Allow me to introduce you to a special brand of prejudice called “colourism.” The term is an unofficial one, but it is defined as discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group.
We usually see this manifest when lighter skinned individuals are regarded as superior because of their perceived “whiteness.” The practice stems from a combination of colonialism and enslavement of various peoples by Europeans. There are numerous examples of this. In America, this status of superiority was given to slaves with lighter skin; they often served in direct contact with slave masters usually inside the house.
Today we find evidence of colorism in Hollywood (with more roles going to lighter people of color) and across social media. There are seemingly millions of memes online about dating light skinned black or “mixed” women. While these women are put on a pedestal, light skinned males are scrutinized for being more effeminate. Couples with a light/dark skin combo are celebrated because their offspring will be “pretty mixed babies.” The list goes on.
This mindset further perpetuates the idea that darker skin is negative. Not just as a beauty standard, but as a measure of how intelligent and successful a person is or will become. We need to be self aware of how colorism affects our lives—especially as more and more interracial pairings become acceptable.
However, we need to understand that this internal battle between dark vs. light is pointless and futile. We need to move beyond the old shackles of Euro-centric superiority. Recognize that even “racially ambiguous” people struggle too—they are being shoved kicking and screaming into an identity that doesn’t fully encapsulate them. Recognize that darker skin tones are not being paranoid for calling out semi-white privilege.
Have you ever encountered colourism? Let me know in the comments!
