In the eye-opening article “Shades of Bias,” Sanjana K. enlightens readers with a popular but dangerous trend in India.  Since the 1970’s, people have used skin-lightening products because as Sanjana  explains, “Darker-skinned people are often openly shamed, can’t attract a spouse, or rejected from getting a good job.”  Companies of skin-lightening creams entice people to buy their product by using famous media figures in ads.  It isn’t just racist; however, it is also detrimental to users’ health.  To appear more attractive, famous, and successful, people use the harmful cream that contains banned and poisonous chemicals like mercury and hydroquinone that can lead to skin cancer. 

A person risking his or her health to gain acceptance or a higher salary is troubling.  Skin-lightening products promote the idea that white is superior to darker skin, which is trying to be reversed.  I agree with Sanjana’s statement “Society, as a whole, should make an effort to be more accepting of everyone, regardless of their skin color.