1. S KIN C OLOR C ONFUSION By:Bethany Thomas

2. W HAT IS HAPPENING ? In America, for decades have become an example of a tanning epidemic. In India for years the women have been using whitening solutions to become lighter. More than 1 million people visit tanning salons a day in America. Both industries are extremely lucrative in their respective countries. In 2010 the American tanning industry made $2.6 billion. The same year the whitening products industry of India made $432 million.

3. C OMMON PROBLEMS WITH TANNING ? Self esteem/body issues for women trying to achieve a specific type of beauty. Health risks: Skin cancer for UV radiation (generally melanoma which is the deadliest type), skin damage, weakened immune system, premature aging, eye problems, etc.

4. C OMMON PROBLEMS WITH SKIN WHITENING ? Distorted self image. Perpetuation of racism with the belief that one race is better than another because of skin tone. Health risks: Skin thinning from steroids in cream, acne, elevated blood sugar, suppression of bodies natural steroids.

5. W HAT DOES THIS MEAN ? The social constructs that having lighter or darker skin is better are perpetuated by media and support a negative idea that one must change themselves (often to the determinant of their health) in order to be seen as attractive by society. Youth is being affected the most. 70% of tanning customers in America belong to the Caucasian female 16-29 category. Industries selling products such as self tanner or whitening cream are reaping the benefits of others dangers.

6. W HAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN TO CREATE CHANGE ? Education, education, education. The more consumers know about the long term risks they face the less chance they will engage in tanning. Mind set change. Americas media has a firm grasp on its youth and will undoubtedly do anything to sell products. We must refuse to succumb to the image of beauty but instead embrace natural beauty in all aspects. Boycotting products that send the wrong message on equality by altering skin color.

7. G OING TOO FAR … W ARNINGS. http://www.cbsnews.co m/videos/fda-calls-for- cancer-warning- labels-on-tanning- beds/ http://www.cbsnews.co m/videos/fda-calls-for- cancer-warning- labels-on-tanning- beds/

8. S OURCES C ITED http://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2013/au g/14/indias-dark-obsession-fair-skin http://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2013/au g/14/indias-dark-obsession-fair-skin http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/16/health/16skin.ht ml?pagewanted=all&_r=0 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/16/health/16skin.ht ml?pagewanted=all&_r=0 https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/- MZg265AC87w/TYY8wzfqktI/AAAAAAAAAT4/itBSd Y5zHJw/s1600/New+White+Perfect+- +Transparent+Rosy+Whitening+Moisturising+Cream +%255BF%255D.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/- MZg265AC87w/TYY8wzfqktI/AAAAAAAAAT4/itBSd Y5zHJw/s1600/New+White+Perfect+- +Transparent+Rosy+Whitening+Moisturising+Cream +%255BF%255D.jpg http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5LrjvM0n2M/S- X05elnIyI/AAAAAAAAAH4/4wEZcBpxy28/s640/woma n-tan-white-300x199.jpg http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5LrjvM0n2M/S- X05elnIyI/AAAAAAAAAH4/4wEZcBpxy28/s640/woma n-tan-white-300x199.jpg http://www.entrepreneur.com/dbimages/blog/h1/is- tanning-mom-another-setback-for-sunbed- industry.jpg http://www.entrepreneur.com/dbimages/blog/h1/is- tanning-mom-another-setback-for-sunbed- industry.jpg