Chief secretary’s experience proves skin-tone prejudice persists in inclusive Kerala

KOCHI: The chief secretary's bitter experience highlights the persistent prejudice based on skin tone in Kerala which boasts inclusivity and progress in education and social development.
Kerala has witnessed several racist incidents, with even eminent personalities not being spared.
Kalamandalam Sathyabhama's jibe last year at fellow Mohiniyattam dancer RLV Ramakrishnan — "the person who performs Mohiniyattam should be Mohini, he (Ramakrishnan) has the colour of a crow" — became a major controversy. Award-winning actor Vinayakan and former minister MM Mani of CPM too were at the receiving end of racist remarks.
"While Malayalees may not have an inherent aversion to black colour, their discomfort with dark-skinned individuals is tied to deep-rooted caste-based prejudices. Historically, those who worked in the fields or performed daily labour, often from lower-caste backgrounds, were darker-skinned. For many, the image of a dark-skinned person evokes notions of untouchability and subjugation, regardless of their personal or professional achievements," opined activist Sunny M Kapikkad.
He said every sector, including media, movies and literature, plays a major role in portraying dark-skinned people as inferior. "I presume the chief secretary faced humiliation from a junior civil service officer. It is concerning that a junior officer was bold enough to make such remarks, possibly because they perceive Sarada as inferior solely because of her skin colour, ignoring her accomplishments and talents," Kapikkad said.
Social critic J Devika said ASHAs' continuing protest in front of the Secretariat is a prime example of how the govt is ignoring the protests by dark-skinned people. "Even govt authorities are dismissing the demands of people based on their skin colour. The chief minister, who posed for photographs with members of the Women in Cinema Collective during their protests, is now unwilling to meet ASHA workers," she said.
Activist Dhanya Raman said people get respect when their skin colour is white. "Dark-skinned individuals, especially those from ordinary backgrounds, face this issue more intensely than prominent figures like the chief secretary. For us, it's a daily struggle. Even children refuse to show respect to elderly individuals with dark skin. The change must start at home. It is vital not to teach children that dark skin is something to be looked down upon or considered inferior," she said.