Among the many facets of identity, skin colour remains one of the most prominent yet divisive markers of difference.

Concept of Variety

• Diversity as a Fundamental Aspect: Variety extends beyond the physical to encompass intangible dimensions of life.
• Human Diversity: Reflects a vast range of differences, including gender, ethnicity, nationality, and even DNA.
• Uniqueness of Individuals: Despite similarities, no two individuals are identical, highlighting the depth of human diversity.

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Spectrum of Skin Colors

• Global Palette: Human skin spans a spectrum from black, brown, white, to shades of yellow.
• Representation of Coexistence: Ideally, these hues should symbolize unity and inclusivity.

Social Implications of Skin Color

• Historical Hierarchies: Skin color has been distorted into social hierarchies, privileging lighter tones over darker ones.
• Impact on Life Experiences: Color-based discrimination affects opportunities, treatment, and social perceptions.
• Colorism: A prevalent issue across cultures, influencing self-esteem, social status, and access to resources.
• Rich Cultural Heritage: India reflects extensive cultural and genetic diversity, embracing a broad spectrum of skin colors.
• Global Perception: Internationally, Indians and South Asians are often generalized as brown, overshadowing internal diversity.

Complexities of South Asian Identity

• Expansion Beyond Borders: South Asians have migrated across continents, carrying their cultural identities with them.
• Integration vs. Segregation: Unlike colors on a painter’s palette that blend, racial identities often remain distinct, resisting seamless integration.
• Concept of “White-Washing”: The term “white-washed” is used to describe individuals adopting Western customs, implying a loss of native traditions. 
  • However, many South Asians maintain strong ties to their cultural roots even while adapting to new environments.
• Clustering of Communities: South Asians tend to form close-knit communities in foreign lands, seeking familiarity and support.
• Transcending National Boundaries: Migration fosters a shared identity beyond nationality, allowing Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, and Sri Lankans to identify collectively as “brown” in predominantly white societies.
• Racial Hierarchies: European colonial powers established racial hierarchies, positioning whites as superior while relegating browns and blacks to subordinate roles. This structured superiority was deeply internalized across generations, influencing social structures and opportunities even today
• Economic Motivations: Historically, South Asian migration has been driven by economic aspirations, seeking better opportunities in Western nations.

Shadows of Racial Bias

• Modern-Day Discrimination: While institutionalized racism has declined, its remnants persist in subtle and everyday interactions.
• Unspoken Biases: Being followed in a store due to racial profiling. Presumed guilty before proven innocent. Typecasting into negative stereotypes such as “uncivilized” or “smelly.”
• Illusion of Race: Racism is not inherent but a social construct, historically designed to preserve power hierarchies.
• Eradication of Prejudices: Some believe racism is deeply ingrained and irreversible. Others argue that commerce, globalization, and education can gradually dismantle biases.
• Evolution of Racial Constructs: History shows change is possible—what once seemed immutable, like colonial rule or apartheid, was dismantled over time. 
  • Though racism still exists, societies can challenge and deconstruct biases. 
  • A more inclusive future is achievable with continuous efforts.

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Conclusion

The vision of a world free from color-based prejudice may still be distant, but every effort pushes humanity closer to that ideal.

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