Colorism: Prejudice Disguised As “Preference”

One of the ways the form of prejudice that is colorism has been perpetuated for ages, is simply calling it by another name, (i.e. preference) to conceal its disgustingly rooted bias. Colorism comes with history that explains why it has been a detriment throughout generations, and this criticism goes far beyond what you’re “just attracted to.”

Colorism, coined by Alice Walker (yes, thee Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Color Purple) in 1982, is a form of prejudice or discrimination usually from members of the same race in which people are treated differently based on the social implications from cultural meanings attached to skin color. It is not the same as racism, but the two are inherently connected. With the world violated by Western colonialism, and its own proximity to racism, colorism is perpetuated globally, and has evolved over time. In this country it dates back to transatlantic slavery and European colonization. Slaves with light skin, who were often the products of white slave masters/colonizers raping their captives, received preferential treatment. Considering that a variation of the word preference exists at its very core, it would be great if the case, and this bullshit excuse of “preference” could be put to rest; but we know that is not the world we live in. What should also be considered, is the basis in which someone’s attraction is characterized by its proximity to whiteness. 

Here’s what can be said based off of various studies: There is a unique relationship between colorism and to who and what are determined “beautiful.” Because of this it has a tendency, although not exclusively, to affect women more visibly than men. What continues to be ignored/downplayed/trivialized is the plight of Black women with dark skin, as (and statistics have shown) they face more discrimination, are more likely to be victims of misogyny and misogynoir-based crimes, and are disrespected to no end by a variety of perpetrators both on and offline. We’ve all seen the hateful memes that have circulated for years, as well as how colorism has controlled magazine covers, music, big-budget films, and television. Challenging colorism calls for proper representation of dark-skinned people in mainstream media, and ridding ourselves of biases against dark-skinned people. 

Do dark-skinned Black men also experience colorism? Absolutely. Social scientists have said that the association of dark skin with criminality has become one of the most deep-seated stereotypes in American society. Do Black women perpetuate colorism (at times under the guise of “preference”) as well? Yes. Countless examples of light-skinned Black women being just as prejudiced/colorist as those who praise them can be found without even breaking a sweat. They too are part of the problem and to be frank, a specific type of people gets a kick out of being “preferred,” or deemed more desirable than others; as if the attention of men who only respect women based on their attraction to them is some sort of prize. How often, though, are these examples of Black men being victims of colorism (or the being bullied for being light-skinned stories) acknowledged solely for the purpose of spreading awareness to bring forth change, and not under the circumstances of silencing those most affected by colorism when they’ve spoken out about their mistreatment?

I will not be ignorant with the belief that I do not benefit from having lighter skin. Though unbeknownst to me in certain instances, to say that I have not benefited from colorism and “light skin privilege” in my lifetime, would also be ignorant. Growing up in an environment (in my household, in schools, in my community/neighborhood prior to peak gentrification) that consisted of Black people of all shades is not what has contributed to me being anti-colorist. Listening with the intent to learn, aiming to amplify and not silence, and doing the work for the knowledge I seek while sharing space with those affected are what has made the difference. Though lighter skinned individuals may not have “seen” instances of colorism, it does not mean that colorism does not exist, and it does not mean that they have not benefited from it at any point in their lives. It has to be understood that you are not going to “see” or experience a bias that does not affect you negatively. It has to be understood that to bring about any form of change, accountability has to be taken, the same thing we are preaching to the “woke whites” when it comes to addressing the system they’ve always benefited from. 

It is up to the people who benefit from the system to say something, and it is crucial that we don’t continue this rhetoric or perpetuate an oppressive system. As a [Black] people, we cannot openly acknowledge and fight against systems of oppression that result in our lives being taken, but also ignore or continue to participate/engage in oppressive systems in our community that contribute to the harm of our own. Ignoring or pretending someone else’s pain does not exist, is a form of gaslighting, and is an example of oppressive behavior. Black people are constantly reduced to our physical attributes, and it is divisive. In a society that has determined all of our value based on phenotypes, it is hypocritical to do the same, and it is detrimental to point this “divisive finger” (all while claiming “pro-blackness”) at those of us who speak out against our own injustice. There are plenty of working systems of oppression within our community to disrupt: colorism, texturism, featurism, etc. which equate to plenty of opportunities to do research to educate yourself and educate others, and to do the work, just as we demand of others; opportunities to listen and learn from those most affected, and opportunities to change your own behavior that contributes to the harm (in any form) of others. So, with as much respect as deserved, tighten up.