Band-Aids Should Be A Wake Up Call To White Americans | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Band-Aids Should Be A Wake Up Call To White Americans

Who knew something so small could have such a big impact?

25
Band-Aids Should Be A Wake Up Call To White Americans
https://theeverydaygospel.com/2013/03/02/scars-pt-2/

I heard a simple sentence today that hit me hard. A phrase that opened my eyes even more to the painfully monoethnic society that overpowers America. That simple phrase that carries so much impact was, "You never had to search for a band-aid in your skin color." If you are a white American, take a moment and process that. Something as minuscule as a finding a bandage to match your skin color is something you would have never thought twice about. As a white American you have the skin color that society deems privileged enough to be the sole color of their product.

Now take a moment to think of the makeup industry. As an employee in a retail store that specializes in makeup, I promise that you will find the same privilege you see in band-aids in makeup. I'm a white female who has VERY fair skin and it is difficult finding my correct shade in concealer and foundation. I can't imagine how difficult it is for women of color. Looking at the shade options for both drug-store and high-end brands, you can find about 6-7 different shades of "fair," "ivory," or "beige," but the shades seem to stop at what appears to be a very deep "tan." If you don't trust me please feel free to take a look for yourself next time you're on the hunt for a new foundation.

So what are we learning here from my analysis of band-aid and foundation shades? Our country has a deeply rooted idea that white is a default skin tone. An idea that white is a default ethnicity. An idea that white is what is right. Let this be the moment you wake up to an idea I had seemed to sleep on for too long. Because I took my own skin color for granted. I never faced the struggles the black and dark-skinned latinx communities have faced for so long which meant for me that there was no problem at all. Ignorance is bliss. This is exactly how many white Americans feel about other issues, LARGER issues, that people of color face in America. White Americans don't experience daily microaggressions, so they don't understand the issue or see it as a problem. White Americans aren't victim to the school-to-prison pipeline, so many aren't even aware that it's "a thing." There are countless other deeply rooted, systematically white-privileged issues in America that only people of color can see due to ignorant bliss.

So take a moment and reflect on your band-aids.

Reflect on what else you may be unknowingly benefiting from.

Reflect on your privilege.

Now, I ask you...

What are you going to do about it?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180584
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7569
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452735
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23436
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments