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Health & Beauty

Why its Time to End Gora Complex for Good

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
  • Pakistanis need to reject the gora complex that values fair skin over darker skin tones.
  • Skin whitening creams cause more harm than good, containing toxic substances and posing health risks.
  • Embracing cultural identity and promoting self-acceptance is crucial in dismantling harmful beauty ideals and fostering inclusivity.

Pakistan, like many other countries, has been grappling with a deeply ingrained societal issue known as the Gora complex.

This complex refers to the obsession with fair skin and the belief that it is superior to darker skin tones.

Such a mindset has led to the widespread use of skin whitening creams, which promise to lighten skin and offer a solution to obtaining favorable marriage proposals.

However, Pakistanis must recognize the harm caused by this complex and the adverse effects of these creams.

In this article, we will delve into the detrimental consequences of the ‘gora complex’ and shed light on the importance of accepting oneself as they are.

 

Understanding the Gora Complex

The ‘gora complex’ stems from historical and colonial influences that have perpetuated the notion that fair skin equates to beauty, success, and higher social status.

These deeply entrenched beliefs have seeped into various aspects of Pakistani society, including the marriage market.

The persistent focus on fair skin as a desirable trait has led many Pakistanis to resort to skin-whitening creams in pursuit of better marriage proposals.

The Dark Side of Skin Whitening Creams

Contrary to their promises, skin whitening creams pose serious risks to the health and well-being of individuals. They often contain toxic substances such as mercury, hydroquinone, and steroids, which can lead to a range of adverse effects, including skin irritation, allergies, and even long-term health complications.

These creams also perpetuate the harmful notion that fair skin is the epitome of beauty, reinforcing the ‘gora complex’ and further damaging self-esteem and cultural identity.

The Health Hazards

a) Mercury Poisoning: Skin whitening creams that contain mercury can have severe consequences on health. Mercury exposure can lead to kidney damage, neurological disorders, and even fetal abnormalities in pregnant women. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about the dangers of mercury-containing skin-lightening products and advises against their use.

b) Skin Damage: Hydroquinone, a common ingredient in skin whitening creams, can cause skin thinning, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and uneven skin pigmentation. Prolonged use of these creams can result in irreversible damage, making the skin more vulnerable to sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer.

c) Psychological Impact: The ‘gora complex’ not only affects physical health but also takes a toll on individuals’ mental well-being. Constantly striving for fairer skin can lead to low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, and feelings of inadequacy. Embracing one’s natural skin tone and promoting self-acceptance can foster a healthier body image and boost self-confidence.

Promoting Cultural Identity

Pakistanis need to celebrate their diverse cultural heritage and reject the idea that fair skin is the only standard of beauty.

Pakistan is a country rich in cultural traditions, where the spectrum of skin tones represents the beautiful mosaic of its people. Embracing this diversity fosters unity, inclusivity, and a strong sense of identity.

Educating & Empowering the Youth

To break free from the ‘gora complex,’ it is essential to educate the younger generation about the harmful effects of skin whitening creams and promote self-acceptance.

Schools, media, and community organizations should play an active role in creating awareness campaigns that emphasize the beauty of diversity and encourage self-confidence based on character, talents, and achievements rather than skin color.

Shifting Societal Narratives

The media, advertising industry, and the entertainment sector can significantly influence societal perceptions.

By showcasing diverse beauty standards and featuring individuals with different skin tones in a positive light, these platforms can challenge the gora complex and redefine the meaning of beauty.

Encouraging media representation that accurately reflects the population can dismantle harmful beauty ideals and promote a more inclusive society.

Together, let’s put an end to this disease eating away at our daughters and progressive society.

Share your thoughts with us below.

Stay tuned to WOW360.

 

 

Sources:

 

  1. World Health Organization (WHO)  https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/skin-disorders-and-environmental-risks
  2. The Guardian  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/27/skin-whitening-creams-pollution
  3. Amnesty International  https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2020/12/skin-whitening-creams-market/
  4. Study on the psychological effects of the ‘gora complex’ in Pakistan https://doi.org/10.1080/14616734.2019.1702435

 

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Whitening Cream
Health & Beauty

Dangerous Side-Effects of Whitening Creams & What You Need to Know About Them!

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A

Whitening creams have been frowned upon for some time now. Not only does it encourage the ‘gora complex’ in an already complicated society, but also disheartens men and women who have a dark complexion.

Many young individuals are rejected because of their skin colour, often driving them into depression and causing anxiety. They turn to such products, but little do they know that they are only inviting dangerous side effects.

Recently, a woman in the US went partially blind due to mercury poisoning, the same mercury which is present in whitening products at dangerous levels. Not only did she put her own life at stake, but she also exposed the children and other individuals in the household to the poison as well.

This problem has become such a huge crisis in recent times that social media is not shy to call out celebrities for endorsing such brands and products. In Pakistan, social media called out Alizeh Shah for endorsing a beauty (fairness/whitening cream).

Netizens Call Out Alizeh Shah for Promoting Fairness Cream

Whitening Product Side-Effects

Skin whitening products lead to several complications, including:

  • skin turning dark or too light
  • thinning of the skin
  • visible blood vessels in the skin
  • scarring
  • kidney, liver or nerve damage
  • abnormalities in a newborn baby
  • allergic reaction including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing
  • mercury poisoning

Signs of Mercury Poisoning

The signs of poisoning include:

  • hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Fatigue and numbness in the body
  • slurred speech
  • blurred vision
  • difficulty walking
  • Kidney failure
  • Lung damage
  • tremors, memory loss, and irritability

When used over time, skin whitening creams, especially those that are not legally authorized or sold in the open markets with chemicals and other harmful ingredients can be hazardous, even deadly.

Therefore, if you’ve been using a product that contains mercury, hydroquinone, or corticosteroids, you should stop using it immediately as there is no check and balance of many products in the black market.

Moreover, always read the label before making the purchase and don’t forget to consult with a dermatologist before using a new product.

It’s high time we reject the ‘gora complex’ culture and promote the fact that every skin tone and every person is beautiful just the way they are.

Share your two cents with us in the comments below.

Stay tuned to WOW360.

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Health & BeautySocial Issues

Netizens Call Out Alizeh Shah for Promoting Fairness Cream

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A

Pakistani actress Alizeh Shah has been a victim of trolling and a favourite MEME topic every now and then. Once again savage social media has targeted the celeb, but this time many are claiming it’s for all the rights reasons.

Just like the actresses before her, Shah received major backlash for promoting a fairness cream brand and its product. For a while now be it Ayeza Khan or even Mahira, netizens want celebs to stop promoting such products.

Not only can they cause damage to an individual’s skin and health, but also promote the ‘gora complex’ stereotype that Pakistanis have been wanting to break.

We have often heard that girls are rejected for dark complexion, they are underconfident, and there are several mental and emotional traumas associated with the colour of the skin, which is why it is all the more important to stop promoting the dream of fair skin and start promoting the fact that all women (and men) regardless of skin colour are beautiful.

Netizens Call Out Alizeh Shah

While many of her fans commented that she doesn’t need a cream to enhance her beauty, here’s what others had to say:

For some time now, even Pakistani dramas had been promoting the concept that people with dark skin and frowned upon, no matter how amazingly talented they may be. Following this the younger and more aware generation wants this to change in the long term.

We hope we see this change in the near future.

Stay tuned to WOW360.

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