Why do Filipinos want to look white?

Question

If you go to Phils today, you can find tons of whitening products that are multiplying like a mushroom & its sales are skyrocketing. And there are even some who take glutathione tablets or a trip to a dermatologist for some whitening treatments.

Moreover if you look at those local commercials, the message entails that "white is beautiful" and if you are too tanned, you are ugly. Moreover, some even go to plastic surgeons for nose-lifting, dye their hair blonde (even if it don't suit them) & wear colored contact lenses.

Whats the big deal about being white & why is it that Filipinos or even other Asians are so obsessed with these things that are literally impossible for them to change? I know about the colonial mentality attitude but can't they just change it and love their own skin & appearance. Its really very annoying to see people making fun of their dark-skinned fellowmen.

Answer 1

because for them white skinned is very attractive. i don't know why. but americans want to become tan and filipinos want to become white.

WHAT AN IRONY!

Answer 2

Yes you are right, where else in the world can you find a grocery store shelf filled will all variants of whitening products in different consistencies? My skin is naturally white due to a hint of foreign blood but I don't despise darker skin.

The "white and beautiful" is further reinforced by the brainwashing advertisements and TV programs by these big corporations whose business is to profit from sale of whitening products to unhappy, discontented, low self-esteemed people who are not satisfied with their look, skin color, etc.

To the other answerer, Americans in my opinion are not obsessed in tanning. Tanning only is a summer thing. Everyone wants a glowing tan skin during summertime when they hit the beaches and strut with summer outfits. It's not a whole year fad.

Answer 3

Most people are not happy with what they have until its gone on the same token white people are always trying to be dark going to the beach and tanning beds. They make a killing of that market to and it is pretty much saying white skin is ugly in that market. Advertisements are designed to make people feel they have a need for their product otherwise they wouldn't make any money.

Answer 4

because of those commercials

Answer 5

OBVIOUSLY YOU HAVEN'T MEET ALL FILIPINOS. FIRST OF ALL MOST OF MY FAMILY AND RELATIVES AND I HAVE DARK SKINNED, AND NEVER..NEVER DID I/WE WANT TO LOOK WHITE.

SO FOR YOU TO GENERALIZE IS VERY OFFENSIVE TO ME.

Answer 6

Because people have no satisfaction.  In US, american want to be tan.  

Answer 7

i dont wanna look white...i'm a true filipina and i was born in the philippines and i love my color...

Answer 8

Filipinos want to look white, because they're not.

It's easy.  People are never be satisfied,

that's why they keep searching for new things.

Answer 9

Colonial mentality.  

Back in the Spanish era (i was but a young boy back then), people who are light skinned are generally insulares (born in Spain) or peninsulares (Spanish blood, born locally).

They have better social stature, better education, and yes, even better looking.

To further understand the scope of this phenomenon, take a look at the other former colonies of Spain.  In Latin American countries, pointed nose, high cheeks, and fair complexion are more valued than the natural native looks.  You'll never see a fat, flat-nosed, thick-faced Mexican in tv and magazine ads.  Instead, the Mexican you'll see in those ads are more likely possessing the looks of a caucasian.

Asian Indians also exhibit this attitude but for slightly different reasons.  To them, dark skin equals poverty and lower levels in the caste system.  On the other hand, lighter skin exhibit wealth and higher social stature.

Answer 10

because they are sick of their natural color, they want something new.

Answer 11

Because they are embarrassed of what they are naturally.  They want to pretend to be something else.

Answer 12

Because they don't like to look black