[S.S.BlackOrchid]

It's true. If you look at Indian matrimonials, many of them say them they want a fair woman. It roots from a symbol of wealth (wealthy women staying inside and not getting tanned, etc), not from colonialism or European looks. It precedes the British rule.

Yes, it is ridiculous. My distant relative had a baby, and they were freaking out because they thought the baby had dark skin and would grow up to be ugly, so they kept using creams on the baby. My aunt, who's very reasonable, said that she didn't understand what the fuss was about and that the baby looked fine to her.

The trend is very slowly dying, because more people are starting to criticize it. I hope it does die out because it is just stupid. People talk about my sister not being fair, but she has the most beautiful, glowing, dark bronze skin.