Colorism: We must mention colorism as part of the conversation of Interracial Relationships and in our society in general. Colorism extends to all races and ethnicities especially living in the United States where color is labeled, lived, and real. We have the luxury of being able to identify “racialized” problems in our society even if we can not mend all of them immediately. Our working social policy allows for this type of analysis which however imperfect, is still much better than many other societies where the issue may sit under the radar. Our visible multi-racial and ethnic society (despite a true lack of complete integration) serves the potential to (hopefully speed up) revolutionize the social construction of race, (which as discussed before, is experienced explicitly and implicitly despite the race myth).

So with “white being right,” it is crucial to understand that “white” and the typical stereotype to accompany (middle and upper-class, well to-do, privileged etc.) is not a “color ideal” in this time period. It is more like “Light-Tan” is what we will see most in the media occupying “sexual” type roles with particular attention to females. We know when a role is sexualized and idealized that will also occupy the “goal” for many of society’s members even at young ages. Even Barbie has more of a tan than her original model! A sun kissed glow looks a little bit more healthy in our current generation (during other times and in different social locations this will change or be different) even if it means risking skin cancer (though spray tanning is very popular and safer too). I worked in a tanning salon for awhile; one consistency is a prevalent of both male and female clientele, the young and old, and both “white” and racial minorities. Tanning is only legal at age 18 in the U.S and below requires consent of a legal guardian- but our society is so desperate for that glow that many people will try to tan illegaly (sounds ridiculous and extreme huh?). White, Freckled, Light Skin, High-Yellow, Yellow, Red, Red-Bone, Caramel, Cafe Au Lait, Cafe con leche and more- all tan! YES- MALES and FEMALES of all colors. It is a myth that tanning salons and beds only serve the “white” and “female” population.

So while we have some aiming to get darker, we have others aiming to intentionally avoid getting darker or to proactively get lighter. Bleaching Cremes, Skin Tone Evening Soap, and Color Treatments are still popular. You may even know of some “home remedies” to aid in “lightening up.” There is a constant conversation and labeling associated with skin tone and hair texture. It is all part of the conversation on our bodies and what they say about us, versus what we would like them to, based on our social location and personal feelings.

But- This goes beyond personal preference and partner selection. Just as we can talk about interracial romantic encounters and relationships- we can move the conversation to include all interactions (casual, professional, business, friendship, family) between people of color (and I mean ALL colors in this context- white, pale, “flesh” pink etc. are also colors. Band-aids are a great example of large scale “colorism.” Flesh colored is closest to the “majority” ideal although we can see that they even miss the mark on that. Finally, cosmetics have expanded to include other tones beyond “nude” shades. Even the diction and syntax of the words FLESH and NUDE show the oppression of “other colors.” People of other tones also have flesh and get nude- but even than they will not match those “ideals.”

Furthermore, studies have supported a professional preference for light skin. As far as interviewing and hiring, skin color and tone matters. Visibly, on runways and in print modeling tone is predominantly tan and lighter or deeply dark and further “exotocised as an other.” Even when included- there remains the tokenism at times and dichotomy of belonging and not. With a conversation on Interracial relationships, the question and reality of light preference is the source for much psychological self-awareness, feelings of inadequacy, and identity for many who deal with this. Whether it is questioning the perceived privilege of light skin or justifying the legitimacy of being whatever tone one is. “Worker’s Skin” and “House Slaves.” The one drop rule etc. are all historical and even present pieces of the conversation.

Skin Color depends on evolutionary health tendencies. I included the color/tone map that shows color origins based on ancestry location. The closer one’s ancestors were to the equator (and the period of time generations remained there) will cause darker tones in order to maximize melanin and protect from skin cancer. A tan and skin color is virtually the skins defense against UVA and UVB rays seen in the amount of melanin present in the dermis. The further ancestry moves from the equator to the poles (which equates to less direct sun exposure throughout the year) causes lighter tones to maximize vitamin D absorption in the body. Vitamin D is produced when the skin receives UVB rays. It is essential for both immune system and organ support. Recently, anthropology has further suggested that one’s skin tone (a lineage) and hair texture can change over just a few hundred years of re-location.

The color is not the problem. It is how we associate color. The safety/brightness/visibility of Daylight, versus the Sin/Unknown/threat of the Dark night. The light of heaven and white of angels versus the dark of hell. Purity dictated through whiteness. Adulteration dictated through color. Devil’s Food Cake is Dark, unhealthy & sinful. Angel food cake is white, light, and the healthier alternative. Dirty versus Clean. “Shadiness” as being negative, mysterious, hidden. Doctors where White Lab Coats. And it goes on and on and on…..

The above picture of Beyonce which was recently the source of a conversation of L’oreal’s advertising techniques. How ad’s may be altered (skin and Hair for Loreal, but also eyes and bodies in other ads) to suit a target audience so that readers can more readily identify and see “more” of themselves in the models. There have also been discussions on Detroit and clubs having paper bag parties or skin tone based events where “reds” or “yellows” etc. may get in free on certain nights. You can see people altering photos themselves on the internet to alter tone or add “glow” effects to achieve a certain tone and “flawless” look.

There are plenty more examples of colorism and our obsession with color, hair, looks, bodies, and the like. Men are also effected by this. Lighter tone equals softer; the pretty boi’s while darker equals more masculine and “harder.” Again, as with everything, these experiences may not be felt by every individual and perception remains important; but Colorism is a definite important piece of the conversation when speaking on patterns and trends within our particular society. It is important that people understand the origins of color and begin to breakdown or at least understand the constructions we associate with them when they are ill served.