Skin and privilege (Part 3 of Meat, Dogs and Skin)

One other observation from Chula’s campus…As we are surrounded by Thai university students in their uniforms (yes, university students still wear uniforms – white top, black skirt/pants) we’ve noticed that there are very, very few dark skinned Thai students.

Keep in mind two things. First, so many Thai beauty products (lotion, cream, even deodorant) are advertised as “whitening.” Their selling power is based on the ability to make your skin whiter. The lighter and whiter your skin the better – this is the ideal that is held up. Most Thai's who work outside will be very careful to cover up completely (see photo of Thai women working at a construction site, wearing head covering, wide brimmed straw hat and finally a construction helmet.) Many (most) Thai celebrities will be very fair skinned and often one parent will be Caucasian.


Second, Chulalongkorn University is the Harvard (or Duke if you want) of Thailand and Thai universities. Only the best are afforded the opportunity to attend. This is similar to what occurs in the US where it is often only those with privilege and power who are able to attend the elite universities. The upper tier schools in the US may have some ethnic diversity but will have far fewer students from a diverse economic background. Here at Chula it appears on the surface that elite also translates as fair skinned.

One area you won’t find too many light skinned Thai people is a few streets off of Chula’s campus. It’s surrounded by a real Thai neighborhood and with many places to fix taxis and Tuk Tuks. It also seems to be the place to go if you want to buy an engine block, radiators, or pieces of an engine. I call it Engine Alley. The streets are slick and dark with oil and in some places engines are stacked as high as a one story building. I get strange looks when I pass through but it sure is an intriguing place.

Though separated by just a few streets from Chula's campus, it is a world apart.











Duncan