I just finished reading this piece and I have an overwhelming urge to hug you right now!
The notion of shame and guilt is an all too familiar feeling for me too - only that it was rooted in my dark skin. Things have changed now and I don't have to hear daily rants about applying turmeric to become fairer. But it took me a great deal of time to rebuild the self-confidence that was destroyed throughout my childhood with comments from family, friends and strangers.
Thank you for speaking out about this and creating a safe space for discussing the same.
Hi Nitya,
I just finished reading this piece and I have an overwhelming urge to hug you right now!
The notion of shame and guilt is an all too familiar feeling for me too - only that it was rooted in my dark skin. Things have changed now and I don't have to hear daily rants about applying turmeric to become fairer. But it took me a great deal of time to rebuild the self-confidence that was destroyed throughout my childhood with comments from family, friends and strangers.
Thank you for speaking out about this and creating a safe space for discussing the same.
Sending lots of love and warmth your way <3