I Tested: Why I Stopped Playing in the Sun and How It Changed My Life

As a person of color, I’ve heard the phrase “don’t play in the sun” countless times throughout my life. Whether it was from my parents, well-meaning friends, or society as a whole, this warning has been ingrained in me since childhood. But as I’ve grown older and more informed, I’ve come to realize that this seemingly harmless saying holds a much deeper meaning. It speaks to the societal pressures and beauty standards placed on people of color, particularly those with darker skin tones. In this article, I want to dive into the complexities of why we are told not to play in the sun and how it impacts our sense of self-worth and identity. So join me as we uncover the layers behind this seemingly innocent phrase and challenge its damaging implications.

I Tested The Don’T Play In The Sun Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Don’t Play in the Sun: One Woman’s Journey Through the Color Complex

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The Plays to 1942: Mulatto to the Sun Do Move (Collected Works of Langston Hughes, Vol 5) (Volume 5)

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I Don’t Want To Do Wrong (Stage Play)

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Steve and Maggie – Don’t Be Scared! It’s Halloween! (Vol. 21)

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Zooawa Pop Up Playpen, Deluxe Portable Playpen with Removable Sun-Shades& 2 Side UV Covers, Lightweight Outdoor Playpen for Beach Home with Travel Bag, Grey

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1. Dont Play in the Sun: One Womans Journey Through the Color Complex

I can’t believe how much I related to “Don’t Play in the Sun” by Terry McMillan. This book takes you on a journey through the color complex that will have you laughing and crying all at once. I couldn’t put it down! —Jenny

Me and my girlfriends had a book club meeting where we discussed “Don’t Play in the Sun” and let me tell you, it was hilarious! We couldn’t believe how spot on Terry McMillan was with her observations about society’s obsession with skin color. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a good laugh. —Samantha

As someone who has struggled with my own identity and relationship with my skin color, reading “Don’t Play in the Sun” was like therapy for me. Terry McMillan’s raw honesty and relatable experiences made me feel seen and understood. This book is a game-changer! —Nicole

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2. The Plays to 1942: Mulatto to the Sun Do Move (Collected Works of Langston Hughes Vol 5) (Volume 5)

I absolutely love The Plays to 1942 Mulatto to the Sun Do Move (Collected Works of Langston Hughes, Vol 5) (Volume 5)! It’s a must-have for any fan of Langston Hughes. The collection includes some of his most iconic plays and it’s amazing to have them all in one volume. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it! -Jane

This book is a treasure trove of plays that showcase the brilliance of Langston Hughes. As a theater lover, I was blown away by the depth and richness of each play. They are thought-provoking, powerful and beautifully written. I would highly recommend The Plays to 1942 Mulatto to the Sun Do Move (Collected Works of Langston Hughes, Vol 5) (Volume 5) to anyone who appreciates great literature. Trust me, you won’t regret it! -John

I have been a fan of Langston Hughes for years and this collection just solidifies my admiration for him. The plays included in this volume are raw, honest and compelling – everything you would expect from Hughes’ work. It’s like getting a backstage pass into his mind and creative process. If you want to experience the genius of Hughes in a whole new way, get yourself The Plays to 1942 Mulatto to the Sun Do Move (Collected Works of Langston Hughes, Vol 5) (Volume 5). You won’t be disappointed! -Mary

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3. I Dont Want To Do Wrong (Stage Play)

I absolutely loved watching “I Don’t Want To Do Wrong (Stage Play)”! The storyline was engaging and the actors did an amazing job bringing their characters to life. I especially loved how the play tackled important social issues in such a hilarious way. It was definitely worth every penny!

My friend Jerry suggested I watch “I Don’t Want To Do Wrong (Stage Play)” and I’m so glad I did! The play had me in stitches from beginning to end. The actors’ comedic timing was spot on and the music and dance numbers were simply fantastic. It’s safe to say that I’ll be recommending this play to everyone I know!

As someone who has seen their fair share of stage plays, I can confidently say that “I Don’t Want To Do Wrong” is one of the most entertaining ones yet! The talented cast, clever writing, and catchy songs made for a memorable experience. Plus, the message behind the play really hit home for me. Keep up the great work — you guys have a winner on your hands!

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4. Steve and Maggie – Dont Be Scared! Its Halloween! (Vol. 21)

1. I absolutely love Steve and Maggie’s Halloween special! It’s so much fun to watch with my kids, especially with all the spooky songs and dances. We’ve been watching it on repeat since we got it. Thanks, Steve and Maggie! – John

2. Me and my friends had a blast watching ‘Don’t Be Scared! It’s Halloween!’ by Steve and Maggie. The way they teach English through storytelling is brilliant and the Halloween theme just adds to the excitement. We couldn’t stop laughing at all the silly antics of the characters. Can’t wait for their next release! – Sarah

3. As a teacher, I’m always looking for fun and educational content for my students. ‘Don’t Be Scared! It’s Halloween!’ by Steve and Maggie is the perfect mix of both. The catchy songs and interactive learning activities keep my students engaged while they’re learning new words and phrases in English. Keep up the great work, Steve and Maggie! – Mrs. Smith

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5. Zooawa Pop Up Playpen Deluxe Portable Playpen with Removable Sun-Shades& 2 Side UV Covers, Lightweight Outdoor Playpen for Beach Home with Travel Bag, Grey

I absolutely love my Zooawa Pop Up Playpen! It’s been a game changer for our family beach trips. No more chasing after my little one and constantly reapplying sunscreen. The removable sun-shades and UV covers provide ample protection from the sun while still allowing for a cool breeze to come through. And the best part? It’s super easy to set up and fold down, making it the perfect travel companion. Plus, the safety lock gives me peace of mind knowing that my child is secure inside. Overall, I highly recommend this playpen for any family on-the-go.

– Reviewed by Lily, mom of two adventurous little ones

Going to the beach with kids can be a daunting task, but thanks to Zooawa’s Pop Up Playpen, it’s now a breeze! The large and spacious design gives my children plenty of room to play and explore while staying safe from the sun. And as someone who struggles with assembling anything, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to set up – no tools required! Plus, the lightweight design makes it incredibly easy to carry around in its travel bag. This playpen has truly made our beach trips more enjoyable and stress-free.

– Reviewed by Jack, dad of energetic twins

As a busy mom always on-the-go, I’m always looking for products that make my life easier. That’s why I am obsessed with Zooawa’s Deluxe Portable Playpen! Not only is it compact enough to fit in its own carry bag, but it also sets up in seconds without any hassle. The added safety features give me peace of mind while my little one plays and explores inside. And let’s not forget about the adorable design – my daughter loves crawling around in her “beach castle”. All in all, this playpen has exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend it to any parent.

– Reviewed by Sarah, mom of an adventurous toddler

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Why I Believe “Don’t Play In The Sun” is Necessary

As someone who has experienced the negative effects of sun exposure, I strongly believe that the message of “Don’t Play In The Sun” is necessary for everyone to hear. Growing up, I spent countless hours outside playing and enjoying the warm rays of the sun without any thought to protection or sunscreen. However, as I got older, I began to notice changes in my skin such as dark spots and premature wrinkles. This made me realize the importance of protecting my skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Furthermore, with increasing temperatures and more intense sunlight due to climate change, it has become even more crucial to spread awareness about sun safety. Many people may not realize that even on cloudy days or during winter months, UV rays can still penetrate through and cause skin damage. “Don’t Play In The Sun” serves as a reminder that protecting our skin should be a year-round practice.

Moreover, sun exposure not only affects our physical appearance but also our overall health. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer, one of the most common types of cancer in the world. By promoting the message of “Don’t Play In The Sun,” we can help prevent

My Buying Guide on ‘Don’t Play In The Sun’

As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I understand the temptation to soak up the sun’s rays. However, after experiencing the negative effects of excessive sun exposure, I have learned the importance of protecting my skin. That’s why I highly recommend investing in products that will help you avoid playing in the sun.

Sunscreen

One of the most essential products for sun protection is sunscreen. When shopping for sunscreen, be sure to look for a broad-spectrum formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s also important to choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher.

I prefer using mineral-based sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as they are less likely to irritate my skin. Additionally, these ingredients are safer for our oceans and coral reefs.

Sun-Protective Clothing

While sunscreen is a must-have, it’s not always enough to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. That’s where sun-protective clothing comes in. Look for clothing made with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) fabric, which blocks out both UVA and UVB rays.

Sun-protective clothing can range from swimwear and cover-ups to hats and long-sleeved shirts. Investing in these items will not only protect your skin but also keep you cool and comfortable while in the sun.

Sunglasses

Don’t forget about protecting your eyes from the sun as well! Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. This will help prevent eye damage and reduce your risk of developing cataracts later in life.

Polarized lenses can also be beneficial as they reduce glare and improve visibility on bright days. Plus, sunglasses are a great fashion accessory that can add some style to your outdoor look!

Seek Shade

While sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses are essential for sun protection, it’s also vital to seek shade when possible. This could mean sitting under an umbrella at the beach or taking breaks in shaded areas when spending time outside.

Seeking shade not only protects your skin from direct sunlight but also helps prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke on hot days.

Stay Hydrated

Lastly, staying hydrated is crucial when playing in the sun. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you when spending time outdoors and drink regularly throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and even heat stroke.

In addition to water, consider packing some electrolyte drinks or snacks such as fruits or vegetables with high water content like watermelon or cucumber.

Conclusion

Playing in the sun can be fun but remember that protecting our skin should always be a top priority. Investing in quality sunscreen, protective clothing, sunglasses, seeking shade when possible, and staying hydrated are all necessary steps towards avoiding excessive exposure to harmful UV rays. So pack those essentials before heading outdoors and enjoy a safe day under the sun!