DARK/LIGHT...SKIN COLOR.........Is this still an issue? Let's be honest Sorors & SF'

[pinkies up]

My students don't know what color I am. They always ask me if I'm black or white and I ask them if they would behave differently if I told them. To this day, none of them really know and I started thinking if they treated white teachers with more respect (without having to be threatened) than they do black teachers.

[southernelle25]

Originally Posted by pinkies up

My students don't know what color I am. They always ask me if I'm black or white and I ask them if they would behave differently if I told them. To this day, none of them really know and I started thinking if they treated white teachers with more respect (without having to be threatened) than they do black teachers.

Ha, ok Professor Grayson! Your story reminds me of an episode of The Cosby Show when, during a discussion of the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the Egyptians, Theo's teacher encourages the students to guess her own heritage.

[pinkies up]

Originally Posted by southernelle25

Ha, ok Professor Grayson! Your story reminds me of an episode of The Cosby Show when, during a discussion of the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the Egyptians, Theo's teacher encourages the students to guess her own heritage.

It's a trip because I finally told them my background (mom is white, dad is black) and they were like *blank stare* Then they asked me what I consider myself to be. I told them that I am black. I grew up with the black culture and understandings and this is who I am.

[DSTCHAOS]

What is interesting about this topic is that it is still a "big deal" to many people, which is why it is still a topic to be discussed. However, discussing it keeps the topic a "big deal" to many people as opposed to the assumption that discussing something combats ignorance and changes people's thoughts and actions.

I have found that instead of thinking and talking about this "color complex" I just make it a point to correct (usually, black) people when I see or hear them displaying colorisms or hair texturisms. For instance, if I hear some ignorant soul say "good hair" or say "I need to stay out of the sun because I'm black enough as is," I go on (what my friend calls) my Angela Davis speech. I say "no such thing as 'good hair' unless you're talking about healthy hair" and "no such thing as being 'black enough' but you need to stay out of the sun to protect yourself from UV rays and skin cancer, not getting darker. Interestingly enough, your beautiful dark skin protects you from the sun's rays and skin cancer more than lighter or white skin does." I remember when a classmate told me when I was little that I needed to stay out of the sun to make sure that I stayed pretty and lightskinned--my family doesn't talk crazy like that so I was really shocked when I was told that by an outsider. No, I don't need to stay out of the sun to avoid getting shades darker but I do need to stay out of the sun because I have less melanin to protect my skin.

Either case, people have generally learned not to make certain comments around me. I could be changing the world if I force everyone to interact with me on a daily basis. Then I'll be their #1 source of socialization.

[pinkies up]

Actually I stay out of the sun because it's too dayum hot in Mississippi to be hangin' outside

[cjoanell]

Originally Posted by pinkies up

Actually I stay out of the sun because it's too dayum hot in Mississippi to be hangin' outside

LMAO, you know all you need to do is go up the block where it's raining.


MY s/o was like black people don't tan on purpose... I'm like you're crazy, that's my whole purpose of going to Miami every year. He just looks at me because I'm darkskin. I've learn to embrace my complexion. I'm the same complexion as my daddy, God rest his soul... and I am a ok with it. But if I hear, "pretty black baby one more time".. ya'll gonna see me on the news. Just remember I was a good person ok.

[aopirose]

Originally Posted by cjoanell

Just remember I was a good person ok.

This just cracked me up.

[thesweetestone]

Originally Posted by pinkies up

Actually I stay out of the sun because it's too dayum hot in Mississippi to be hangin' outside

I know that's true. It's October, why is it still hot as hell?

[pinkies up]

^^^LOL!! I almost passed out today. It was that muggy hot. The kind that makes you want to take about 5 showers!!!

[PrettyBoy]

Originally Posted by pinkies up

Actually I stay out of the sun because it's too dayum hot in Mississippi to be hangin' outside

I love the sun. It feels good.

[PositivelyAKA]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

I have found that instead of thinking and talking about this "color complex" I just make it a point to correct (usually, black) people when I see or hear them displaying colorisms or hair texturisms. For instance, if I hear some ignorant soul say "good hair" or say "I need to stay out of the sun because I'm black enough as is," I go on (what my friend calls) my Angela Davis speech. I say "no such thing as 'good hair' unless you're talking about healthy hair" and "no such thing as being 'black enough' but you need to stay out of the sun to protect yourself from UV rays and skin cancer, not getting darker. Either case, people have generally learned not to make certain comments around me. I could be changing the world if I force everyone to interact with me on a daily basis. Then I'll be their #1 source of socialization.

You make a great point, really it is a deep seated problem in our community and we have to combat the issue in our own immediate circles in order to make a difference. And realize that some people will always remain ignorant.

[Jill1228]

Thank you! You are da bomb girl!

I was one who was relentlessly teased because of my darker skin tone. Summer is my favorite season and living near the ocean most of my young life, I spent mucho time out in the sun...and I got darker...and I did not give a rip!

It kills me to hear the "she is really black, but she is pretty". yes I heard this from my 88 year old grandmother. It works my nerve to hear folx say stuff like that. I love you Nana, but dang...


But i echo someone who said to read the book "The Color Complex" Wonderful read

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

I have found that instead of thinking and talking about this "color complex" I just make it a point to correct (usually, black) people when I see or hear them displaying colorisms or hair texturisms. For instance, if I hear some ignorant soul say "good hair" or say "I need to stay out of the sun because I'm black enough as is," I go on (what my friend calls) my Angela Davis speech. I say "no such thing as 'good hair' unless you're talking about healthy hair" and "no such thing as being 'black enough' but you need to stay out of the sun to protect yourself from UV rays and skin cancer, not getting darker.
Either case, people have generally learned not to make certain comments around me. I could be changing the world if I force everyone to interact with me on a daily basis. Then I'll be their #1 source of socialization.

[SummerChild]

Hear hear!

SC

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

What is interesting about this topic is that it is still a "big deal" to many people, which is why it is still a topic to be discussed. However, discussing it keeps the topic a "big deal" to many people as opposed to the assumption that discussing something combats ignorance and changes people's thoughts and actions.

I have found that instead of thinking and talking about this "color complex" I just make it a point to correct (usually, black) people when I see or hear them displaying colorisms or hair texturisms. For instance, if I hear some ignorant soul say "good hair" or say "I need to stay out of the sun because I'm black enough as is," I go on (what my friend calls) my Angela Davis speech. I say "no such thing as 'good hair' unless you're talking about healthy hair" and "no such thing as being 'black enough' but you need to stay out of the sun to protect yourself from UV rays and skin cancer, not getting darker. Interestingly enough, your beautiful dark skin protects you from the sun's rays and skin cancer more than lighter or white skin does." I remember when a classmate told me when I was little that I needed to stay out of the sun to make sure that I stayed pretty and lightskinned--my family doesn't talk crazy like that so I was really shocked when I was told that by an outsider. No, I don't need to stay out of the sun to avoid getting shades darker but I do need to stay out of the sun because I have less melanin to protect my skin.

Either case, people have generally learned not to make certain comments around me. I could be changing the world if I force everyone to interact with me on a daily basis. Then I'll be their #1 source of socialization.

[Krisco]

Its always going to be an issue, its all about responding to it.

I just say things like "You still saying THAAAT?????" strongly attempting to make that person feel just as ignorant as they sound.


Thing is some of 'us' so-called educated folk are too blame for this still being an issue!

Look at a music video from the early 90's, the main girl usually was biracial with long curly hair, who SAID that was a TYPICAL Black girl?!?!?

[Still BLUTANG]

Saw this as i was browsing the web, interesting.

http://www.afro.com/bnw/bwmain.html