Inside the �yellow bone� frenzy
Friday, April 29, 2016

Beauty?: S. A celebrity, Mshoza has undergone a complete makeover
The pressure is real and fast-paced. Though not all-dark toned black women are part of it, there is a race to acquire lighter and fairer skin.
There was a madness in the 1980s when many dark-skinned sisters would use anything to make their skins lighter. From soaps, to creams and various washes with hope-inducing names and properties, many fell to the temptation of trying to “wash away” the blackness. Many fell victim to dangerous chemicals, preparations and processes of skin bleaching and many still walk the streets today, scarred.
While every citizen, including the Head of State, has the right to voice opinions, the tone and context of the President’s comments were regrettably dismissive and risk chilling free expression in our country. The remarks are not isolated. They form part of a disturbing pattern of public attacks on independent institutions pillars essential to the healthy functioning of our democracy. The Judiciary, the Legislature, and now the media have all...