The Irony of Sunbeds and Prejudice

Sunbeds are big business – people with pale skin flock to them to darken their complexion, especially in places like Ireland where cloudy skies dominate. Some even use dangerous pre-tan products like melanotan injections, which promise a deeper tan but come with risks like nausea or worse, per the Irish Cancer Society. The goal? A bronzed look that’s been hyped as “beautiful” by the media, influencers, and beauty standards for years. It’s not just about looking good – it’s about chasing an image tied to status, health, or allure. But here’s the kicker: while some obsess over tanning, they’ll side-eye or outright reject people with naturally dark skin, whether from African, Asian, or other heritages. This contradiction isn’t just hypocritical – it’s tied to deeper biases about whose skin gets to be “desirable.”

For second-gen youth, this hits close to home. Many of you have darker skin tones from your family’s roots, and you’ve felt the sting of judgment in subtle or not-so-subtle ways. You’re scrolling Insta, seeing posts about tanning trends, while also noticing #EverydayRacism threads calling out prejudice. Your the generation that values meaningful choices over shallow trends, and this irony – celebrating tanned skin while dismissing dark skin – clashes with that vibe.

The Double Standard: Tanning’s “Cool,” Dark Skin’s Not?

Why is a pale person’s tan seen as glamorous, but naturally dark skin gets stereotyped? It’s rooted in history. For centuries, pale skin was a status symbol in Europe – think aristocrats avoiding the sun to show they didn’t work fields. By the 20th century, tanning flipped to signal leisure and wealth, per the BBC, while dark skin, tied to marginalised communities, was unfairly linked to stereotypes of inferiority. This double standard shows up today: influencers on TikTok flaunt sunbed glows, but Black or South Asian people face microaggressions, like being told their skin is “too dark” for beauty standards. X posts with #TanningCulture show some Irish users hyping fake tans, while others lament casual racism toward darker-skinned peers.

Second-gen Gen Z, you see through this. Your families’ stories – migrating, facing exclusion – mirror the struggles of those judged for their skin. Ireland’s empathetic culture gives you a foundation to question these norms. You’re not here for beauty standards that praise one skin tone while dismissing another, especially when those standards risk health to mimic what you naturally bring.

Second-Gen Gen Z: Rewriting Beauty and Fairness

Ireland’s already a leader in empathy, but second-gen Gen Z can make it shine brighter. The irony of sunbeds and prejudice isn’t just a beauty issue – it’s about fairness. You’re countering this by celebrating your diverse identities, from African to South Asian to Middle Eastern roots, and calling out double standards. Like Kneecap’s bold pro-Palestine stance, you can use your voice to challenge norms, whether it’s posting about body positivity on Insta or TikTok starting conversations in your friend groups. You prioritise impact over trends, and that’s your strength – rejecting fake tans and fake fairness for real equality.

Your dual identity lets you bridge worlds, honouring your heritage while shaping Ireland’s future. By advocating for inclusive spaces – schools, workplaces, social media – you’re building on Ireland’s legacy of standing with the oppressed. No one should face the hostility Irish emigrants or people with dark skin have endured. You’re making Ireland a place where every skin tone is valued, no sunbed required.

Your Voice Can Change the Narrative

Second-gen community, you’re Ireland’s next wave. Share a 300–500-word piece at equalityworx.com/submit about how you’re challenging beauty double standards or why Ireland should embrace all skin tones. Post a clip on X or Instagram with #EqualityWorxVibe and tag @EqualityWorx—we’ll amplify it. You’re Gen Flow, turning Ireland’s empathy into action to outshine prejudice. Let’s make this a movement! ✊ #EqualityWorxVibe