Does Colorism Exist?
What Is Colorism?
Colorism is the discrimination of an individual based off their skin color. This can often be confused with racism but the two terms are in fact not interchangeable. Colorism can occur in any race.
Colorism In Media
For a long time in the entertainment business people with lighter skin were the only ones with representation. Then as the business evolved we started seeing more darker shades. So how can colorism exist when all different races are represented in present day?
In several movies the African Americans have been predominantly light skin. Aiming more towards actors who have light brown skin instead of actor with a darker shade. This has happened on several occasions and people have been calling it out. There is a belief that the media is attempting to send out the message that Black women are beautiful as long as they have darker skin. Hence colorism.
Colorism Within The Culture
Hispanics face a lot of Colorism from their own people. Especially in the Dominican and Puerto Rican culture there is a belief that lighter is better. The lighter Hispanics are presented with better opportunities and more jobs. The darker Hispanics are ridiculed and ostracized.
Having mixed parents doesn’t make you any less of a part of the culture than any one else. You still carry it and as long as you embrace it there should be no issue. Except people that are mixed with white and black are pushed away by both of their sides. Mixed people are told they aren’t white or black enough because of their skin.
Skin Bleaching
Products are built around colorism as well. There are skin bleaching creams to make people lighter because they don’t like their skin. Why? Because they are shown that lighter skin is superior. This is a reason that these skin bleaching products stay afloat because people are buying them to transform into something they’re not. Products such as these can be harmful. People are putting themselves at risk just to become a lighter skin tone.
Final Thoughts
Colorism is evident in modern day society. We need to start representing and loving people of all colors. We are a unit.
