[redambition]

i think it stems back to classism.

when you think about it, in an area where farming or outdoor work is the main source of income - those with fair skin appear wealthy, because they don't have to work in the sun.

in an area where indoor work is the main source of income, having darker (or tanned) skin can be seen as a sign of wealth - as that person has the leisure time to spend getting that tan. pale skin becomes a sign of the worker. this is ever so true these days in the cities in the west - tanned skin is considered beautiful, healthy etc. why? because we all spend so much time working indoors. tanned skin denotes having the luxury of time. that is slowly changing now that we know of the dangers of tanning... but so many people still strive for that tan look.

you can't win