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Colorism is a global, worldwide issue affecting many people of different cultures & countries from across the world. Colorism is ingrained in our societies where “light skin” is seen as pretty, feminine and associated with higher class while dark skin is seen as dirty & masculine
Light skinned Black women are often praised for their “good” hair & mixed features while dark skinned Black women are mocked, made into memes & called derogatory terms, mainly by Black men. Dark skinned Black women’s lives are deemed with less value in the Black community
Skin bleaching is still common in Africa, in some countries up to 77% of women use or have previously used some form of skin bleaching. White skin has universally been linked to power. Skin bleaching isn’t normally to be white, but to access privileges (social and economical)
Colorism in India & Indian communities is a HUGE ongoing problem,
stemming from colonialism. Movies,
fashion & beauty industries further push ideologies that only light skinned women = pretty. Despite outrage Fair & Lovely is still a multi billion dollar business in India.
stemming from colonialism. Movies,
fashion & beauty industries further push ideologies that only light skinned women = pretty. Despite outrage Fair & Lovely is still a multi billion dollar business in India.
Women from Latin America with lighter skin & racially ambiguous features are over sexualized & fetishized while ones with darker skin & more Indigenous & Afro & features & thicker body hair are treated more poorly by Latinx & outside communities.
The Philippines has a long history of colorism that goes back to colonialism/ the Spanish arrival. Skin whitening ads are normalized & across billboards & endorsed by light skinned celebrities. Dark skin is associated with lower lower social status & income.
