My numerous sisters-in-law (all Senoufo) are the most beautiful women I have ever met. They are elegant, slim, very dark-skinned and have that glorious thick afro hair. But they spend a lot of time trying to look like white people. It breaks my heart. They use a smelly product on their skin to whiten it (actually, it looks yellow) which causes skin problems. They use preparations to straighten their hair, which make it go thin and fall out. They're ashamed to be slim because white people are plump.
All this came about presumably because the French colonisers were seen as 'superior' and white people as 'more attractive'.

I once confided to Ramatou that I'd give anything to have been born an African, as I love their grace, elegance and colour. She stared at me as if I was completely barking mad.

(By the way, some Mudcatters may remember that she recently contracted TB, but I'm pleased to say her treatment is working well, and in about four months she should be completely cured)