So here were are in the 21st century STILL dealing with that age old issue of light skin versus dark skin. I dealt with that issue as a child more than 50 years ago and now, it appears, my grandson has been confronted with it by a girl who has been convinced that her light skin makes her better and she refuses to associate with anyone as dark as my grandson. In that moment, I knew exactly what that pain of rejection felt like but in an effort to empower him to think positively about himself at ALL times I told him the girl probably wasn't very smart and he should always be focused on wanting to deal with SMART over light skinned and pretty. Besides, that same girl may try to seek him out once he makes it to the NFL (they always do).
Those of us who are over 60 remember the "paper bag test" where you gained access to social events, job opportunities, schools, fraternities and sororities based on your skin complexion.
Colorism: "Prejudicial or preferential treatment of same-raced people based solely on their skin color.” That's how author and activist Alice Walker described it in her 1983 book, In Search of Our Mother's Gardens.
According to Temple University Associate Professor Lori Tharps, "...skin color will continue to serve as the most obvious criterion in determining how a person will be evaluated and judged. In this country, because of deeply entrenched racism we already know that dark skin is demonized and light skin wins the prize."
Among African Americans, skin tone is an important physical characteristic that creates divisions in the community and affects quality of life. Like gender, a person’s skin tone is a visible physical trait that others immediately notice during social interactions and use to form judgments (Maddox & Gray, 2002). Throughout American history, variations in skin tone have contributed to socioeconomic status (SES) differences among African Americans (Herring, Keith, & Horton, 2004; Keith & Herring, 1991). Furthermore, African Americans use skin tone variations to distinguish themselves from each other, reflecting social status hierarchies.
Sadly the young lady who chose to display a negative attitude towards my grandson because of his dark skin tone will have to deal with her own demons at some point in life. Being light skinned may get you a pass but, as Michael Eric Dyson puts it, "one needs to do more than be light-skinned to reap the rewards of light privilege in a culture that remains profoundly color-struck."
In the meantime, we are continuing to teach Jarod to love and appreciate his blackness because one day the right person will come along and appreciate him for who he is.
SAY IT LOUD, WE'RE BLACK AND WE'RE PROUD!
