The issue around coloring isn't necessarily a Western one. I know Thai women suffer from the same predisposition to appreciating lighter skin over darker skin. Darker skin is associated with working outside, labouring, menial work that pays little while lighter skin is seen as higher class, richer, more 'female'. It was fascinating to hear stories from them about they regularly use bleaching cream and avoid the sun wherever possible. Such a strange dichotomy to see white tourists out sunbathing, and the local Thai women completely covered up.
And who can forget one of the most famous American celebrities was a black man who became a white woman.
And who can forget one of the most famous American celebrities was a black man who became a white woman.
