It seems to be a slow process, but little by little, brands are beginning to introduce more range to their colour options to promote diversity and inclusion among their consumers.
It was only a few months ago that Tesco introduced different skin-tone plasters. I didn’t even know this was not already available until Tesco launched their campaign, reinforcing my ignorance and privilege as I can buy plasters to suit my own skin tone and have been able to do so my whole life.
Beauty brands are probably most under scrutiny when it comes to range in colour, facing backlash and boycott when releasing a line of only 12 shades in comparison to Fenty Beauty’s ever expanding range of 40 foundation shades.
So why now, has Crayola produced boxes of 32 and 24 skin tone colours called ‘Colours of the World’? Are there any other products that are lacking in diversity? Should we be a lot further on than what we are?
Related: Dealing With Diversity in Influencer Marketing
WHY CRAYONS?
It makes sense when you think about it. I remember when I was young and colouring with an orange crayon, trying to lean as lightly as possible to create a skin tone closer to my own.
I think it’s a great initiative by Crayola, especially when crayons are mainly used by young children as this can help show children how many differing skin tones there are in the world and that not everyone is the same or just black or white.
The new range of crayons were released on UN World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, representing more than 40 skin tones across the world.
Crayola worked with the makeup industry to make this happen, developing colours in a similar way one would create foundation shades.
The boxes will be sold exclusively by Walmart and on Crayola’s website.
THE PRODUCTS WE’RE WAITING FOR
When Tesco released the first multi-skin-tone plaster range, I was stumped. I couldn’t believe I had never even noticed that plasters only came in a Caucasian colour. But it got me thinking about what else we were missing.
Off the top of my head, the first thing that comes to mind is underwear and bras. From what I remember seeing in stores, I’ve only ever come across either dark brown colours or a generic Caucasian skin tone colour.
Who will be the first to release a wider range of skin tone underwear sets? I’m sure everyone owns a skin tone bra or pair of underwear – it’s almost a staple to have in your wardrobe.
Will Spanx be the first? Or will it be Victoria’s Secret? Maybe Walmart or Target may get in there first and start the movement.
ARE WE LACKING IN INCLUSIVENESS?
I don’t know if I should touch upon what happened during the week in Minneapolis, but I do think if I have a platform where people listen and read, that I should use that platform for the better good.
Racism is unfortunately a huge problem in today’s society, and just because we have new products that promote diversity being introduced, doesn’t make racism go away.
What happened in Minneapolis should never have happened and I hope the family of George Floyd receive the justice that they deserve. Just because we are white and have white privilege, we can’t ignore what is going on around us.
It’s our job to make these names known, to spread awareness and to create conversation around racism. This can’t keep happening and the people doing it can’t keep getting away with it.
Although the product Crayola have launched is a great initiative for kids and a way to create more conversations around diversity and inclusion, we can’t ignore the bigger picture.
Racism is alive, it’s here and we must find a way to stop it.
Black lives matter.
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