Do Black People Sunbathe?

It is a common misconception that all black people prefer a darker skin tone and thus avoid sunbathing. However, just like any other race, sunbathing is a personal choice based on individual preferences and circumstances.

Personal Experiences and Preferences

Some people like to tan, while others prefer to get darker for aesthetic or cultural reasons. Sunbathing for pleasure and the enjoyment of the warmth is something that anyone can do, regardless of their skin color.

My Sunbathing Experience

For me, sunbathing is a necessity. I suffer from seasonal color loss and my skin appears ashen without enough sunlight. It’s important to me to maintain a healthy and vibrant complexion. Proper hydration, moisturization, and sunlight are all crucial for my skin to regain its golden glow.

Group Activities and Skin Tone Differences

Back in the day, I often went to the beach with friends, and we all got sunburned and darker. Kenny, a friend of mine, used to complain about his red back, but I told him, "Hey, look the same to me."

His statement was appropriate since my skin had always been naturally white, and even sunbathing wouldn’t change that. Nonetheless, sunbathing can benefit anyone, regardless of their initial skin tone.

Personal Answers to Sunbathing Questions

If I were a black person and someone asked me why I sunbathe, I might respond with, "I miss my hometown's warmth. If I were back there, I would just go bare-ass under the sun; I can’t do that here because of the cold weather." It’s a humorous way to express the longing for the sun and warmth.

Living in London

Living in a place like London, I love taking advantage of every sunny day by sunbathing. The warmth of the sun feels so good, and it’s a pleasure to just lie on a sun lounger. Many people can’t understand why a black person would want to get darker, but sunbathing is simply about enjoying the warmth and sun, not necessarily wanting to change skin color.

Favorable Experiences

My wife also enjoys sunbathing. Sunbathing doesn’t just make her darker; it’s about basking in the heat and missing her African roots. We take vacations to places like the Arctic Circle, where we strip down, slather on sun cream, and spend time in the snow to get lighter. On our return home, we show off to friends how much we have tanned in the process.

Getting Vitamin D

While it’s true that many people sunbathe for aesthetic or cultural reasons, there is another significant benefit—getting vitamin D. Sunbathing is important for the production of vitamin D, which is vital for bone health and overall well-being. This is particularly important for those who may not have access to sunlight or dietary sources of vitamin D.

By understanding that sunbathing is a choice and not a universal practice, we can break down stereotypes and embrace the diversity of human preferences and behaviors.