One of the things I love about technology is that it enables us to learn about amazing things going on in the world. I recently watched a preview of the documentary “Dark Girls” and it looks like a phenomenal film (http://vimeo.com/24155797). The film delves into the pain associated with being a dark-skinned Black woman in the United States and also touches upon other ethnicity markers like hair texture. In addition, the Vimeo site says that the film will explore skin color bias more generally. Bravo to Bill Duke (Duke Media) and D Channsin Berry (Urban Winter Entertainment) for directing and producing what will surely be an important contribution to our ongoing discussion about how we can embrace our full identities as people of color. More broadly, the film may speak to the need for all people to accept their authentic selves. Any ideas on how to get the word out about this film? Also, to the men out there: does skin color bias affect you? How? We often talk about this from a woman's perspective but I bet you all have some stories to share as well. Please chime in. :)
My blog tends to talk about my personal experiences so there has been quite a bit written about how my identity as a Black woman affects me. However, many of you from other ethnic backgrounds have confided in me that you too face challenges when it comes to hair, appearance, acceptance of self and concerns about how others perceive you. Please share your stories, I think they may help others.
Posted with permission of Tamara Harris: "The Color Game is alive and rearing it's ugly head in full force! As a product of a "blended family" my skintone/hair texture/etc was, and IS, an issue for some people. My family never even discussed color/race as we are all shades from white to brown. No one was any more special than the next. Everything I know of racism I learned from the black community once I left the comforts of home/family. Growing up it was made clear to me by others that I was "different" and they never missed an opportunity to point it out...and make their assumptions based on my shell without getting to know me. Sadly, the only people that felt the need to treat me differently were people of color...my own so-called people. Unfortunately, for some, it never goes away; the giving and receiving of "color hate" (my own term). I was at work not too long ago having a conversation with a coworker (who is brownskin) and another lady we work with walked by and said hello to my coworker (by name to make it clear who the intended was). I mentioned that the lady had NEVER said so much as hello to me. The response: "That's cause you aren't really one of "us"...most people aren't sure what you are." (said with laughter and a smile, of course) But, even at my age, it was hurtful because there was more than a little bit of truth in her statement. Perhaps I'll never fully understand the reason behind the color barrier within the race, but I certainly know what it feels like to be treated differently simply because of the color of your skin."
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