A part of the psychopathology of colonization that the revered Frantz Fanon treated quite thoroughly is the stigmatization of black skin.
The historical and cultural impact of European colonization on Africa is vast and complex, and one of the enduring legacies is how Europeans introduced and perpetuated the idea that being light-skinned is superior. This phenomenon has had a profound effect on many African societies, including Ghana.
During the era of European colonization, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, European powers imposed their influence on African societies, often using a divide-and-conquer strategy to maintain control. One of how they did this was by promoting the idea that light-skinned people were superior to those with darker skin. This idea was deeply rooted in the racist ideology of the time, which held that Europeans were inherently superior to other races.
In Ghana, as in many other African countries, this Eurocentric ideology had a lasting impact. Light-skinned individuals were often given preferential treatment in colonial society and were more likely to be granted positions of power and authority. This created a hierarchy based on skin color, with light-skinned individuals at the top and darker-skinned individuals at the bottom. This hierarchy was further perpetuated through the media and popular culture, which often portrayed light-skinned individuals as more attractive, successful, and desirable. This had a profound effect on the self-esteem and self-worth of darker-skinned Ghanaians, who were made to feel inferior because of their skin color.
Even after Ghana gained independence from colonial rule, the legacy of Eurocentric beauty standards persisted. The influence of Western media and popular culture continued to promote the idea that being light-skinned was more desirable, leading to a thriving market for skin-lightening products and treatments. This further perpetuated the idea that lighter skin was superior, and many Ghanaians felt pressured to conform to these standards to be considered beautiful or successful.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to challenge and dismantle these Eurocentric beauty standards in Ghana. Activists and public figures have spoken out against the promotion of skin-lightening products and have sought to promote a more inclusive and diverse standard of beauty. This has led to a greater awareness of the damaging impact of Eurocentric beauty standards on Ghanaian society, and a push for greater representation and celebration of all skin tones.
Despite these efforts, the legacy of European influence on beauty standards in Ghana continues to have a lasting impact. It will take continued education, advocacy, and representation to challenge these deeply ingrained beliefs and create a society where all skin tones are celebrated and valued equally. The history of how Europeans made being light-skinned a “thing” in Africa is a complex and painful one, but by acknowledging and addressing this history, there is hope for a more inclusive and equitable future for all Ghanaians.