“Blackfishing” Is Now A Thing Apparently
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Tanning is something I never understood.
Why do so many White people try to darken their skin?
Variety, bronzing skin has been a sex appeal tactic for as long as there has been a A.D. and longer. This was because it was unique to certain areas, so a bronzed person stood out amongst paler skin tones.
It's not about 'standing out' from the crowd, it's 'standing out' from the poor. When the rich were the only ones who could afford to stay inside instead of toiling under the sun, being as pale as possible was considered the most beautiful. Now that bronzed skin is a sign wealth- being able to fly to exotic destinations where there is an excessive amount of sun instead of toiling away in an office, tan is more desired.
It's about status. Always has been, always will be. If the rich started painting their skin gold or purple, you can bet that within a few months every tanned Primark princess would be slathering themselves in cheap dyes and spray-on paint.
Purple is kinda hot
Back when most laborers spent there time outdoors, sure. Modern elites mostly compare themselves to people stuck inside buildings now. Just like how long ago being fat was desirable as it demonstrated your wealth.
Ok that makes sense.
These days there is clearly a self-loathing element to why many Whites tan.
I just find tanning to be a bizarre thing.
Think of it like how paleness was an aspired to trait in certain cultures because it meant you were not a day laborer or commonfolk. Women with gloves and parasols were meant to keep out the sun so their skin stayed milky as possible. Bronzing was considered exotic but being pale was prized even higher.
If I don't incrementally tan during spring, I will burn so badly in the summer I've had fist sized blisters and skin cancer is probably what will take me out. Tanning is a totally normal biological reaction.
Unless you're just being lazy with your words, and you mean tanning beds specifically.
I am talking about the overall tanning craze which includes sunbathing for hours and of course tanning beds.
I have seen so many White women these days complain about being pale. This just seems like self loathing to me.
So has skin lightening. As has been well pointed out. It's fashion, so it goes in waves. Tanning contributes to an overall even skin tone which gives the impression of healthiness. Much harder to have even, white skin.
As a white person I am also confused by this.
Well bodybuilders do it so their muscles stand out more
It is a status symbol to show that you are part of the upper classes. In modern society, it shows that you can laze about and sit in the sun to achieve a full body tan while other people are working