Mostly Harmless

So. ashamed.

thedailywhat:

Culture Shock of the Day: Vaseline India has launched a “skin-lightening” Facebook app aimed at men, which invites users to “transform your face on Facebook with Vaseline Men.”

From AFP:

In 2005, Indian cosmetics giant Emani launched the first skin-whitening cream for men, called “Fair and Handsome”, 27 years after the first cream for women.

Since then a half dozen foreign brands have piled into the market for men, including Garnier, L’Oreal and Nivea, which promote the seemingly magical lightening qualities of their products in ubiquitous advertising.

In 2009, a poll of nearly 12,000 people by online dating site Shaadi.com, revealed that skin tone was considered the most important criteria when choosing a partner in three northern Indian states.

[arbroath.]