The "Bleaching Syndrome": Implications of Light Skin for Hispanic American Assimilation

@article{Hall1994TheS,
  title={The "Bleaching Syndrome": Implications of Light Skin for Hispanic American Assimilation},
  author={Ronald E. Hall},
  journal={Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences},
  year={1994},
  volume={16},
  pages={307 - 314}
}
  • R. Hall
  • Published 1 August 1994
  • Medicine
  • Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Light skin is an ideal in the United States because it is indicative of the dominant mainstream population. For Hispanic Americans whose skin reflects a range of colors, this causes distress. In their efforts to assimilate via a domination model, they are forced to internalize norms that conflict with that range. A result is the "bleaching syndrome, " manifested in the preference for light skin where applicable. The alternative causes them to su;ffer depression and other mental health disorders… 
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