Editorial: "Struck by Lightening"

Abstract

Despite governmental attempts to ban bleaching products and the extreme health risks, including skin cancer, brain and kidney damage, and sometimes death, many African women, continental and Diasporan alike, continue to use chemical agents and homemade concoctions to lighten the complexion of their skin. Although the social practice of skin bleaching has had long history in Africana communities, it is seldom the focus of academic research and/or critical analysis. As such, this special edition examines and further interrogates various dimensions for which skin bleaching has implications (social, cultural, gendered, health, economic, political, etc.).