Ms. Lakshmi Anil
BIO
Ms. Anil is a scholar who recently submitted her PhD thesis in English Literature at Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Kerala. Her research focuses on colonial discourse, medieval Kerala history, whiteness studies, popular culture, and colorism. Her thesis, "The Curious Colours of Myth, Fiction, and Reality," examines colonialism and beauty standards in literature. Ms. Anil has published work with Cambridge Scholars Publishing and presented at the Inaugural Ronald E. Hall Conference on Colorism.
She has served as a research scholar, assistant professor, and communicative English teacher, implementing innovative teaching methods and providing student support. She holds an MA and BA in English Language and Literature from Bharata Mata College, both with distinction, and has received several academic awards. Additionally, she was involved in social causes through leadership roles in the NGO Amaara Foundation.
Presentation
Session 3A. Exploring the Nexus Between Colorism, Fairness Creams, and Health Implications: A Case Study of Kerala, India
DescriptionThis presentation focuses on an investigation of the intricate interplay between colourism, the proliferation of fairness creams, and their associated health ramifications, particularly within the socio-cultural context of Kerala, India. Colourism, a form of discrimination based on skin tone, continues to pervade various facets of society, perpetuating ideals of fairness as a symbol of beauty, success, and social status. Within this framework, the cosmetic industry thrives on the promotion of fairness creams, often endorsed subtly, yet insidiously, by various channels in Kerala. However, these products often lack transparency regarding their ingredients, posing significant health risks to consumers. This study examines the societal implications of colourism and the adverse health effects stemming from the unregulated use of fairness creams. The findings underscore the detrimental impact of colourism on individual self-esteem, mental health, and societal cohesion, perpetuating a cycle of prejudice and discrimination. Moreover, the opacity surrounding fairness cream ingredients underscores regulatory loopholes and underscores the urgent need for stringent regulatory measures to safeguard consumer health. By bridging the gap between academia, public health, and policy advocacy, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics underlying colourism, fairness cream consumption, and its broader implications for public health and social justice in Kerala and beyond.