Videos: Black Celebrities And The Light vs. Dark Skin Controversy

We have said this before and we will say it again; the topic around skin lightening is a controversial one. Recently, a Kenyan journalist of Asian descent wrote about it (see quote below) in the top-selling Kenyan newspaper. The issue appears to permeate different cultures.

As we know, many young African and South Asian women take this option, using skin-harming products to chase the illusive beauty myth that surrounds light skin. (Source: Sunday Nation)

Various celebrities, almost all of them female, have been caught in the imbroglio. Here are some videos on what they had to say (we reserve our opinion):

Lupita Nyong'o Speech on Black Beauty

The award-winning star of 12 Years a Slave shed tears as she described her own experiences around her dark skin color. What's interesting is that this was in her own birth place in Africa, where you would expect people to know better.

Vanity Fair magazine was also accused of digitally lightening Lupita Nyong'o's skin in an image published on one of its issues. However, some believe that it was simply a matter of set lighting as opposed and not "photo shopping".

Africa's 'Lady Gaga' On Skin Whitening

If you watched the above video featuring Lupita Nyong'o, perhaps you recall where a young girl considered buying Dencia’s skin-lightening cream, branded Whitenicious. Well, you may not know Dencia, but she is considered Africa's "Lady Gaga". Here's a video of Dencia defending her position on this:

Actresses Tackle the Light Vs. Dark Skin Debate

In the following video, some of the most beautiful African-American actresses talk to Oprah about their own experiences:

While we reserve our opinion on this issue, we would love to hear yours. Your comment below much appreciated.