Instagram Influencer Gets Backlash For Darkening Skin, 'Pretending' to be Roadside Seller

An Instagram influencer is drawing flak for darkening her skin and acting as a roadside vendor in photos posted on her socials. The influencer, who has over 3 lakh followers on Instagram, posts Reels where she can be seen in makeup that significantly darkens her skin, wearing sarees and offering roses to people on the street. Many people commented under her videos, explaining how one’s class identity is not an aesthetic that someone else can put on.

Moreover, using the lives of economically exploited people to gain views on social media did not sit well with many. People who defended the move said that it was done to bring awareness around the injustices in society that people face due to colour of skin and financial background.

The videos were also criticised by Twitter users. One commenter defended it, saying, “My two cents: She’s saying “Dark is beautiful too”. Think of it as Insta Performance Art. More power to her for bringing attention to Indians obsession with fairer skin.” Others rebutted, citing other videos in poor taste. For instance, in one video the influencer, in character, eats in a manner that lends itself to offensive stereotypes about people belonging to the working class.

Many Indian films and shows have repeatedly contributed to the trope of “blackface” without hiring actual dark-skinned actors.

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