In the wake of the ‘Dayang Senandung’ remake controversy, model Iman Mohamed shares her thoughts on how we can fight colourism in Malaysia.
Sometime last month, there was a backlash against local production house Zeel Production Sdn Bhd for it’s remake of the traditional Malay folk tale ‘Dayang Senandung.’ What caused the kickback was when the show’s lead actress, Wanie Kayrie, posted a TikTok dance video of her in full black face paint. This sparked an angry reaction on the internet for its resemblance to blackface. Despite the outrage, the show’s director, Fadzil Teh insisted that the series is not an insult to those with dark skin. It is instead, intended to glorify them. Having experienced discrimination for the colour of her skin while growing up, model Iman Mohamed is one of the many people who voiced out her disapproval at the show’s blatant promotion of colourism in Malaysia. Here, she tells us why it’s important to take a stand.
How does colourism affect society?
“I feel that colourism is the baby of racism. We, as human beings, have been conditioned to think that our worth lies within how we look. This leaves a huge impact on our self-esteem and beauty standards. Can you imagine needing to rebuild yourself again and again after being affected by those standards? It’s sad to see how it alters your self-worth and this definitely has its own rippling effect.”
Can you share your memories experiencing colourism in Malaysia?
“I love my skin and am very proud of my roots. I am able to have the best of both worlds being half-Malaysian and half-Sudanese. However, as a teenager I was affected pretty badly. I have been called names such as ‘negro’ and ‘hitam legam.’ My first rejection was when I was 14 years old during a modeling casting. I feel that the industry back then did not want to represent dark-skinned girls. Just think of the opportunities that I’ve missed out on because I don’t fit the mould.”
How have those incidents affected your life?
“It made me feel insecure and resulted in me not loving myself. The condescending message I received makes it hard for me to be myself. I didn’t spiral through depression because I am blessed to have my mum who reminded me that this is not who I am. Even for someone like her who was constantly made fun of because of her skin, she never ever once felt like she needed to change herself.
I’ve seen friends and family members who would look down on their darker family relatives and even be upset when they got darker due to sun exposure. Even my family members back in Sudan have made comments as to why I was dark and not the same colour as my mum. So you see, colorism is happening everywhere and within your own community. This is why me must start with the young. The power that we have with social media and hashtags gives us the opportunity to promote these messages consistently.”
In your opinion, has the local media or fashion and beauty industry become more inclusive?
“I can see so much improvement in those industries here in Malaysia but in all honesty, I personally feel that we have a long way to go and that there’s so much more that can be done.”
What more needs to change about colourism in Malaysia?
“The industry plays a huge role in inspiring and educating young women and moulding the right the attitude. This means teaching our future generation not to discriminate colour, size, shape and disability. Quality in work, especially in the fashion and beauty industry, should derive from professionalism, good work ethics and talent.
I would want to see more beauty brands promoting healthy skin instead of bleaching with dangerous products such as mercury. There needs to be more representation of Malaysians very own dark- or tan-skin men and women in advertisement, campaigns and TV. I hope they keep this up. We are already in 2020 and we need to be able to move forward. So here’s to more inclusivity.”
Can you share some of your favourite cosmetic brands that you believe is inclusive?
“Muka & Co, Velvet Vanity, Anas Cosmetics, La Mer, M.A.C Cosmetics, Fenty Beauty, Bobbi Brown and Nars.”
What message would you like people to take away from this interview?
“It is our responsibility to continue to raise awareness and teach the younger and upcoming generation to love themselves. They need to treat all people with dignity and respect and know that they are not superior to anyone. I want the person reading this to know that his or her natural skin colour is beautiful and every skin tone is beautiful in its own unique way.
Never be pressured to change your skin colour to suit what you see in the media and TV. You got to work what your mama gave you! Embrace it all! You are valid, strong and beautiful!”.
