Post-colonialism then and now

        Post-colonialism is the aftermath and result of colonialism.  It began to take place when Europeans traveled to other countries in order to gain resources.  However, they did not agree with the beliefs and traditions of these people and replaced them with what they thought was a proper lifestyle.  The Europeans felt superior to those with a different skin color and therefore, felt it was necessary for the indigenous people of these nations to learn the European way of living. 
       Many people are unaware that post-colonialism is still happening in the world.  Even though racism is greatly frowned upon, why is it that so many of us are ashamed to be in our own skin?  The media plants ideas in our minds that we have to look a certain way to be considered beautiful.  We cannot help but think that features a white female would possess, such as big colored eyes and light hair and skin, is attractive due to the commercials and ads we see everyday.  For many people, it is difficult for them to be satisfied with their appearance when there are easily accessible ways for them to completely change the way they look such as plastic surgery and whitening products.  In Japan, there is a popular trend called 'gyaru'.  There are many tutorials on Youtube of girls who show how to achieve this look and they often require countless steps in their makeup routines.  These looks include coloured contacts, which have become very popular recently.  Most girls wear blue, gray, light brown or green contacts lenses that have a wider diameter than your natural pupils; therefore, making your eyes appear larger.  The makeup gurus also show other techniques to form the illusion of doll-like eyes such as wearing false eye lashes and adding white eyeliner.  They even contour their noses with brown makeup to make them appear slimmer.  Below is an example of a gyaru makeup tutorial.