Self-loathing. Anguish. Bitterness. These are all emotions that stem from colorism within the African American community. Colorism is skin color stratification. It is a "form of oppression that is expressed through the differential treatment of individuals or groups based on skin complexion" (Lowman). Typically, it demonstrates favoritism to those of a lighter skin tone, while those of a darker tone experience rejection and mistreatment. This is a social issue that “is...taught in our society, it is not automatic. It is learned behavior” that affects the community as a whole and continues to manifest itself in each generation by instilling a colonial mentality (the preference of withholding European values, practices,and institutions during
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In this world, no one has control over his or her skin color, so when a child of darker skin learns that “dark skin is not valued by one’s peers, community or society” generally, the youth can “develops feelings of low self-esteem and question their self-worth” (Nittle). As a result, of having a diminished sense of worth, “over fifty-five percent of Black girls and boys (aged nine to seventeen years old) engage in using skin bleaching products such as whitenicious, white-glow, etc (Hunter). The ingredients in “skin lightening products such as these have been linked to skin cancer”(Williams). Despite the dangers of skin bleaching, usage of these products have “tripled within the last five years”(Williams).This example alone speaks volumes as to how colorism continues to negatively affect young dark skinned African American …show more content…
The issue of colorism is by no means an easy topic to discuss. It makes people feel uncomfortable and angry because many find that talking about this topic can bring up conflict. According to a study done by MTV with seventy nine African Americans ranging from ages fourteen to thirty-five , “seventy- three percent believe that there should be open talks about the colorism”, however “only twenty percent is comfortable with discussing the issue at hand” (Bouie). For the sole reason of staying “comfortable”, many have decided to not have any controversial opinions. Without realizing those who have decided to turn a blind eye to the situation have chosen to conform to the colonial mentality that has been passed down generation after generation. By choosing the path of ignorance with this issue, colorism will continue to divide the African American community and conquer the minds of black children for generations to come if change does not occur.
Overall, “colorism is a practice of discrimination by which those with lighter skin are treated more favorably than those with darker skin.”(Nittle). This is a social issue that has deep roots within European colonialism and slavery, in which African slaves were divided by how light and dark their
In this world, no one has control over his or her skin color, so when a child of darker skin learns that “dark skin is not valued by one’s peers, community or society” generally, the youth can “develops feelings of low self-esteem and question their self-worth” (Nittle). As a result, of having a diminished sense of worth, “over fifty-five percent of Black girls and boys (aged nine to seventeen years old) engage in using skin bleaching products such as whitenicious, white-glow, etc (Hunter). The ingredients in “skin lightening products such as these have been linked to skin cancer”(Williams). Despite the dangers of skin bleaching, usage of these products have “tripled within the last five years”(Williams).This example alone speaks volumes as to how colorism continues to negatively affect young dark skinned African American …show more content…
The issue of colorism is by no means an easy topic to discuss. It makes people feel uncomfortable and angry because many find that talking about this topic can bring up conflict. According to a study done by MTV with seventy nine African Americans ranging from ages fourteen to thirty-five , “seventy- three percent believe that there should be open talks about the colorism”, however “only twenty percent is comfortable with discussing the issue at hand” (Bouie). For the sole reason of staying “comfortable”, many have decided to not have any controversial opinions. Without realizing those who have decided to turn a blind eye to the situation have chosen to conform to the colonial mentality that has been passed down generation after generation. By choosing the path of ignorance with this issue, colorism will continue to divide the African American community and conquer the minds of black children for generations to come if change does not occur.
Overall, “colorism is a practice of discrimination by which those with lighter skin are treated more favorably than those with darker skin.”(Nittle). This is a social issue that has deep roots within European colonialism and slavery, in which African slaves were divided by how light and dark their