I have thought about writing this piece for a mighty long time. I battled with the fear of coming off sounding sickeningly sanctimonious or (God forbid) like a hater.
How to react when someone tells you; “ah you have gone darker”
Notwithstanding, it would be really great to hear your thoughts on this, whilst also sharing my views. image image It started out like a fairly regular Thursday evening… I walked into the living room, tired and all a flush from a long fulfilling day at work. I stumbled upon a fairly typical scene; a family friend chatting away happily with my mother.She (family friend) became aware of my presence and her eyes lit up.
“Hello Ezinne, how are you?” she exclaims in pleased animated tones.
“It is so good to see you, ah, you’ve grown darker. The last time I saw you, you were much lighter and glowing”. I smiled and shrugged off the statement. I truly did not care…
During the course of our conversation, she brings up the purported tragic state of my epidermis once more. She says, “So what are you going to do about your colour? What are you going to use to bring it back to how it was before”. Shoot me now!
I kept my cool and calmly replied, “It does not really matter what shade my skin is, I am comfortable and happy regardless. She looked thoroughly flummoxed and peered at me furtively with a strange expression on her face; pity perhaps?
Here’s the reality, we are pretty darn fabulous, it really doesn’t matter how light or dark we are. Everyone has his or her own special brand of uniqueness. Also, it is not about how perfect our skin is, but how perfect the woman wearing the skin is. I have nothing against bleaching/ toning or enhancing one’s skin. I believe life allows each individual a free reign to do as they please (freedom of expression).
I would however confess to a slight bias towards women with flawless undoctored skin. This does not in any way mean women with bleached skin are less beautiful.
We all need to strive to attain a state of true self-love. Look in the mirror and smile at your reflection. Love the girl/woman in the mirror, zits/blemishes and all. She is spectacular!
I leave you all with this; “Life is never static, we go through different phases at different times and sometimes our appearance alters. The natural or bleached skin sometimes has its down moments. How do we handle the down moments??? That is the true test of what makes a “phenomenal woman”…
Standing sure/proud regardless of her appearance and keeping it moving.
Xxxx
Ezinne Chinkata
Photography: Kola Oshalusi
Dress: Chidinma Obairi
Black Lace body Suit: Top Shop
Black Patent Pumps: Office
