#colourism

[snixx]

also fuck you to every lightskinned north indian who has the audacity to think I'd be a good sounding board for their barely concealed colourism because im a fairly lightskinned south indian that's my entire family you're talking about btw. "south indians can have light skin why do we only see dark skinned south indians in movies" firstly tell me you've never watched a south indian movie without telling me secondly geeeeeeee I had NO idea now name three dark skinned indian actresses quickly

[blackstarlineage]

Colourism and Its Damaging Effects on Community Unity: A Garveyite Perspective

Introduction: The Psychological War of Skin Tone Hierarchy

Colourism—the favouritism of lighter-skinned individuals over those with darker skin within the Black community—is one of the most damaging remnants of colonialism, slavery, and white supremacy. While racism is an external force, colourism is an internalized form of oppression that continues to divide Black people worldwide.

From a Garveyite perspective, colourism is not just a “preference”—it is a deliberate psychological tool of white supremacy used to:

Weaken Black solidarity by dividing the people along skin-tone lines.

Ensure that lighter-skinned Black people serve as intermediaries between white society and the Black masses.

Make Black people view their African features as undesirable, leading to self-hatred.

If the Black world does not address colourism and unite under a Pan-African identity, it will remain divided, economically powerless, and mentally colonized—ensuring that foreign powers continue to dominate.

1. The Historical Origins of Colourism

A. The Role of Slavery in Creating Skin-Tone Hierarchy

During the Transatlantic Slave Trade, European enslavers deliberately divided Black people by skin tone to:

Create hierarchy within enslaved populations (house slaves vs. field slaves).

Reward lighter-skinned enslaved Africans with preferential treatment.

Encourage rape and forced breeding between enslaved women and white men to create a mixed-race class.

Example: Many mixed-race children of white enslavers were given slightly more privileges, leading to the early foundations of colourism in the Black community.

Key Takeaway: Colourism was created to divide Black people and ensure that lighter-skinned individuals identified more with white society than with their darker-skinned counterparts.

B. Colonialism and the Weaponization of Colourism

In Africa and the Caribbean, European colonizers used skin colour as a marker of social status, creating racial caste systems where:

Lighter-skinned Africans were given better education, jobs, and political power.

Darker-skinned Africans were seen as more “savage” and “uncivilized.”

Colonial governments preferred mixed-race elites to serve as intermediaries between whites and the Black masses.

Example: In many African and Caribbean nations, European colonizers established separate schools and social clubs for mixed-race people, ensuring that they had a distinct class above darker-skinned Black people.

Key Takeaway: Colourism was never just a preference—it was a colonial strategy to prevent full Black unity.

2. The Modern Consequences of Colourism in the Black World

A. Psychological Damage and Self-Hatred

Many Black people today have internalized anti-Blackness, leading to:

Skin bleaching – A billion-dollar industry that profits from Black insecurity.

Preference for European beauty features – Many Black people feel pressured to alter their hair, skin, and features to fit Eurocentric standards.

Low self-esteem among darker-skinned individuals – Many dark-skinned Black youth suffer from depression due to societal rejection.

Example: Studies show that many Black children prefer white dolls over Black dolls, proving that colourism is taught from an early age.

Key Takeaway: A colonized mind sees whiteness as the standard of beauty and success—this is why mental decolonization is necessary.

B. Division and Infighting Within the Black Community

Colourism causes deep divisions among Black people, preventing:

Political unity – Many Black leaders are dismissed or uplifted based on their skin tone rather than their ideas.

Economic cooperation – Many Black-owned businesses fail to receive full community support due to internal biases.

Cultural solidarity – Many Black people associate lighter skin with wealth and intelligence, and darker skin with criminality and poverty.

Example: In media, lighter-skinned actors and models are often chosen over darker-skinned individuals, reinforcing the idea that only certain types of blackness are acceptable.

Key Takeaway: A divided Black community can not build strong institutions or resist global oppression.

C. Political and Economic Implications of Colourism

Because colourism reinforces white standards of leadership and success, it ensures that:

Darker-skinned Black leaders are demonized in politics and activism.

White corporations continue to profit from Black insecurity (skin bleaching, hair straightening, cosmetic surgeries).

Black communities remain weak and divided, unable to collectively demand justice or economic independence.

Example: The mainstream media praises mixed-race or light-skinned Black activists while ignoring or demonizing dark-skinned revolutionaries who challenge white power structures.

Key Takeaway: If Black people remain trapped in colourism, they will never achieve true liberation.

3. How the Media and Western Standards Reinforce Colourism

A. Hollywood and the Global Media Industry

Hollywood, music, and social media platforms glorify Eurocentric beauty standards, leading to:

The erasure of dark-skinned Black women in film, TV, and fashion.

The glorification of mixed-race and ambiguous Black figures as the “acceptable” face of Blackness.

Black men and women internalizing beauty standards that prioritize whiteness.

Example: Many Hollywood films cast lighter-skinned Black women as leads while making darker-skinned actresses play villains, slaves, or struggling characters.

Key Takeaway: Who controls media controls perception—Black people must build their own media industries.

B. The Role of Social Media in Spreading Colourism

Social media influencers and beauty trends often promote:

Lighter-skinned models and “Instagram filters” that lighten skin.

Preference for European or mixed-race aesthetics in the Black dating scene.

Mockery and negative stereotypes about darker-skinned individuals.

Example: Many dating apps and studies show that darker-skinned Black people—especially women—face more discrimination in dating and relationships.

Key Takeaway: As long as colourism is normalized, Black people will remain divided and mentally colonized.

4. The Garveyite Solution: Reclaiming Black Identity and Unity

A. Re-Educating the Black Community on the Origins of Colourism

Black schools, universities, and community programs must teach the history of colourism and its colonial origins.

Parents must instill racial pride in Black children to counter the Eurocentric standards pushed by society.

Black-led media platforms must promote all shades of Black beauty, not just the ones deemed acceptable by white standards.

Example: Black history classes must include lessons on how colonizers used skin colour to divide and weaken Black nations.

Key Takeaway: If Black people understand the origins of colourism, they can begin dismantling its effects.

B. Rebuilding Pan-African Cultural and Economic Unity

Black communities must reject European beauty standards and embrace natural Black aesthetics.

Black nations must support Black-owned beauty and fashion industries instead of spending billions on skin bleaching and hair straightening.

Black media must uplift and promote darker-skinned Black individuals, ensuring that Black representation is balanced and diverse.

Example: The rise of Afrocentric fashion, natural hair movements, and dark-skinned models like Lupita Nyong’o is a sign that mental decolonization is beginning.

Key Takeaway: Black self-love is revolutionary—if Black people do not reclaim their identity, they will always be psychologically enslaved.

Conclusion: Will Black People Continue to Divide Over Skin Tone, or Unite for Liberation?

Marcus Garvey said:

"Take pride in your race, for your Black blood is the symbol of your greatness."

Will Black people continue fighting over skin tone, or embrace their collective African identity?

Will we allow Western media to dictate beauty standards, or define Black beauty for ourselves?

Will we remain mentally enslaved by colonial colourism, or reclaim our pride and unity as one people?

The Choice is Ours. The Time is Now.

[bi-dykes]

Come on now

[violet-moonstone]

looking for photo references of skin tones for writing and uh...

sorry, what?

tag yourself, are you "normal" or "exotic" ???

Love that the "dark" example is lighter than me, and I'm not even very dark. I think whoever made this graphic would freak out if they saw someone who actually has dark skin.

[rose-maidenn]

Growing up in a country that is still rooted in colourism (rant)

My first memory of ever feeling like I was a bad person was when once I was so jealous of this fair skinned girl because everyone around her was treating her so well and I desperately wanted attention, she was a okay person but I didn't treat her well and she asked me "why do you hate me sm" and I was so sad that my jealousy had made someone think I hate them but no i don't , I don't I just want what you have the love , the people around you telling you that you're beautiful and cute and pretty and lovable . The experiences are raw while my fair skinned cousin was loved more my immediate family members never even cradled me and shut doors at my face , that's what I grew up with , the school ???? I remember them called me " Kali , Moti, Gendi " , nothing new all dark skinned girls have the experience. They claim they love Krishna and Draupadi and then say slurs to dark skinned people.

Is it in my hands the expression of my genes or the concentration of melanin on my body ?????? Imagine hating your own people now stop your imagination and come to India.

I don't wanna stay in north India, south is way better (probably ive never been to south) . Indian colourism is so bad I can't even find a good foundation shade( I make my own blending contour and foundation) They see a fair girl and loose their minds like fucking be fr the only beauty standard in India is fair skin (laude ka standard ) . I absolutely hate the notion that aww forgive them India was invaded by turks , british etc etc but it's 2025 can this fucking end ? Bollywood representation is fucking dead. I wanna walk around my country and feel pretty not average but when does this fucking end ??????

[nonbinary-sticks-the-badger]

does piss me off how in recent years sonic characters can have a 0.00001% darker muzzle and everyone gets excited theyre actually letting characters have dark skin instead of whitewashing yet another dark skinned character. obviously knuckles, shadow and rouge come to mind but then im also sure there are a few more ive forgotten

[they-them-that]

Don't Buy "Be Fashion Academy" Dolls

I want to put this out there in case anyone is willing to give this doll line the benefit of the doubt.

They're fairly new but they've made several posts already showcasing the dolls in all their pasty glory. They're just ignoring the problem and only replying to comments that point it out rather than making a public post addressing the issue.

Their reason also doesn't fly. Be Fashion Academy should've corrected this mistake before even revealing the dolls to the public, why would you use the white washed dolls at all??? Even if we believe that this is the fault of the manufacturer, Be Fashion Academy still allowed it and put them out to the public the way they are! If they cared about diversity, they should've picked a manufacturing company that did provide other skin tones!

Accurately representing melanin does not get to be an after thought! You can't just say "yeah we're just selling them white for now, we'll add skin diversity later (if you support us enough)". Black and brown girls are being expected to tolerate white washing because their identity is apparently "more work" to portray and Be Fashion Academy does not have the patience for that...

[leikeliscomet]

Can't stand when u lot parrot the 'actors need to survive' mantra for colourist castings cus apart from the fact the lightskin mixed actors ur defending are *very* financially well off, what do darkskin actors do when there's no darkskin roles? What about their survival?

[youngroyalsconnections]

Hey

So im brown (desi) and ofc my experiences r different to simon. I was wondering if anyone knows abt colourism in latinamerica countries and whether it's common and what it's like....

🤎🤎

[gameguy20100]

Invincible have colorist Writing toward their dark skin Character

Still better than the comics where the only poc was Kate.

And she was only defined by being promiscuous and a cheater.

Which for an Asian woman.... yeah... not touching that with a 10 foot pole.

[sharloola]

Black Girl Walking

It seems that my body speaks before I do. Tells the room I am proud and aloof  Before I have been allowed to enter. Warns of aggression and sex In my dark and the curve of my spine, Of simplicity and calculated cruelty. Announces that I am ready to be consumed, Like a corpse flirting with grinning vultures.

And maybe my body is loud because My existence has never belonged to me. It is in the hands of those who grab my hair, And force me onto their hot mouths, So enthralled by the black girl walking. 

Sometimes I dream of being invisible, Of being given the grace of weakness. But it seems that my body is screaming,  And isn’t it such a blessing to be heard?

s.o.

[hidingfromfriends]

While I do think Sydney Agudong is a miscast for Nani, there is something to be said about MSM twice now using the PALEST possible picture of actresses when announcing casting for a woman of colour character. Same happened with Kiawentiio when she was cast as Katara for the live-action version of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

I do think Sydney is too pale for the role but it's NOWHERE as bad as the MSM makes it look. I think it's purely to drum up hate and anger so the articles get more interaction. But ultimately the actresses get the brunt of the hate. Both Sydney and Kiawentiio's social medias got filled up with angry comments and I can't imagine what their DMs looked like too if they were left open.

This below is what I'm talking about. Including an image taken from other screen gigs the actresses had been in prior.

Sydney Agudong

Kiawentiio Tarbell

We absolutely should be talking about colourism and if the role could of gone to someone who's fully Native Hawaiian rather than someone mixed race who lives in Hawaii. But I don't think Sydney is as white as the MSM makes out for rage clicks and engagement. And I think that's the other side of the colourism debate we should be having. That often WOC are often the brunt of hate for calculated schemes by MSM and often celebrity information sites use the palest pictures too.

[thepaintedroom]

Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell (Scottish, 1883-1937) • The Red Chair • c. 1923

[optimisticslytherin]

Yo its wild how people are justifiable calling out the colourism in the casting of Nani, by then trying to imposing the colonisers tool of blood quantum on Sydney and saying her being a 1/4 hawaiian means she isnt hawaiian enough. F*ck off with that shit. Among indigenous peoples, blood quantum was used as a tool to "breed" out the native population, a form of genocide to eradicate and assimilate.

For Maori, it doesnt matter if you are a blonde, blue eyed white girl, if you know your whakapapa, if you know where your people came from, where your land is. Your Maori.

I genuinely believe Sydney should step back from this role and push for a darker skinned Native Hawaiian to take the role, because Nani's existence as a dark skinned Hawaiian with features that are unequivocally native, played an integral part of how she lived and experienced life through the lens of colourism and how that colourism made her life harder. Darker skinned indigenous women are more likely to get there kids taken away by social services, are more likely to have reports made against that by "do good" neighbours, find it harder to get and keep jobs and then add being the single parent of a child and that becomes even harder.