English A

School Based Assessment

Name: Rohan Griffiths

Candidate No. :

School: Manning’s School

School/Centre Number:

Region: Jamaica

Name of Teacher: Miss. E Foster

Topic: Investigate how skin bleaching affects the body

 Table of Content
Introduction…………………………………………………………..1

Plan of Investigation………………………………………………….2

Reflections………………………………………………………….3-5

Written Report……………………………………………………….6-7

Oral Presentation……………………………………………………..8-9

Conclusion……………………………………………………………10

Apendix…………………………………………………………......11-21
 Introduction

Skin whitening, also known as skin lightening and skin bleaching, is the practice of
using chemical substances in an attempt to lighten the skin or provide an even skin
color by reducing the melanin concentration in the skin. Several chemicals have
been shown to be effective in skin whitening, while some have proven to be toxic
or have questionable safety profiles. The goal of this research is to “Investigate
how bleaching affects the body.”
 Plan of Investigation

An investigation of how bleaching affects the body" is the subject of my English

SBA. The assignments include gathering data from two written articles and a
YouTube video, producing a group report, and reflecting on the making an oral
presentation in the form of a speech and discussing various facets of this SBA. I
decided on this subject since kids regularly utilize bleaching in today's society. The
skin is reportedly adversely affected by bleaching. This SBA will take into account
both the positive and negative factors. Cake soap and bleaching cream are the
resources that will be gathered and used. Writing style, tone, and the use of words
with connotations and denotations are only a few English concepts that can be used
to assess content. Bleaching is advantageous since it helps some people feel
accepted, but it might also result in future skin issues, according to some inferences
that can be drawn from the process. Not elaborating on the topic and having
insufficient time to investigate the topic are two factors that may compromise the
validity of the conclusions of my SBA investigation. One approach I want to lessen
the effects of ONE of the above issues is to effectively manage my time and make
sure that my group member’s work together to complete more tasks on schedule.
 Reflection

Reflection #1: How each component influenced the way I think?

Before this project was started, I thought that bleaching was cause by peer pressure
and very dangerous to the body. I also thought about the fact that these students
now-a-days are easily motivated to do anything to fit in. These same students
forget about the reason they are even at school and are to be less successful in their
school work laid back and also causing delinquency.

The first piece was a poem entitled “SKIN BLEACHING IS NOT A

BEAUTY.” This speaks about how black people bleaching affect the author. This
poem gave me more justifications for responding to my question while using bullet
points that were simpler and clearer.

The second piece was an online gleaner entitled "Skin bleaching signals self-
hate.” This gleaner contained a research which was done to investigate the effect
that skin bleaching is a sign of self-harm and how it has become a norm in
Jamaica. This article gave me a better understanding of the situation behind
bleaching.

The third piece was an online journal entitled “Side Effects and Precautions
of Skin Bleaching.” This gave a better understanding on what is skin bleaching and
the side effects of skin bleaching
Refection #2: Use of language in material selected

Several language devices were emphasized in the three articles that were chosen.
These literary techniques were effective because they gave the writer a means of
communicating his or her ideas while also giving the intended audience a general
idea of what the message is about.

The first piece was a poem which contained rhetorical questions, use of
statistics and contrast. Also, it did a good job of presenting its material in a fashion
that was clear-cut and simple for readers to read and comprehend. For the writer's
argument to be more persuasive to the readers, rhetorical questions were used.

The second piece which was an online gleaner article had tone which was
one of concern. This was highlighted where Imani Tafari-Ama said “Are you able
to verify that the person that you imagine yourself relating to is really who you
think it is, or is the new creation another entity?” It also contained an informative
tone where the Reporter argued that “The victims of this dangerous profit-making
industry are already from the low self-esteem that results from prevailing
institutionalized narratives of self-identity representation.”

The third piece, which was an online journal, it used language that is similar
to that of the previous two pieces. The statements that was used in this piece of
article was to give the reader an idea of the different side effects that can occur
from skin bleaching. Also, the writer chose his or her words carefully. The words
used in various portions of this page were specifically chosen to convey a
particular tone or diction.
Reflection #3: How has this process made me a better person?

I learned a lot from this SBA, and it also helped me grow as a person.

The group component of my SBA journey helped me become better at working in

a group. It taught me how to effectively manage my time so that I could
accomplish the necessary goals that were established. It also taught me how vital it
is to appreciate one's own opinion because it might be necessary or advantageous
to make a certain point.

Using this SBA, I was also able to improve my reading and content analysis skills.
That helped me recognize how languages are used and how well they work.

Lastly, because of this SBA, I now have a greater awareness of this subject. Now
that I am more knowledgeable and aware of it, I will be able to inform and educate
everyone I come into contact with not just my peers about the negative impacts of
skin bleaching.
 Written Report
Under the common theme of Racial Identity, a group was formed to aid in the
completion of this project. The ‘choose the best strategy’ was implemented and
from the already existing pool of artifacts collected, the three best artifacts were
chosen by the members of the group. These three artifacts were then analyzed in
order to answer the two questions put forth by the members:

1. How does the general public treat individuals based on skin tone?

2. How do dark skinned individuals react to negative societal responses to their

skin colour?

After selecting our two questions we created a WhatsApp group to do our

discussions. In this group everyone sent their 3 artifacts used, where we then went
through each and selected the most appropriate one to answer our questions. The
artifacts found were very informative and helped to improve our grammar and
vocabulary. While analyzing our pieces we discovered that darker skinned and
lighter skinned individuals received different treatment from the general public.
Lighter skin was seen as a symbol of beauty, social rank and privilege throughout
the world (The Gleaner, 2012) and white was framed to be superior to all other
races and ethnicities (Zawn Villines, 2022). Conversely, discriminatory comments
along the lines of ‘nutten too black nuh good’,’tar brush ketch him’ and ‘black
bwoy ugly’ (The Gleaner, 2012) have been made about darker complexions. Black
persons were told that they would reach further if the colour of skin was lighter
(Spice, 2019). The difference in treatment was quite jarring. With the negative
responses posed at darker skinned individuals, there’s bound to be some sort of
reaction. Skin bleaching is one such reaction. Darker skinned persons bleach to
remove the melanin that pigments their skins and in doing so they are reducing
their own natural protection from the sun (The Gleaner, 2012). It has been
theorized that when people believe that only lighter skin is attractive, they may
become unhappy with their appearance (Zawn Villines, 2022) and thus resort to
skin bleaching. On the contrary, there are black individuals who, instead of
bleaching in attempts to meet the beauty standards, are proud of their colour and
the skin that they are in (Spice, 2022). In conclusion, all three artifacts brought to
light the drastic difference in treatment of individuals based on their complexion
which no doubt is a result of racism. The pieces touched on the reaction to the
treatment received by dark skinned individuals as well.

Names: Nylah smith

Julisa Jones

Rohan Griffiths

Cynthia Francis

Daequan Dixon
 Oral Presentation

So what is bleaching,

It is when the skin becomes more enlightened,

Using chemicals to reduce the melanin in the skin,

Or removing it temporarily and making it thin,

It gives you colours and complexion you never had

Now making you excited and glad

But the effects that follow after

Is nothing more than a horrid disaster

Most do it to follow a trend

Or because they listened to a bad friend

Some may start to fret

While some will live to regret

The mistakes they made in the past

Because they made a silly decision too fast

Now you wish you never made the changes to your skin
Because it is no longer strong but more like thin

The change of colour u now see as a sign of regret

For the melanin of your skin won’t be back as yet

Conclusion
This portfolio explored “Investigate how bleaching affects the body.” After
information was collected and presented it has shown that bleaching has many
negative effects. Meanwhile, it can be used as a tool of peer pressure causing
students to be engaged in bullying, abuse and other negative effects.

Appendix
Artifact #1:

SKIN BLEACHING IS NOT A

BEAUTY
Welcome to the world filled with dark skin, That seat belongs to you, Let`s discuss
the outstanding matters of our two. Every pinch which will strengthen the rightful
decision without hurtful rule. I`m for the motion, and it`s not new, “Black is
beautiful”, That`s what birds in the sky say wonderfully, They really understand
GOD joyfully. Research about black skin have being done thoroughly. We hear
anytime the unique qualities it holds powerfully. That which holds up the faces of
those black coloured skin globally, And their intelligence overshadows degradable
words which are meant to mold them badly. Leading them to get to the peak of
success inseparably. Those stars you look up to desperately, Almost 70% of them
are made of black skin greatly. Keep the silence and listen carefully, Black skin
advocates on good health. Good health which burst sensations across nature
rightfully. Your skin is black, And the smoothness of it is a protective mark. It
possesses undeniable elements making you stay by your right. The pigment that
can`t be produce by men below and above height. Tell me isn`t that charming, Isn`t
that an unpurchaseable wish tactfully hanging? Oh yeah, it is! Then why should
you destroy your black skin out of influence? Why should your distinctive colour
be washed away by sight? It`s sad how men carry themselves into practice which
place them within chronic diseases. Wrongly do they turn their ears towards
deceptive tongues, Which strikes their priorities out of good reasons? Don`t listen
to those songs, Those songs which will cast you into bad seasons. Those songs
which the ignorant adhere themselves to walk in so much wrongs, And the title of
the song is “bleaching”. “…this pills will make you look good, get yourselves this
cosmetic creams to enrich your look, Don`t let go of this product which would win
the eyes of many towards you”, This are the lyrics of those songs that come like
voice from the moon, But in fact, only serve you with one bigger wound. Black
skin fits in everything, It`s a valuable colour under the day-light. Please don`t buy
any lie which probably would cloth you in fright. For all that you can boast about
is your colour which place you in a clear mind. Yes, black skin is always bright
and nice. Elevating the feelings of others to wish for how it shines. Undoubtedly,
this skin empowers and redefines. I’m blessed to be black…. #SALEM
INITIATIVE #BLACK AND BEAUTIFUL

Copyright © Dapaah Anderson | Year Posted 2018

Artifact #2:

Imani Tafari-Ama | Skin bleaching signals self-hate

Published:Sunday | December 19, 2021 | 12:13 AM

More and more black women and men are bleaching their skin in a bizarre attempt
to acquire the psychosocial status associated with brown or ‘socially white’ skin.

File

More and more black women and men are bleaching their skin in a bizarre attempt
to acquire the psychosocial status associated with brown or ‘socially white’ skin.

Skin bleaching and hair straightening are indicators of self-hate. Chemically

processing oneself to look like a contrived version of brown or white people shows
the internalisation and reproduction by Africans and other people of colour of
racist colonial discourses of the body. These practices convey the idea that white
bodies are superior to black bodies. Instead of loving the skin that they are in and
wearing their natural hair, many people of predominantly African descent are
duped by these contrived cultural myths. They are the ones spending enormous
sums trying to be the browning that Buju Banton sang about loving.

More and more black women and men are bleaching their skin in a bizarre attempt
to acquire the psychosocial status associated with brown or ‘socially white’ skin.
As one participant said in a documentary I directed in 2006, “Well, it come in like
black don’t have any talk again, so everybody want to turn white,” (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KugYhuuuL0k). This shows the extent to
which threads of racial self-loathing have been woven into the cultural fabric.
Bleaching and straightened hair show how racism is entrenched in popular
definitions of beauty and sexual desirability. When you drill down, the root causes
of these behaviours run deep into centuries of the tragic enslavement experience.
Called the Maafa, a Swahili word for complete disaster, enslavement
fundamentally fractured the framework of black/African identities.

Skin bleaching norm in jamaica

Skin bleaching is such a norm in Jamaica that it is not unusual to hear the police
describing a criminal as having a bleached complexion. And the before and after
pictures show the drastic changes. Are you able to verify that the person that you
imagine yourself relating to is really who you think it is, or is the new creation
another entity? In this sense, weaves and chemical body conversions are the
ultimate identity cover-up. These disturbing self-violence practices demonstrate
what Antonio Gramsci called hegemony. This is the process by which people are
brainwashed. Hegemony is at play when the oppressed internalise and reproduce
the very domination discourses that otherise them. By altering their bodies with
lethal products laced with hydroquinone, they are complicit with their own
disfigurement, without the benefit of consciousness. This inter-generational
problem is an obstacle to sustainable development and a hydra-headed public-
health crisis.

DEHUMANISED SUBJECTS

What is even more alarming is the ease with which dehumanised post-colonial
subjects have been duped by big business entities to engage in the unhealthy
practices of embodied alterations. This self-violence syndrome has resulted in the
evolution of multibillion-dollar industries of hair and skin products, laced with
chemicals, that target women of colour. The victims of this dangerous profit-
making industry are already from the low self-esteem that results from prevailing
institutionalised narratives of self-identity representation. This business model
promotes European “looks” as the benchmark of sexual and social desirability.
Conversely, being African is treated as a badge of shame. Chris Rock’s
documentary Good Hair (https://youtu.be/Qzd0Q1qfWPs), provides enlightenment
about the extent to which Africans negate their own identities while producing fake
self-representations as their idealised selves.
The value system of embodiment in colonial Jamaica persists to this day. This
ensures that the codes of colour-class definitions of privilege and disadvantage still
inform the social locations of the ethnic groups occupying this Northern Caribbean
island. These hierarchies are even more magnified in the urban grassroots, with
value-loaded distinctions being made among shades of black, even to the extent of
the self-destruction of melanin-rich skin via bleaching agents. And do you
remember the woman in Montego Bay who died from using the Jaffrey’s brand
hair straightner? In a documented response, the company representative remarked
that black women’s hair is so resistant that they put more hydrochloric acid in their
product, which was removed from the market. Women who straighten their hair
know that if this product stays in too long, they will suffer serious burns that turn
into sores. But then, such beauty drills know no pain, right? This practice alludes to
the continuation of discriminatory definitions of racialised embodiment that were
constructed in plantation society.

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Make no mistake though. Colourism transcends boundaries of class and permeates

the upper echelons of society as much as underserved communities. Stylised
bleaching creams like “Ambi” and “Nadinola” have been sold in uptown
pharmacies for decades. They may not be as vulgarly packaged as those sold from
vats on the streets downtown, but they sing from the same song sheet. In the bigger
picture, there is a political economy of identity politics that ensures that the 1% of
the population that controls the economy are also from the ethnic groups that bear
lighter complexion than the majority class of predominantly African heritage.

EVIDENCE OF EPIGENETICS

The science of epigenetics provides evidence to link the violence of the colonial
past to present excessive practices of self and community violence. Institutions of
socialisation facilitate inter-generational transmission of dysfunctional beliefs
about identity. It is no coincidence that Jamaica has the most churches per capita in
the world and also has the third highest murder rate in the world. Worshipping a
white image of God, a cultural contradiction in terms, reinforces the racialised
distortions expressed in violent self-identity compositions. Loss of African identity
is so deep that street talk is that “Black naw wear again.”

This psychotic behaviour will require the application of a profound project of

social re-engineering to arrest, reverse, and replace it with a sustainable
development agenda, headlined by concerns for spiritual healing and cultural
rehabilitation. That is what the demand for reparations is all about: the damage
done to multiple generations of Africans begs the question that intentional repair
has to be financed by the progeny of the perpetrators because this
acknowledgement and respect will free us all from the gridlock of asymmetrical
development.

Beauty-in-reverse practices of skin bleaching and hair straightening are norms that
are abnormal. How can it be natural to use products that cause skin cancer? Why
should beauty practices cause you to dress so that you can hide from sun exposure
on a tropical island known to have temperatures of “ninety-six degrees in the
shade?” Is it worthwhile to process your bodies into imitations of yourself? What
values cause you to desire silky tressed, bleached-out interpretations of idealised
beauty? This model is not sustainable and poses a clear and present danger to the
agency of Africans in the diaspora and on the continent. There is no human tragedy
so profound as performing one’s African body in self-destruction mode. This self-
violent mechanism of retrieving erased self-concepts and esteem must have been
what catalysed Marcus Garvey to shout, “Up! you mighty race! You can
accomplish what you will!”

Dr Imani Tafari-Ama is a research fellow at The Institute for Gender and

Development Studies, Regional Coordinating Office (IGDS-RCO), at The
University of the West Indies. She is the author of ‘Blood, Bullets and Bodies:
Sexual Politics Below Jamaica’s Poverty Line’ and ‘Up for Air: This Half Has
Never Been Told’, a historical novel on the Tivoli Gardens incursion. Send
feedback to imani.tafariama@uwimona.edu.jm.
Artifact #3:

Side Effects and Precautions of Skin Bleaching

Skin bleaching refers to the use of products to lighten dark areas of the skin or
achieve an overall lighter complexion. These products include bleaching creams,
soaps, and pills, as well as professional treatments like chemical peels and laser
therapy.

There is no health benefit to skin bleaching. Results aren’t guaranteed and there’s
evidence that skin lightening can result in serious side effects and complications.

From a medical standpoint, there’s no need to lighten the skin. But if you’re
considering skin bleaching, it’s important to understand the risks.

How skin bleaching works

Skin bleaching reduces the concentration or production of melanin in the skin.

Melanin is a pigment produced by cells called melanocytes. The amount of
melanin in your skin is mostly determined by genetics.

People with dark skin have more melanin. Hormones, sunlight, and certain
chemicals also affect melanin production.
When you apply a skin bleaching product to the skin, such as hydroquinone, it
decreases the number of melanocytes in your skin. This can result in lighter skin
and a more even appearance to the skin.

Skin bleaching side effects

A number of countries have banned the use of skin bleaching products because of
the dangers associated with them.

In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also issued a notice that over-
the-counter (OTC) skin bleaching products are not recognized as safe and
effective. The products were deemed not safe for human use based on a review of
evidence.

Skin bleaching has been associated with a number of adverse health effects.

Mercury poisoning

Some skin bleaching creams made outside of the United States have been linked to
mercury toxicity. Mercury has been banned as an ingredient in skin lightening
products in the United States, but products made in other countries still contain
mercury.

In a 2014 study of 549 skin lightening creams bought online and in stores, nearly
12 percent contained mercury. About half of these products came from U.S. stores.

Signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning include:

numbness

high blood pressure

fatigue

sensitivity to light

neurologic symptoms, such as tremor, memory loss, and irritability

kidney failure

Dermatitis

Case studies and reports have linked the use of skin bleaching products to contact
dermatitis. This is inflammation of the skin caused by contact with certain
substances.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:

skin redness

blisters

skin ulcers

hives

dry, scaly skin

swelling

itching

burning and tenderness

Exogenous ochronosis

Exogenous ochronosis (EO) is a skin disorder that causes blue-black pigmentation.

It usually occurs as a complication of long-term use of skin bleaching creams that
contain hydroquinone. People who use it on large areas of the body or on the entire
body are more likely to develop EO.

Steroid acne

Skin bleaching creams that contain corticosteroids can cause steroid acne.

Steroid acne mostly affects the chest, but can also show up on the back, arms, and
other parts of the body with long-term use of corticosteroids.

Symptoms can include:

whiteheads and blackheads

small red bumps

large, painful red lumps

acne scars

Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder often caused by damage to the blood

vessels in your kidneys responsible for filtering waste and excess water. It causes
your body to excrete too much protein in your urine.

Skin lightening creams containing mercury have been associated with nephrotic
syndrome.

Symptoms can include:

swelling (edema) around the eyes

swollen feet and ankles

foamy urine

loss of appetite

fatigue

Skin bleaching benefits

There are no specific health benefits to skin bleaching, but it can have a desirable
cosmetic effect on the skin when used to treat certain skin conditions.

Current Version

Dec 7, 2018

Written By

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst

Edited By

Heather Hobbs

Aug 22, 2018

Medically Reviewed By

Gerhard Whitworth, RN