The Psychology of Skin Bleaching

""This study by Professor Charles about skin bleaching is not only timely and important but delves into the many reasons behind this practice. The book provides a simple and coherent discussion highlighting that the practice of skin bleaching is not only carried out in many countries but also cuts across several domains that shape skin bleachers’ behaviour such as the legacies of colonialism, social relations, powerful media that influence people’s imaginations, the social construction of beauty, femininities, masculinities, the body, consumerism, and capital. While many studies claim skin bleaching is done primarily because of self-hate, this book largely refutes that by suggesting the need for wider discussions about the ways the skin bleachers, as complex persons, talk about the elements in the culture that influence them to alter their complexion. The important uniqueness of this well-researched book is its aim to liberate most skin bleachers from the pathological, mono-causal and one size fits all self-hate explanation. Readers are taken on a journey from the historical context of skin bleaching through to its many complex facets in a way that is compelling, coherent and convincing."" -- Dr Tony Talburt, Senior Lecturer at Birmingham City University, UK ""Professor Christopher Charles has provided rich empirical data and psychological analyses of the complicated world of skin-bleaching in Jamaica within a compelling global comparative framework. The prevalence of skin bleaching in Jamaica is 10% as compared to parts of Africa where it is 20% upwards. It is also a tour de force of 21st century contradictory mentalities of Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora that are rooted in multiple identities that bear the marks of the legacies of slavery, colonialism, colorism and hegemonic whiteness. The author also provides important policy recommendations to deal with skin-bleaching."" --Dr Rupert Lewis, internationally renown scholar on Marcus Garvey and Emeritus Professor of Political Thought, Department of Government, University of the West Indies, Mona ""This book is necessary and important, considering how prevalent skin bleaching has become in various black diasporic spaces and the significant number of individuals affected by this public health problem. Integrating theoretical perspectives and scientific evidence, the author masterfully links the roots of skin bleaching to the colonial experience that created a racial hierarchy based on the social approval of lighter skin over darker skin. Notably, the author highlights how these practices are embedded in contemporary institutions and reinforced by art forms while illustrating the implications for social and economic mobility and health."" --Dr. Krim K. Lacey, Associate Professor, University of Michigan, USA