The Dark Beauty!!

Dark her skin was, darker than the moon-less night beautiful she was, beautiful than the moonlit night.

Let me tell you her story, a story I revere everyday Her name so pretty, but I mustn't say What to call her, if you must so care, Let's name her 'K', and be fair.

Her skin hue defined her, for everyone 'Darky' she was called, her beauty seen by no one.

Thick long hair K oiled and braided, Clothes she wrapped around her were dreaded.

Smart and savvy; but no one to care for these, Her bonnie face sans makeup, was not enough to please.

Debates she won, the 'A's she earned, Ignored were all her awards, more labels for her were churned.

Fearless K trotted, corridors she glided, her confidence shone,

But tears stained her cheeks whenever she was alone.

Full with worldly wisdom, and universal knowledge, along with intelligence, drove her ambitious sledge.

Loser she would never be, K was determined of

Blinders she placed on ears and soared she off.

Physics, Math became her peers, she dived and swam in the books, the stars bowed to her and screamed 'cheers'

The labels, the judgements couldn't stop her, Her determination took her to zenith helped her. Four seasons it took for her mates to know of her beauty, her worth, her glow.

She still oils and braids her thick mane, fashions in a way that for some is pain.

She still shines in her dark skin, her makeup skills are still lean.

Rock music doesn't appeal her like classical yet for sure, Modern she is from thoughts not the external that we ensure.

A phd in physics hands proudly on her wall, Is she still being labelled, judged, stereotyped? No Sir, not at all.

This was the story of 'K' (name withheld on request), a woman I've had the privilege to know since my kindergarten days. Of course, being a year or two older than me, she too was a little girl back then.

However, to be her friend was kind of taboo in the school. She was dark, though a beautiful dark. I was in awe of her flawless complexion; often jealous of her perfect skin and of the thick long luscious hair.

My friends and other classmates wondered why I didn't think their way. Why was I revering someone who was dark, therefore ugly, hence, with no talent.

Throughout her school days, time and again, she proved her debating skills, intelligent mind and sincerity towards her studies, and yet failed to get rid of all the labels that people threw upon her.

This wrath continued even in one of the most prestigious colleges of the city where she went to pursue her academics, however, couldn't last more than a year. She was determined not to let the school days repeat themselves in college. She had to break free but in any dramatic way.

'K' took all the opportunities that came by, where she could prove herself, and prove she did.

Her hard-work and patience teamed with her excellent communication skills, spoke on behalf of her, told the world what she is capable of. Who she really is. Those who laughed at her, labelled her, now respected her.

This day as I write about her she rocks the world of science as one of the research scientists in USA.

Physics and Math are still her best friends, although she has also found some genuine friends in humans...and they are many in number.

K did it, but how many can do so? I know women who let these stereotyped labels run their lives and ruin everything they could have done, they could have been.

These startling figures that the Nihar Naturals #IAmCapable survey conducted by Nielsen India reveals:

a. 69% of men agree that their judgement of women is based on their looks.

b. 64% of women agree that the judgments passed on them have affected their ability to reach their true potential.

c. 70%of women agree that majority of judgments on women are from family members or friends rather than strangers.

d. 72% of women agree that working women face more judgments on their looks or their clothes than housewives.

Isn't it shame that our perception can damage a person forever. We can do better than this. Let us perceive women as they are and not as we see them.

“I’m breaking stereotypes based on appearance by sharing my experience for the #IAmCapable activity at BlogAdda in association with Nihar Naturals.”