As a kid I remember being the most optimistic tod in my clan; However, being born dark skinned into a south Asian family who believed that having a lighter complexion meant that you are magically better at everything was HARD!
At the mere age of 3, I remember being ridiculed and made fun of because of my complexion.
I wasn’t the only one, my sister suffered just as much as I did.
Every party, every outing that we went on with our cousins or even when relatives and friends visited our home; they never once failed to pass their brutal comments.
“why do you look so dark!”
“you two should really use something to brighten your skin..”
“that dress looks so bad on you! it would have looked better on someone who was fair.”
The bullying just didn’t end!
The day that completely shattered us was when we attended my cousins birthday, and one of my uncle decided to grab us to the middle of the crowd, made us stand on either sides of his daughter (who was very fair and very beautiful) and he laughed out loud to all my other relatives saying “look at these two crows next to my diamond”. While everyone seemed to be thoroughly entertained by that comment, they all laughed their guts out as me (6 y) and my sister (7+ y) stood there feeling like complete trash that didn’t mean anything to anyone.
From that day forward I felt so afraid and embarrassed to wear anything different or to go to any of our family gatherings. It ruined our self confidence for life.
I hated looking at myself in the mirror, because my reflection was a constant reminder of how ugly I was and how worthless I was to everyone else.
As years went on, I began to feel desperate to fit in.. to feel like I belonged with my group. I made so many wrong choices in life just to feel validated or “cool” as everyone stated it back then. I suffered from depression, weight gain, failed academically and I finally became suicidal.
It was not until my mom pulled me out of my own self loathing. Up until today it is an everyday struggle to fight my demons, but I am stronger than ever and I will keep getting stronger to show my kids that they don’t ever have to feel ashamed of their appearance or try to “fit in” anywhere.
Stand tall, and kill them with your confidence. Your imperfections are the traits that make you, YOU! Embrace it and wear them like your CROWN!
– Dharshika Abilash
Only you can truly fight for yourself in this cruel world.
The Brown Mom 
That’s a good start… bullying and discrimination never ends in sri lanka! The people who knows us most the one who hursts the most! Me too learned lots of goodies from people. We dont have to show our reactions to others predictions. People does that when they really don’t look themselves at least once before making a comment about others! No one is perfect in their own way. You know what, why people talks about others because they’re jealous the way we live! Be proud that we have a good peaceful life where they dont have it!
Stay calm and enjoy your life!🤗
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