This is definitely definitely still an issue for ALL Americans. As long as there are differences among people, there will always be a reason to discriminate against others..
Lighter will be seen better IMO because its closer to white. Anything remotely close to being white is considered better i.e. saying someone has "pretty" hair usually means the texture is "fine" unlike the coarse texture...or saying someone has "pretty" eyes...uually mean they're lighter. I'm not a pessimist...but a realist...and I really don't think this will change. Coupled with a history full of self-hate and how the media pushes these images..I don't see a turnaround
I have dealt with the complexion issue all of my life from family and friends. I remember when my friend wanted to pledge AKA and wanted me to..I told her I would have no parts of an organization that had a "paper bag" test back in the day or that had the reputation of only wanting "lighter" girls. She didn't understand why I cared about that....at the time. NOw she does..because she feels some of her Sorors treat her different because she's dark-skinned.
Sad to stay..I think the issue is here to say. I know folx joke and say light skinned brothas went out of style in the 80's...but lightskinned black women have always been the "in" thing. I think the concept of beauty is different for black men and women.
|