I wanted to repost this picture today because it’s much needed. As I was getting my South Asian Indian wedding dress fitted today the woman working on my dress said, “Oh, you’re Indian? I wouldn’t have guessed because you’re so dark!” 
When it comes to South Asian Indian culture, media, and entertainment... darker South Asians are not represented. We too, were colonzied for many years by white/Caucasian Europeans. We too, were told and it was ingrained in the South Asian culture that “white” is superior and deemed more beautiful. Indians like Africans ... have the most melanin in their skin. #colorism However, darker South Asian Indians are not represented because we aren’t looked at as beautiful. So many times when it comes to entertainment, I’m casted as black, and not as Indian, because of the tone of my skin. It’s frustrating. I had one casting director actually tell me they specifically picked me for the project, because I was darker, and darker south Asians aren’t represented. However, no matter what... I will do everything to open doors for all women, but especially for black and brown women!! This is also why representation matters. India is ALL SHADES OF BROWN!... but you only see light skinned Indians.
When it comes to South Asian Indian culture, media, and entertainment... darker South Asians are not represented. We too, were colonzied for many years by white/Caucasian Europeans. We too, were told and it was ingrained in the South Asian culture that “white” is superior and deemed more beautiful. Indians like Africans ... have the most melanin in their skin. #colorism However, darker South Asian Indians are not represented because we aren’t looked at as beautiful. So many times when it comes to entertainment, I’m casted as black, and not as Indian, because of the tone of my skin. It’s frustrating. I had one casting director actually tell me they specifically picked me for the project, because I was darker, and darker south Asians aren’t represented. However, no matter what... I will do everything to open doors for all women, but especially for black and brown women!! This is also why representation matters. India is ALL SHADES OF BROWN!... but you only see light skinned Indians.It absolutely breaks my heart to go to these Indian stores, and see so many skin bleaching creams. It’s taken me a long time to embrace my skin, so I have a huge message for all my dark skin girls out there....
Dark Brownskin Girl,My life goal, as “Trishna Helmick”... is to be the woman I needed when I was growing up.... so you can have someone to look up to. I strive to be a role model in an industry, where women like you and me, aren’t represented! Yes, yes I am South Asian Indian. I am from South India. I am DARKKK, AND I ***KING LOVE MY DARK ASS SKIN! ***** YOUR BLEACHING CREAMS, **** YOUR BEAUTY STANDARDS, AND **** COLORISM! SHINE ON MY MELANIN QUEENS!!!! -XOXO
SHINE ON MY MELANIN QUEENS!!!! -XOXOPhoto By: @dpken
