Colorism Is “Just As Sinister & Subtle As Racism”

If left to beauty standards as defined by the US entertainment industry, Stanford Graduate Business School student Chika Okoro would be the ?D girl? next door. You know, the African-American girl who is poor, not in good shape, and has a darker skin tone.

Colorism, the discrimination of those with darker skin tones among individuals within the same racial and ethnic group is a phenomenon that is prevalent in many parts of the world where unfortunately, individuals with lighter skin tones often receive preferential treatment and are given access to relatively better opportunities than those who are shades darker. In addition, skin lightening is a billion dollar industry in many economies.

According to Okoro, it?s a something ?just as sinister and subtle as racism.?

In her TEDxStanford talk, she explains the history of this social construct in US history, including the role of the ?brown paper bag? test, how the media perpetuates very damaging messages about beauty and how we as individuals can reverse negative mindsets.

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