My skin is too dark, too light, too brown, or not brown
enough. My nose is too broad, my lips too full, and my hair is
too thick, too thin or too nappy.” If you’ve thought
any of those thoughts, or said any of those phrases, you are a
victim of a disease that has plagued African Americans and other
cultures for the past two centuries, what I call
“skin-coloritis.”
Last week, I was handed a student survey that asked if I liked
being dark-skinned and if I would rather date a dark-skinned or
light-skinned woman. Although many might have been shocked by this
question, at least it shows how we truly define what looks good and
more importantly who fits into that beauty box.
Although we pride ourselves on being a melting pot of diversity
throughout the ages and today, only a very narrow Eurocentric ideal
of beauty has been embraced. The privilege of being lighter-skinned
can reward individuals while denigrating those who are
darker.Â
These perspectives separate African Americans into man-made
class systems. It is no secret that the most affluent,
educated and highly regarded people of African descent have been
lighter-skinned. Even Martin Luther King Jr. was subject to
this form of “colorism.” Many people in the Civil
Rights Movement regarded him as too dark to lead the
movement.Â
Sociological studies even show that many families will treat
their children who are lighter-skinned better than their darker
children.
You don’t have to look past the media to understand this
phenomenon. Many African American television shows only feature
dark-skinned characters as comic relief. This even affects the
Latino community. If you look at “telenovelas” on
stations like Univsion you’ll see that “White
Latinos” are portrayed as the most affluent and powerful
while those of dark complexion are normally maids and cooks.
Like all social constructions, “skin coloritis” is
not inherent; it has been taught. As Willie Lynch, an 18th century
slave owner, stated in his speech on how to “train”
slaves, putting light-skinned slaves against dark-skinned ones will
have blacks fighting for 200 years. Two hundred years later
“skin coloritis” continues to be an issue.
Women of all colors have spent millions of dollars to fit into a
very white image. If you go to any local beauty supply store
for women you’ll see every product from hair relaxer to skin
lightening cream. These boxes usually state that you’ll
see less “kinky” and more manageable hair. Some
women pay hundreds of dollars on gym passes, Hollywood fad
diets and ab-busters to fit into a size that hasn’t been
created for women with full figures.
We need to stop investing our time and money into changing
our image. We need to embrace the ones we already have.
What’s wrong with “nappy hair,” broad noses and
full lips? What’s the issue if you have dark or
light skin? Don’t question your “look.” Know
that your God-given beauty transcends labels and boxes and even
your appearance.
Although many students at this university think that student of
color organizations have embraced their “heritage” to
the point of segregating themselves, universities like UCLA
actually create environments that reinforce an ideal of European
identity. As students of color try to find their roots, all
students will face a university inundated by ads, clothes, food and
an education that reinforces western values and attitudes rather
than opening up broader, more global perspectives.
As students at UCLA, let’s collectively redefine the
standard of beauty for our generation. Support student
movements like a UCLA diversity requirement that will broaden
our perspectives on culture. Let’s not be hindered by
divisions that have plagued our communities.
Today if your skin tone is mocha, dark chocolate, dulce de
leche, caramel pecan, almond joy, ebony or even ivory, walk tall
and know that there are more important things than your
reflection in the mirror.Â
Smith writes every other Wednesday.