The media is extremely omnipresent in our society. Nowadays, it is plausible that the media is one of the most powerful sources of information. In fact it maybe be arguable that the media is the best medium for coercion-persuading individuals to adopt certain doctrines on what may be accepted and desirable in society. “Film-makers, novelists, advertisers, modeling agencies, matchmaking websites - all demonstrate how much the power of a fair complexion, along with straight hair and Eurocentric facial features, appeals to Americans.”( Hochschild and Weaver 1) Particularly, the undeniable Eurocentric paragon in popular media publications and agencies render that the African American women who choose to conform to these standards as desirable.
…show more content…
Colorism manifested through slavery. More specifically, colorism has roots in European colonialism and plantation system of enslaved African Americans. The American enslavement system operated as a form of White domination that rewarded those who emulated Whiteness culturally, ideologically, economically, and aesthetically. It was indeed common for slave-owners to give favorable treatment to those slaves with lighter skin tones. It was also typical for slaves with a lighter complexion to work indoors doing domestic tasks that were less taxing while their dark-skinned counterparts travailed outdoors in the fields under the scorching sun. Although there was an apparent inclination towards the fairer complexion, one must also keep in mind that the slave owners often favored the light-skinned slaves because most of the time they were their …show more content…
It subliminally manipulates its viewer's perspective on what is desirable and undesirable. The media uses European features as an epitome for beauty. Hence the need to use excessive brightness to lighten the skin tone of models with a darker pigmentation or become victim to “white-washing”. Although many people are reluctant when topic to colorism arises, colorism is not disappearing anytime soon without the corporation of young black women. They have to be educated and willing to take the certain actions necessary to prevent colorism. Virtual diversity workshops and social networks such as Twitter and Instagram (or other online publications) can be used as a positive way to enlighten black women about the ramifications of colorism. The social networks do not only have to be used to belittle each other with hashtags and words meant to characterize each other. There are far too many tangible and philosophical consequences which requires careful consideration. Colorism continues to divide the African American women in the black community. If we, the people, become immune with using these self-destructive stereotypes to denominate each other or the issues aimed to destroy us then we will be eternally enslaved. The chains and shackles are no longer
Colorism manifested through slavery. More specifically, colorism has roots in European colonialism and plantation system of enslaved African Americans. The American enslavement system operated as a form of White domination that rewarded those who emulated Whiteness culturally, ideologically, economically, and aesthetically. It was indeed common for slave-owners to give favorable treatment to those slaves with lighter skin tones. It was also typical for slaves with a lighter complexion to work indoors doing domestic tasks that were less taxing while their dark-skinned counterparts travailed outdoors in the fields under the scorching sun. Although there was an apparent inclination towards the fairer complexion, one must also keep in mind that the slave owners often favored the light-skinned slaves because most of the time they were their …show more content…
It subliminally manipulates its viewer's perspective on what is desirable and undesirable. The media uses European features as an epitome for beauty. Hence the need to use excessive brightness to lighten the skin tone of models with a darker pigmentation or become victim to “white-washing”. Although many people are reluctant when topic to colorism arises, colorism is not disappearing anytime soon without the corporation of young black women. They have to be educated and willing to take the certain actions necessary to prevent colorism. Virtual diversity workshops and social networks such as Twitter and Instagram (or other online publications) can be used as a positive way to enlighten black women about the ramifications of colorism. The social networks do not only have to be used to belittle each other with hashtags and words meant to characterize each other. There are far too many tangible and philosophical consequences which requires careful consideration. Colorism continues to divide the African American women in the black community. If we, the people, become immune with using these self-destructive stereotypes to denominate each other or the issues aimed to destroy us then we will be eternally enslaved. The chains and shackles are no longer