Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bassexpander]

Here's a good article to discuss with your older students:

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/09/09/india.skin/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

[Carla]

[oskinny1]

It isn't saying skin whiteners are racist, it is saying the commercial is racist. You can't get a girl or a good job if you have dark skin can be viewed as racist.

[seonsengnimble]

I find nothing objectionable about this add for several reasons.

The first is that if it's anything like Korea, the white skin has nothing to do with race. If you have a tan, you are a commoner who spends long days outdoors and have darker skin. This is why Korea has things like whitening cream and those arm bands that keep your arms from getting tanned when you're outdoors. Granted, it is classist, but most civilized countries have the equivalent. In whiter countries, the opposite is true. If you have a tan, it signifies you spent your free time in a distant tropical place rather than at home in the basement.

The second reason is that the commercial isn't creating a stereotype, it's just capitalizing off of one. If people are more successful because they have a whiter skin tone, then why not offer a product that gives it.

The third reason, which has already been addressed by the first is that it's the same everywhere. In America, looking too white is considered unappealing. So, people go sunbathing, go to tanning salons and buy tan cream. How is it racist for Indians to want to look paler while it's ok for Caucasians to want to look darker?

[Deep Thirteen]

I don't think it is racist in the way we think about it. India has always put more emphasis on class than race in its history. The word of class (caste) in India is varna which translates as 'color'. There's an implication of your skin color and corresponding class throughout Indian history.

[cdninkorea]

[Draz]

How is it racist when they are the same race?

It does make me uncomfortable though. I have a student who must use those creams religiously because her skin is perfect, and so white it glows. I almost complimented her on it, but didn't because I don't want to look like I think darker skin is bad.

[kabrams]