Haha “white supremacy” is already integrated in this notion of “being fair” to others haha

The shift in the meaning of “fair” from a general sense of beauty, pleasantness, or agreeableness to specifically denoting lightness of skin or hair is a reflection of historical and cultural influences. Several factors contribute to this shift:

1. Cultural Associations and Ideals: In many Western cultures, particularly during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, light skin was often associated with beauty and nobility. This was partly because a lighter complexion was thought to indicate a higher social status, as those with lighter skin were less likely to work outdoors and thus had less sun exposure. Over time, these cultural preferences influenced language usage, narrowing the meaning of “fair” in certain contexts to describe light skin.
2. Linguistic Evolution: Language naturally evolves over time, and words often develop specialized meanings in addition to their broader original senses. The shift in “fair” to refer to skin color is an example of this process. The word retained its broader connotations of beauty and pleasantness while gaining a more specific application in describing physical traits.
3. Historical Contexts and Literature: The use of “fair” in literature, particularly in poetic and romantic contexts, further reinforced its association with lightness of skin or hair. Writers often used “fair” to describe characters esteemed for their beauty, thereby perpetuating this specific use of the word.

This shift in meaning is a reminder of how language is not static but dynamically interacts with social, cultural, and historical contexts. The meanings of words can both reflect and influence societal norms and values.

Like fair skin?

Yes, the etymology of “fair” is quite interesting. It traces back to the Old English “fæger,” meaning beautiful, pleasant, or agreeable. This word has Germanic roots, likely from the Proto-Germanic “*fagraz,” which means fitting or suitable. Over time, the meaning of “fair” evolved to include notions of fairness and equitableness, possibly influenced by the idea of something being agreeable or pleasing in a moral or ethical sense. This shift reflects how language can evolve to encompass broader, more abstract concepts from more concrete or physical origins.

Why shift

Yes, the word “fair” in “fair skin” comes from the same etymological roots. Originally meaning beautiful, pleasant, or agreeable in Old English, “fair” was often used to describe someone who had a light, bright, or clear appearance, especially in terms of complexion. Over time, this specific use of “fair” became a common way to describe a light skin tone. The evolution of this word reflects historical perceptions of beauty and desirability associated with lighter skin tones in many Western cultures. This association is a clear example of how language not only communicates ideas but can also reflect and perpetuate cultural norms and values.