Why Is My Skin Dark and Not Light, Mommy?

I remember the day my daughter turned to me and asked this delicate question. Her big, brown eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of vulnerability. It caught me off guard, not because I wasn't prepared, but because I realized that my little girl was now old enough to grasp the complexities of skin color and the societal implications that came with it.

As a mother, my heart skipped a beat. I wanted to give her the most thoughtful and empowering answer I could. I took a deep breath and began to tell her the story of our ancestors.

I explained to her how our ancestors came from a distant land called Africa, where the sun shines brightly and the people have skin that protects them from its warmth. I told her how, over many years, our people migrated to different parts of the world, including the Philippines, where we now live.

"But why is my skin different from yours, Mommy?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.

I smiled and said, "Well, that's because of a special ingredient that makes your skin unique. It's called melanin. Melanin is like a natural sunscreen that helps protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays. It's also what gives our skin its beautiful brown color."

I went on to explain that everyone has different amounts of melanin in their skin, which is why we come in all different shades. I told her that her skin color is a beautiful gift, a reminder of our heritage and the journey that has brought us to this moment.

Her eyes lit up, and a proud smile spread across her face. "So, my skin is like a superhero cape that protects me from the sun?" she asked.

I laughed and said, "Yes, honey, just like a superhero cape!"

In that moment, I realized that the conversation had gone beyond skin color. It was about identity, self-acceptance, and embracing the beauty of diversity.

As a society, we have a responsibility to celebrate and cherish the differences that make each of us unique. We need to teach our children the value of empathy, understanding, and the importance of loving themselves and others for who they are.

My daughter's question was not just about the color of her skin. It was about the color of her identity. And it is an identity that I, as her mother, will always be proud of.

Call to Action:

Let's start a conversation with our children about skin color and diversity. Let's teach them to embrace their own unique beauty and to respect the differences of others. Together, we can create a world where every child feels valued and loved, regardless of the color of their skin.