Colorism in the African Diaspora…
A picture of the dancehall artist Spice, you could say, went viral in the past couple of days. Her picture was circulated on numerous social media platforms, as it triggered an albeit, brief, and perhaps ongoing, discussion on the topic of bleaching in the Caribbean and by extension, in the African Diaspora. Well aware that the picture was since found to be doctored, it does not negate the fact that bleaching and colorism take place heavily in Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, etc. This article, however, focuses in on the Caribbean, taking into consideration the post-colonial effects of colorism. Snapshots into the bleaching and colorism issues in the Diaspora can be found here, here, here, and here (there is no shortage of information and thought pieces on this as you can see). However, Spice has put a spin on colorism as she boldly speaks out about it in the Black community and in the entertainment industry. For context, given the juxtaposition of her photos, the messaging for her new music can be found in her new music video.
So, what is colorism? In its most basic form, colorism can be defined as biases or discrimination against an individual because of the color of his or her skin. It is usually against individuals with a dark skin tone, and usually among people within the same racial or ethnic group. Picture the skin tone color palette for makeup with the different hues, from one spectrum to the next (light to dark skinned). Historically speaking, the lighter the person, “the better,” and hence the adage “white is right.” Or, even in our Bajan society we have heard people described as not being black; instead, they are described as “blerk,” (meaning they are far beyond the color black, to an extreme).
In Barbadian culture, we’ve heard songs, celebrated Crop Over, and had candid, some may even describe them as complimentary conversations, and remarks about red skinned girls, darkies, etc. Most of the time, the intent from my vantage is innocent but the connotation, within the historical context, is dangerous.
Growing up, I have seen and used creams containing hydroquinone at home, under the guise of evening out my skin tone (to the lighter tones on my face, as opposed to evening it out to the darker tones on my face…let’s say ignorance just may have been bliss). Hindsight is indeed 20/20 and when you know better, you do better. In retrospect, I can see now how it being a household name, both in the past and currently in many homes, has undertones of anti-blackness, and gives off remnants of colorism within our society.
Some may argue- it’s as simple as just trying to clear their skin or, it’s their choice, which in fact are equally valid reasons. However, when these reasons, or jarring results, reinforce anti-blackness and implicitly send the message that lighter is better, it is problematic.
Here are a number of questions as food for thought, and within the context of our Bajan society:
1. What role does media play in perpetuating colorism? (queue the Spice photo, Vybz Kartel…need I say more)
2. How can we learn to love and appreciate our own skin, hair, and features while also loving and appreciating others? (being pro-black does not mean being/that you are anti-_____)
3. Have I addressed my own biases and issues with colorism so that I do not perpetuate colorism among others in the world?.
4. How does colorism impact socioeconomic status, income, and wealth in Bim?.
5. Better yet, how do class, wealth, and socioeconomic status impact our views on colorism?
6. How can education and schooling counteract colorism?
7. How has my attitude about skin tone manifested in my words and actions (or the absence of my words and actions)?
8. Why does my reflection on this issue matter?/ How will understanding my attitude about skin color change things personally or communally?