Sylvia Wynter's Dream

What is colourism?

The Oxford dictionary states that Colourism is the prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group. Colourism, is much more than this. See this 5minute voice to gain an oversight of colourism.

For many years dark skin boys and girls have been told that their skins were not good enough. The little comments and attitudes toward dark skin have indoctrinated many black people globally while some have appreciated their skin colour. There are several issues that caused colourism to be known. Issues like segregation, salary, racism, acceptance among many others have resulted in rapid growth of colourism.  In 1940 Kenneth and Mamie Clark designed and conducted a series of experiments known as the the doll test to understanding the psychological issue which came from the segregation of African- American children. The high level of discrimination and prejudice was seen through these experiments. In the experiments the same type of doll was used, the only difference was the colour. When asked which doll was beautiful/ pretty? The children selected the white doll. When asked which doll was good? The white doll was selected again. When asked why was the white doll good? One of the response was because the doll is white with blue eyes. This study showed that children were misinformed hence the misconduct of themselves. Also due to the expectation what white represents as opposed to black.

Today in this era, colourism has caused high intensified skin bleaching. Jamaicans as many Nigerians have tried multiple ways to change their skin due to the mist of classism. In our culture, one is readily accepted is based on the colour of the skin. Persons are treated differently in places of business, in schools and even our males are careful in selecting their partners. Lighter skin is linked to beauty, success and acceptance from others. Persons will share, how accepted they feel now that they have changed their skin colour.

Melanin is a substance in all human that produces pigmentation for the skin, hair and the eyes. However, this is not seen as important and many dark skin people hope is to become lighter.

Reassuring black that your skin is there to protect your internal body mass and should never be discriminated. Your melanin will always make you marvelous and beauty has nothing to do with shade.