The disproportionate and unfair treatment of an individual because of the
lightness or darkness of their skin.
Colorism can affect any race, as it is racist in origin.
Colorism is often thought to negatively affect dark skinned individuals and only positivly affect light skinned individuals, however, both sides take harm from it. All though
lightskinned individuals get more hollywood shine, they are often treated as token blacks as well as not being seen as black enough within the black community. Being rejected by both sides actually, as not being black enough. Ex: when a movie is about black empowerment and and has an african american focus, or they want a
strong black lead, they go for a darker skinned individual, as they are seen as "black enough" while someone of lighter skin is not. This by no means diminishes the serious issue of the fact that dark skinned individuals do not get treated as well as lightskinned individuals, not by a long shot. As darker skinned individuals get far less leading rolls,
accolades, and
leeway than lighter skinned individuals. With that said, saying only one side of the issue of
colorism exists and dyning the other only perpetuates the cycle of Colorism; as no one should ever have to ask them self, "
aren't I good enough?" or "aren't I black enough?"
"Colorism is a bitch cause no matter how light or
dark you are, you are
never good enough to somebody."
