In countries with progressiveism, the harsh reality of color discrimination continues to shape life, and dark-skinned people face ridicule, exclusion, and prejudice. (Representation form) | Image source: Getty Images/Istockphoto
In countries with progressiveism, the harsh reality of color discrimination continues to shape life, and dark-skinned people face ridicule, exclusion, and prejudice. From art to everyday life, the obsession with fair skin remains deeply rooted in stark contrast to Kerala’s famous cultural and educational achievements. The revelation of the goal of skin color by Chief Secretary Saradha Muraleedharan further reveals the true country.
She encountered giggles and whispers when Cuckoo Devaky walked into her Bharatanatyam class at Adyar Kalakshetra. The teenager at the time came from a small village in Thrissur district, Kerala, because her dark skin brought ridicule. Her classmates were waiting for a “cute and bubble-filled girl” when they heard her name, but instead they saw a dark-skinned, plump girl – causing surprises and discomfort.
Du Juan recalled: “They were surprised.”
This reaction is just the beginning of a long struggle with pornography and prejudice that will shape her journey as a dancer and a woman. “I used to be an obvious choice for characters with negative shadows, like Hidimbi, Bhima’s wife or the demon in the show in Thadaka,” she said.
After finishing training and returning to Kerala, it was not easy to realize that he was a dark-skinned dancer. “We have to fight for every step. Society scrutinizes everything – our clothes, accessories, the way we walk,” she said.
Today, Dujuan is a law graduate and works as a lawyer at Thrissur. But her path is not without struggles. “Society has turned me into a rebel,” she reflected. “I began to challenge its norms and argue for my own terms.”
“Black Politics”
At 45, Cuckoo – proudly curved skin – became a model. Her inspiring journey has been captured in the documentary Karupazki (Black Beauty), explore the “Black Politics” in Kerala.
KarupazkiDirected by Mini IG, a deep understanding of social prejudice still rampant in the so-called progressive state. It highlights the enduring caste and racism that is permeating Kerala society despite its high literacy and rich cultural heritage.
“Many people ask if we should still discuss caste and racial discrimination in Kerala,” Mini reflects. “Only those who endure these difficulties can truly understand the depth of the struggle. Racist discrimination is deeply rooted in our society. We continue to have hopeless admiration for any white person who is white.”
“Skin color is resentful. Being a dark-skinned woman makes it painful.” Psychologist and artist Emmanuel Mettles performed a painting exhibition on the subject “I, Dark.”
Ms. Mettle said: “As a dark complex woman, I have encountered my body countless times.”
As a psychologist, she often encounters children who endure similar humiliation, breaking their emotionally broken self-esteem. “How do we expect these broken people to grow into strong and capable adults?” she asked. “The critical gaze of society undermines their confidence.”
Dancer RLV RAMAKRISHNAN said that universal discrimination based on skin color is deeply intertwined with caste and class domination, “a pathetic admiration for the upper class.”
“Her skin tone and attractive appearance of classical art are prerequisites for classical art, reflecting general public perceptions, and being ‘bold racism and insults,” Ramakrishnan noted.
“Catism has corrupted the classical art of Kerala,” Ramakrishnan said.
“Traditionally, Kerala society has been reluctant to recognize and appreciate classical art forms such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyatham, Koodiyattam, Chakyar Koothu, Kathakali and Carnatic music from these private groups.
publishing – March 26, 2025 04:02 pm ist
