Starring:  Beverly Naya, Hilda Dokubo, Diana Yekinni

Synopsis:  In regard to colorism’s impact on society, this film reports on African women’s complexion issues and the skin bleaching phenomenon. 

Review:

Actress, Beverly Naya, returned to her hometown in Nigeria to examine African women’s desire to be lighter skinned. She shared her own insecurities that started when she was a young girl and then showcased others who spoke of their journeys to self-confidence.

Let’s Talk. This documentary started with defining the word “beauty.” Google defines it as “a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.’ Therefore, everyone has different perceptions of beauty and it’s important that women are able to look in the mirror and see their own. It’s not vanity; it’s a necessity for self assurance. 

The women interviewed believe lighter skin correlates with success and that it attracts men. Based on these perceptions, Nigerian women have resorted to skin bleaching to achieve a desired look.  When asked why they bleach, the responses varied but all amounted to the same underlying reason – insecurity.  But some women may not see bleaching as a self-esteem issue. Some are just enhancing their look the same way makeup would. Others say it’s a prerequisite to finding work. But whatever the case, women shouldn’t allow society to dictate what beauty should be; it’s more powerful when we define it for ourselves.

Black women shouldn’t have to conform to a racist society that manipulates them into believing they’re inadequate. And they absolutely shouldn’t risk their health to attract a superficial man with limited insight. With so much cultural appropriation nowadays it’s baffling that Black women experience inferiority to this magnitude. Take a look around and see how many non-Black women have lip injections and butt implants to achieve the look black women have naturally. 

But skin bleaching isn’t solely a Nigerian issue; it’s global. African American women bleach, West Indians, and Asian women use skin whitening products. So how do we stop the bleaching craze?  Truthfully, it appears to be out of hand. 

Documentaries like this are helpful in calling attention to the matter. And then we have role models like Mercy Johnson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Genevieve Nnaji, who are dark-skinned successful women – living proof that Black women don’t have to conform to the light skin bullsh*t. And by the way, are light-skinned people really more attractive? Are there no light-skinned ugly people? Just asking. 

As mentioned in the “Skinned” review (Hollywood version), what if God didn’t give us skin? What if he wrapped our bodies in Saran Wrap instead? Then we’d be forced to see each other on the inside, right? Both literally and figuratively. Skin is our most vital organ so what difference does it make if some are light, dark, or somewhere in between? 

This film also shed light on marketing tactics used on bleaching products. Words like “skin whitening” or “skin brightening” are all intended to prey on vulnerabilities and entice sales. Skin bleaching is a billion dollar business and to see a black woman profiting from the insecurities of other Black women was disgusting. 

Also, the Eku Edewor segment was puzzling. She should have been featured to confirm light-skinned advantages, not the opposite. She may have had problems being cast in roles that call for Black women but that should be expected. Her features don’t represent the classic Black woman.  

Overall, this film was raw, touching, and honest. Documentaries are meant to be informative and this one was comprised of facts, celebrities, and everyday women who spoke candidly about their complex anxieties. 

It was especially telling when Beverly visited her grandmother in Nigeria who said the complexion thing wasn’t an issue in her day. So how did we get to this emotional crisis? It’s just another method of systemic prejudice to dismiss  black communities. 

The good news is that Beverly Naya has set out to inspire Black women and it’s mission accomplished. Black beauty comes in many hues, shapes, and sizes and we as women have to embrace ourselves and each other. “Skin” isn’t the first film on the topic of colorism but it was a very necessary feat.  

Unapologetically Black. RECOMMEND