I recently met up with a fellow Guyanese who is also based in Europe. To my pleasant surprise she lives about 30 minutes walking distance from me. Hearing the accent and having someone with whom to share my experiences of living here so far, was refreshing and much needed. You know, from a real Guyanese perspective and all!
If anything, the meeting helped me unravel issues I have with identity and beauty. Living in a white-dominated environment is a complex thing and there is much that isn’t said that affects the way we approach and acknowledge fashion and beauty standards.
We broke the ice by discussing how awkward it is sometimes walking into a café or bar. You are always stared at as if you somehow lost your way. There is no denying that your complexion seems to draw social stigma. The stares make you feel as if you are too dark to even be in the same room; how is it possible for you to afford the same drink.
