Generally, Americans prefer tan skin. Abundant tanning salons and sunbathers on American beaches affirm this fact. I began to take this for granted until I came to Asia. While in China I learned that most people look down on those with dark tans. In the States a tan signifies a healthy, outdoor lifestyle; in Asia tan skin indicates a poor background involving outdoor, physical labor. In China, for instance, many people (women in particular) take pride in their white skin. It shows that they are higher class and do not need to work in the fields to make a living.
This same sentiment exists in Thailand as well. For instance, I went golfing with my Dad the other day and asked him about the golf caddies. With long-sleeved shirts, gloves, gigantic hats and headbands I almost thought they were following modest Islamic dressing standards. I learned, however, that the caddies dressed this way simply to keep off the sun. While working as a golf caddie might not be a fabulous job, at least they wanted to keep that socially damaging tan off their skin.
Interestingly, a tan’s social stigma is not deeply ingrained in the culture. Unlike Buddhist beliefs or a respect for the Thai King, some Thais seem quite able to change their perceptions of a tan. One colleague, for instance, went to a graduate program in California. After being there less than two years, she adopted the U.S. view—tan skin looks good. She spent days out on the beach in CA. Now in Thailand, she laments not sunbathing in her bikini anymore because of the social stigma against tans and immodest swimming suits.
Next time your friends suggest you get a tan, just tell them that you believe in the Asian view of beauty. Bright, white, sun-starved skin is gorgeous!
This same sentiment exists in Thailand as well. For instance, I went golfing with my Dad the other day and asked him about the golf caddies. With long-sleeved shirts, gloves, gigantic hats and headbands I almost thought they were following modest Islamic dressing standards. I learned, however, that the caddies dressed this way simply to keep off the sun. While working as a golf caddie might not be a fabulous job, at least they wanted to keep that socially damaging tan off their skin.
Interestingly, a tan’s social stigma is not deeply ingrained in the culture. Unlike Buddhist beliefs or a respect for the Thai King, some Thais seem quite able to change their perceptions of a tan. One colleague, for instance, went to a graduate program in California. After being there less than two years, she adopted the U.S. view—tan skin looks good. She spent days out on the beach in CA. Now in Thailand, she laments not sunbathing in her bikini anymore because of the social stigma against tans and immodest swimming suits.
Next time your friends suggest you get a tan, just tell them that you believe in the Asian view of beauty. Bright, white, sun-starved skin is gorgeous!
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