I feel very mixed about this change. Coming from a Western culture, I can understand the arguments that perpetuating stereotypes that “dark is bad” is ultimately hurtful no matter what instance. This isn’t a racism issue in the manga but a colorism one that many Asian cultures have. But in regards to the story, the fact that her skin tone was changed leading to a change in how others perceive her makes for a much tighter story. And Claudia not letting people off the hook for makes for a much clearer picture, not to mention much more satisfying. Now, it just seems insincere whereas before it felt like a real change in perception that was mirrored by the change in skin tone. Why would her Mother change in her behavior when even her daughter saving her baby wouldn’t? She’s so superficial that I have a hard time believing her whereas before, because she is so incredibly superficial, I could see it happening easily. And because I don’t believe in her parents’ change, it also lessens the impact of Claudia refusing to forgive. It might have been a controversial, problematic plot device before but it was also an effective one.