FEATURES - FEB 2007

The archives...past Sheroes features

February 2007


Skin lightening…why?

Why in the 21st century is there still an obsession amongst some black women to be light skinned? The recent case of the two South London traders, who were given suspended sentences for peddling illegal and highly toxic skin lightening creams, reminds us just how toxic and dangerous these products can be.

Previously the couple in question were fined for selling these creams. However, demands were such that, it was lucrative for them to go back and do it again, demonstrating a clear "supply and demand" chain.

What is this mentality?

And whilst we acknowledge there are issues around racism and such, this practice seems to be about Black women making themselves lighter to attract Black men. And lighter you may be, but you are still Black. There is a perception that this practice is carried out by predominantly African women, but is this true? And let's face it, we can all see that the colour of the face in comparison to the hands is very noticeable…to everyone!

And what of the impact on those around that person? What happens to the child who is a completely different colour to their mother? Unnaturally so? Is it some kind of emotional fix? Does it make women more attractive? Is it only women that use these products or do you know of men that do this too? What values are we placing on light skin?

This is such a difficult and confusing concept to grasp for Sheroes and we need ENGLIGHTENING…but in the educational sense of the word.

What do you think about this issue? Let's here your opinion on the Sheroes Forum Click here




Post - Christmas Finances

Christmas comes every year for those who celebrate it and we have a good twelve months to prepare - yet every year, come January we are all broke!! Right now in the news there are lots of stories about how much the nation is in debt, but on a personal level what does this mean to you?

But how can we plan so things are financially different next year? How do you save? We know life is expensive and sometimes it is difficult to save, but if you decide on a monthly amount and start saving now you can save a little something towards the shopping bill at the end of the year.

Back in the day some of our parents ran 'Pardners' which us women of Caribbean descent will know really means 'Partners'. This is a scheme whereby one person acts as a banker, collecting money from the rest of the group then it goes to one person. The following month, it goes to another person in that group. And so on until everyone has had a turn. Can this work for you? Is there a group of friends you can get this going with? It's a great way to save with people you trust!

If, like many others you are now in a position whereby you have completely overspent and have put yourself further into debt don't put your head in the sand!! Get out there and get some help - there are a number of things you can do.

  • Speak to the bank/credit card company/ electric, water or phone company. Don't wait for them to chase you. Most of them will give you extra time to pay.
  • Prioritise which debts you pay first, depending on the severity of action if you don't! Debts like mortgage arrears, rent arrears, council tax and fines.
  • Visit the Citizens Advice Bureau for advice. www.citizensadvice.org.uk
  • Contact the National Debt Helpline. www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Helen & Douglas House

We received an email from Sheroes member Donna Panton regarding Courtney Scarlett and Helen & Douglas House, a children's hospice based in Oxford. The email basically speaks for itself…

I really need to write to you as I was so moved by a BBC documentary last night re a children's hospice in Oxford.(It is on every Tuesday ) I hate to watch stuff like this normally but I could not ignore it. I am glad I did - because it was a reminder of how precious our children are and how fortunate we are, when they are healthy. Also it reminded me that there are really good people, out their doing real meaningful work, that is making a difference to peoples lives.

Courtney, a little mixed race boy of 1 died in his parent's arms while in the hospice. It moved me to tears and I am tearful now while writing to all of you for your help because I see so clearly his little body in my mind. He looked like he was sleeping.

His parents were so brave, braver than any of you could imagine. They lost him in Dec 2006 and allowed a film crew to follow them up until his death and after his death.

I really would like you guys to help me raise money for this place which is doing such wonderful work in the community supporting parents who have lost their heartbeats when their child has passed. The place takes £4 million a year to run and it is all voluntarily aided.

I intend to write to the parents and send them a cheque for the memorial fund that they set up in his name (please read below). I also would like to support the hospice directly as well.
If you would like to make a donation, please send a cheque to the address below made payable to "CSMF" (Courtney Scarlett Memorial Fund). Please note "Sheroes member" on the back of the cheque so that Louise and Leyton know that we are thinking about them.

Helen & Douglas House
14A Magdalen Road
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX4 1RW

For further information please visit www.helenanddouglas.org.uk


…and finally! Jade, Shipwrecked, and Channel 4

…nuff said?

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