Colorism

3-minute read time

Each month, we dedicate a week to exploring a specific theme, with each of us contributing an article from our unique perspective. This week, we are diving into the complex issue of colorism, a topic that impacts communities across the globe in deeply personal and systemic ways. 

As we embark on this week’s discussion of colorism, we aim to shine a light on the intricate and pervasive ways that this issue manifests in different communities around the world. Colorism, the preference for lighter skin over darker skin, stems from deeply rooted social, cultural, and historical influences. While racism affects communities on a systemic level, colorism is an often-overlooked issue that operates within these same communities, creating hierarchies based on skin tone. This week, we each bring our unique perspectives to the conversation, exploring the ways colorism intersects with history, media, beauty standards, and personal identity.

TMarie will explore how Spike Lee’s 1988 film School Daze exposes colorism within the Black community, particularly through its depiction of college students grappling with internalized biases. The film captures the division between light-skinned and dark-skinned Black students, offering a sharp critique of how these prejudices are passed down and reinforced through social norms, romantic ideals, and even Greek life. By analyzing School Daze, we aim to highlight the ways in which colorism has long been embedded in community dynamics and continues to affect perceptions of beauty and worth among Black Americans.

Rose Barry’s post will delve into the specific experiences of dark-skinned Black women, who often face marginalization both from within their communities and in the broader world. Through her personal reflections, Rose examines how Eurocentric beauty standards continue to exclude and dehumanize dark-skinned women, particularly in media portrayals. She also reflects on the challenges dark-skinned Black women encounter on social platforms, where they are subjected to online harassment and erasure. Her piece emphasizes the importance of recognizing the full humanity, beauty, and dignity of dark-skinned women, who persist despite societal pressures to conform to impossible standards.

Shreyaa’s article will provide a global perspective on colorism, focusing on the role colonialism has played in shaping beauty ideals across different cultures. From India to the Caribbean, colonialism imposed a hierarchy that equated lighter skin with superiority, a legacy that persists in many post-colonial societies. Shreyaa will examine how historical texts, art, and media have influenced perceptions of beauty, noting how lighter skin became associated with power and status. She will also discuss how modern media, especially Indian cinema, continues to propagate colorist ideals, reinforcing a preference for light-skinned actors in roles that should reflect the true diversity of the population.

Together, we hope to spark meaningful conversations about colorism’s impact on individuals and communities. Our goal is not only to raise awareness but also to encourage reflection on how we can dismantle these harmful biases and move toward a more inclusive understanding of beauty, identity, and self-worth.