As an Indian man, I’ve sometimes found myself more drawn to women with Caucasian features—fair skin, light eyes, sharp noses. Even among Indian women, I subconsciously favor those with lighter skin or more "Western-looking" faces. For a long time, I never questioned it. But recently, I started asking: Where do these preferences come from? And more importantly—what do they say about me?
Is it racism? Is it just personal taste? Or is there something deeper at play?
Beauty Is Not Just Personal—It's Political
We like to believe that attraction is purely instinctive and personal. But the truth is, our "types" are often shaped by centuries of cultural conditioning, media influence, and social hierarchies.
In India, the preference for fair skin and sharp features isn't new. It's not even just a colonial hangover—it’s much older.
Ancient Biases: Before the British Came
Even before colonization, Indian society had deep caste-linked aesthetic preferences. Light skin, narrow noses, and angular features were often associated with upper castes like Brahmins and Kshatriyas. These features were not just considered beautiful—they were seen as signs of purity, superiority, and divinity.
In contrast, darker skin, broader noses, and curlier hair—features more common among Dalit, Adivasi, and Dravidian communities—were unfairly stigmatized.
Ancient texts, myths, and social practices reinforced this hierarchy. Terms like “Shyam” (dark) or “Krishna” (black) did exist with reverence—but in many stories, the “demon” or “rakshasa” was often dark, while the “god” or “deva” was fair.
Then Came Colonialism—and Made It Worse
The British didn't invent colorism in India, but they weaponized it.
By positioning themselves as rulers and portraying whiteness as the symbol of intelligence, modernity, and power, they deepened India’s obsession with pale skin. The idea that “white is right” was cemented further through English education, Christian missionary influence, and elite alliances.
Suddenly, looking "foreign" wasn't just desirable—it became aspirational.
Bollywood, Matrimonials, and Fairness Creams: Today’s Enablers
Fast forward to today, and the results are everywhere:
-
Bollywood mostly casts light-skinned heroines, often with Eurocentric features.
-
Matrimonial ads demand “fair, slim, tall” brides.
-
Fairness creams like “Fair & Lovely” (now rebranded) still fly off the shelves.
So when someone like me says, “I prefer fair women” or “sharp noses are more attractive,” I’m not just expressing personal taste. I’m echoing centuries of racial, caste, and colonial biases—often without realizing it.
Does That Make Me Racist?
Not necessarily. Having a preference shaped by your environment doesn't make you evil. But never questioning it? That’s where the danger lies.
If I only see beauty in those who resemble whiteness or upper-caste standards…
If I instinctively find darker-skinned or broader-featured women less attractive…
If I would feel more validated or “successful” being with a Caucasian woman…
Then yes—I’ve internalized a biased worldview. And it’s time to unpack it.
Unlearning What We’ve Been Taught
Here’s how I (and maybe others) can start:
-
Expose Yourself to Diverse Beauty
Follow creators, models, and influencers who celebrate South Asian, Dravidian, and Dalit features—dark skin, broad noses, curly hair, and all. -
Question the Hierarchy
Ask yourself: Would I find this person attractive if they didn’t have those Eurocentric traits?
If not—why not? -
Challenge the Link Between Fairness and Value
Fair skin isn’t “classy.” Sharp noses aren’t “superior.” These are learned associations, not truths. -
Consume Art That Reflects Our Reality
Read Dalit literature. Watch indie films that break Bollywood’s aesthetic mold. Learn about your country’s own diversity.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about guilt—it’s about growth.
It's okay to have preferences. But it's better to ask: Did I choose these preferences, or did someone choose them for me?
By confronting these uncomfortable truths, we don’t just free ourselves from bias—we make room to see and appreciate beauty in all its real, raw, and diverse forms.
