Day 14: Colorism

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Colorism and anti-blackness are biases against people with darker skin and any other features that differ from white, Eurocentric beauty standards. Children with darker skin experience more castigation than lighter-skinned people of color in schools and, as adults, they face higher rates of hiring discrimination. It is no different in film and television where light-skinned actors of color are more likely to fill lead roles, especially as protagonists and romantic interests.

Also known as whitening or bleaching, skin lightening (SL) products account for nearly 50% of the cosmetics industry and are in high demand in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, despite high prices and the dangers of skin bleaching chemicals that can lead to health defects, such as cancer and scarring of the skin. Other side effects can include: numbness, high blood pressure, fatigue light sensitivity, kidney failure and neurologic symptoms, such as tremors, memory loss, and irritability. A recent review of SL products found about 1 in 2 products contain dangerous levels of mercury beyond the legal limit.

The global desire for lighter skin has created a booming global business in bleach creams, soaps, and injectables valued at $8.6 billion. In 2020 alone, $2.3 billion was spent in the U.S. and is projected to reach $12.3 billion by 2027.

IF YOU HAVE…

10 Minutes	and	15 Minutes	and	30 Minutes
	and		and
READ THIS ARTICLE about how Latin creatives are impacting Hollywood to broaden their representation and tell more complex stories.	and	WATCH THIS VIDEO of a panel discussion on how inclusion in Hollywood has to consider how colorism influences the casting of Black, Latino, and Asian roles.	and	LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST that reports on the global desire for lighter skin and the potentially toxic steps some will take to achieve it.

REFLECT

Take a moment to reflect today’s challenge and any insights you experienced.

• How did this challenge make you feel?
• What did you learn?
• What did you notice about yourself after taking the challenge?
• Consider sharing this new awareness with a friend or group to help deepen your understanding of the information.
• Continue the conversation online and connect with others by joining our Racial & Social Justice Facebook group.

Let us know why this challenge is important to you by leaving your comment here.

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