The Black Community And Impact Of Colorism On Them:

Some people with dark skin feel unaccepted and negatively affected by their skin. They bleach their skin to fit into society. Some celebrities have also been accused of bleaching their skin to conform with society’s standards. It is believed that lighter skin tones are “superiors” compared with darker complexions. This affects most people who are of color in terms of their self-esteem. Dark skinned people are often discriminated against. This is especially true within the same race. People bleach their skin to avoid being discriminated against. Colorism, a global conflict, is known to occur in places with a white supremacy ideology. Bleaching is common in most of Africa. According to Robert Norman, 77% of Nigerians bleach, and Togo is second with 59% (Norman, 2016, 2016). According to the University of Cape Town’s “Dying to Be white” (2014) study, one in every three South African women bleaches.

It’s important to remember that bleaching is a problem of self-esteem. Some people bleach because they want to. Women in South Africa are also more likely to bleach because they perceive their skin as being less desirable. Although there are many races of people in South Africa (including whites and blacks), the most accepted is light skin. Most women of dark complexions bleach to improve their appearance. They believe that being lighter will help them be more accepted and will boost their confidence. In the end, dark skinned women are constantly fighting against negative influences. Lighter skin tones will be seen more favorably than darker tones. Some people have said that bleaching has made them feel more confident and beautiful.

Fihlani (2013, para.4). A mother of 2 dark skin children who was also dark skin once said, “I just wanted to experience what it’s like to have white skin. I feel happy now.” 4). It is difficult for mothers to teach their children to accept themselves if they don’t feel comfortable with themselves. Women have an issue with dark skin. “In many places in Africa and Asia women with lighter skin are considered to be more beautiful. They’re also more likely marry. Colorism is a problem that has plagued many celebrities over the years. Others are made fun of for their complexion. Lupita Ngong’o has a beautiful dark complexion and is a successful actress and model. However, she still receives hate from the black community because of her skin tone.

Gilbert Arenas, a black man from the United States, insulted Nyong’o on social media by saying that she looks better when all lights are turned off. Nyong’o is yet to respond, but it’s this kind of negative attitude that can lower self-esteem. Nyong’o claims that she wants “to provide opportunities for people of color,” yet this is difficult if there are negative reactions about her race (Rubin, 2016 para. 12). Most celebrities interviewed for colorism all have similar stories about being bullied about their skin. In an Olumide (2016) interview with Nyong’o (as she is known), she says that in the past she was taunted and teased about her dark complexion.

Keke Paler, a black female from the United States, also gave an interview in which she touched on this same topic. Palmer says she prayed to have lighter skin after hearing phrases that discouraged her, such as “you’re pretty for being dark-skinned.” Gabrielle Union also shares her stories about growing up in a predominantly white environment and not feeling accepted. Union’s break-up was a turning point. The guy chose to date a girl with “light skin” and this triggered her insecurities. 9). Celebrities with dark skin are often called unkind names and accused of bleaching. Michael Jackson Sammy Sosa Lil Kim were all accused of bleaching. You can tell a big difference between their pictures from before and after. Michael Jackson did not deny the allegations, but his skin condition Vitiligo was well-known.

In his autopsy he was diagnosed with vitiligo. To treat this skin condition, he used Benoquin cream, which bleached the pigmented areas (Harris 2016, 2016). Sammy Sosa admits that he does use the cream. He says he applies it every night. Lil Kim has the most dramatic transformation. Some say she denies the allegations, despite her obvious transformation. African American celebrities whose skin has undergone dramatic changes have been accused of giving people from color negative examples on how to cope with society’s standards. Some people idolize celebrities and tend to admire their every move, even if it’s not the best. Some people may be influenced by these negative actions to change their own behavior in order for them to be accepted. Colorism is the biggest problem in black communities. People with dark skin are discriminated against the most. Jackson Marcelle, a guy who bleaches, states that it’s not just women. ‘

I don’t like being black. I don’t like black skin” (Fihlani, 2013, para. 5). Colorism is one form of racism that occurs in certain communities. Colorism is very prevalent in the black communities. Although many people may think that the colorism only affects dark skin, the facts show that the dark skinned are more affected. This includes young children who bleach their skin in order to fit in with society. It’s true that colorism cannot be eliminated in just a few weeks, days or months. However addressing the issue will provide information to help people accept themselves.