The Dark Skin Black Women Experience

5-minute read time

Colorism is a deeply ingrained issue that has profoundly shaped the lives of dark-skinned Black women, subjecting them to discrimination both within their own communities and in wider society. While I have always been confident in my intellect and spirit, from a young age I was aware that my beauty did not align with societal standards. From early cinema to contemporary films and TV shows, dark-skinned Black women are rarely given roles that reflect their complexity. Whether as maids, comic relief, or angry figures, the media has continuously positioned us in a way that strips us of our femininity and humanity. Lighter-skinned actresses have often been elevated as the ‘acceptable’ face of Blackness, further alienating darker-skinned women. As I grew up, I realized that these standards of beauty—steeped in Eurocentrism—were much broader and more pervasive than I had imagined.

Eurocentric beauty ideals, such as pale skin, straight hair, and delicate facial features, have historically excluded Black women, particularly those with darker skin tones. We are often reduced to stereotypes—seen as hypersexualized, masculine, or invisible, but rarely as beautiful or desirable. Our bodies are policed. From our curves to our hair, dark-skinned Black women often feel pressure to alter themselves to fit into Eurocentric molds. Our natural hairstyles are frequently deemed ‘unprofessional,’ and many of us have felt the weight of societal pressure to straighten our hair or adopt more ‘acceptable’ styles. The comic book character Angelfood McSpade is an extreme but telling example, created as a caricature that reinforced harmful perceptions of Black women. Even today, these damaging tropes persist. Dark-skinned Black women are often fetishized or dehumanized, and when we express our femininity, it’s met with mockery or dismissal, as though we are attempting to be something we’re not. Yet, we are women, deserving of the same recognition and respect as any other.

A modern example of this marginalization can be seen in how dark-skinned TikTok creators are bullied off the platform. Creators like Lipglosssss have faced relentless attacks simply for expressing their intelligence and challenging oppressive systems. Instead of engaging with the important conversations these women initiate, many people use the platform to silence or demean them. The harassment becomes unbearable, forcing these creators to step away from social media. Golloria, a popular TikToker, shared a statement about how exhausting it is to confront the daily barrage of colorist and racist rhetoric, highlighting how dark-skinned Black women are often dehumanized and their voices dismissed. This reflects a broader societal issue, where Black women—especially those with darker skin—are not afforded the same respect or empathy as others.

The treatment of Black women by Black men is another layer of this complex issue. Many Black men have, unfortunately, internalized Eurocentric beauty standards, often prioritizing lighter-skinned women or women who embody these ideals. This leaves dark-skinned Black women feeling neglected and devalued within their own communities. Instead of uplifting and supporting their sisters, some Black men reinforce the same harmful stereotypes that society imposes on us. When Black women embrace their femininity, it is sometimes seen as unnatural or laughable, as if our beauty and womanhood are invalid. This lack of support deepens the wounds inflicted by society, further isolating dark-skinned Black women.

Recently, the ShxtsNGigs podcast, hosted by two Black men, faced scrutiny after a controversial clip surfaced where Andrew Schulz, a white man, made derogatory and stereotypical comments about Black women, and ShxtsNGigs laughed. I bring this up because it serves as a modern-day example of the pervasive disrespect that Black women often receive from Black men. The harmful and stereotypical comment not only reinforced ignorant perceptions of Black women but also highlighted the deeper issue: the lack of respect, protection, and support that is sometimes shown to Black women within the very community they belong to. This incident underscores how harmful narratives are perpetuated when these damaging stereotypes are met with laughter or silence, rather than challenged and condemned. It reflects a broader issue where Black women, who already face societal marginalization, are further let down by the very men who should be their allies and protectors. Of course, there are exceptions, but the fact that these exceptions—Black men who uplift black women—are seen as rare is part of the problem itself.

Malcolm X and Dr. Umar Johnson have both spoken powerfully about the unique struggles of Black women, particularly in relation to how they are treated by Black men. Malcolm X famously said, “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” These words emphasize the deep-rooted mistreatment that Black women face, not only from wider society but also from within their own communities. Dr. Umar adds another dimension, discussing how Black women have been forced to adopt masculine traits as a defense mechanism against abuse, violence, and abandonment. He argues that Black men have failed to support Black women adequately, leaving them to carry the burdens of family and community alone. Both Malcolm X and Dr. Umar highlight the urgent need for Black men to recognize their role in perpetuating the struggles of Black women and to step up in protecting, valuing, and respecting them.

The mental toll of constantly being devalued cannot be understated. For many dark-skinned Black women, years of rejection and societal pressure chip away at self-worth. Yet, despite these psychological wounds, we continue to rise. We cultivate communities of care, affirming each other and reclaiming our beauty in ways that defy the standards forced upon us. We find beauty and strength within ourselves because the world rarely offers it to us. However, this doesn’t diminish the pain of navigating a society that consistently refuses to see us as fully human. We deserve to be valued for who we are—our contributions, our intelligence, our creativity—and not just dismissed based on harmful stereotypes. The fight against colorism requires collective action. It is a fight for dignity, respect, and, ultimately, the right to exist as we are, without being forced to conform to standards that were never meant to include us.