journals and other research articles have been authored and published to create awareness in the entire word. This research used some of these authentic resources in gathering relevant information as directed by the research statement and questions.Skin Bleaching : The Perception of Beauty

According to Groot, Nater and Weyland, skin bleaching has become a common practice in the society with both men and women adopting it. As argued by the three experts, the chemical composition of many cosmetics used in skin whitening expose users to countless side effects some of which are fatal whereas others are considerably very costly in terms of medication. There are thousands of skin creams which are usually sold across counters without any formal prescription from a medical practitioner. Although most of these cosmetics are usually intended to correct small parts and marks on the body, many users choose to apply on the entire body thus exposing the entire body to the risk of being affected (Groot, Nater & Weyland, 1994). Almost every skin cream contains active ingredients some of are very dangerous to human skin and the general health. Some of these ingredients noted by Groot, Nater and Weyland include but not limited to mercury, hydroquinone and Alpha hydroxyl acids.

Mercury has always been known to be quite dangerous. As one of the active ingredients of common skin creams, users have higher chances of developing neurological problems. The concern a bout mercury has been so significant forcing some states like Minnesota to outlaw some of the cosmetics which intentionally feature mercury like skin lighteners. It is quite alarming that some shops store skin creams for bleaching which have high concentration of mercury. In addition, hydroquinone is found in many skin–bleaching agents. This component is also found in movie generating products which usually present human body as a mere work of art. Hydroquinone is known to expose users to cancerous risks. Alpha hydroxyl acids are common in facial cosmetics which have to be used under professional guidelines. It is known to scorch the skin if wrongly applied (Groot, Nater & Weyland, 1994).

What is obvious is the fact that skin-bleaching has highly rated negative effects with several recorded cancer cases resulting from skin whitening. Many people around the world do understand the negative effects of the negative effects of skin-bleaching. With this information, many questions have revolved around the main reason why people prefer skin even with conclusive coverage on the harmful effects of skin bleaching. It has been found out that there are manifold push and pull factors which significantly contribute to the acceptance of skin whitening as away of becoming more beautiful. A lot of pressure has been witnessed from the media with health experts and other sociologist arguing that media cannot be excused in the understanding of the major promoters of skin-bleaching.Skin Bleaching : The Perception of Beauty

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