Video: "Shadeism"
1:29 PM
Interesting vid I found this morning while cruising the net, check it out and please share your thoughts. This issue of "light is right" plagues so many women of color, with many different backgrounds. It's great to see these young ladies shedding some light...no pun intended...on such a deep issue. Enjoy!
About the video..."This documentary short is an introduction to the issue of shadeism, the discrimination that exists between the lighter-skinned and darker-skinned members of the same community. This documentary short looks specifically at how it affects young womyn within the African, Caribbean, and South Asian diasporas. Through the eyes and words of 5 young womyn and 1 little girl - all females of colour - the film takes us into the thoughts and experiences of each. Overall, 'Shadeism' explores where shadeism comes from, how it directly affects us as womyn of colour, and ultimately, begins to explore how we can move forward through dialogue and discussion."
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4 People Obsessing!
I can completely understand the concept of the video. I am Dominican and there is constant shadeism among Dominicans where those with light hair and eyes are considered more beautiful and better equipped for the world than their darker fellow Dominicans. Ever since I can remember I hear people from my country say that they wouldn't have a child with a darker person because they would "ruin" the child. It is very common to "diss" a dark skin person by saying something along the lines of " Damn! you're as dark as NIGHT!!" or "that person looks like dirt" in spanish, the sad thing is that people actually laugh and go along with this. Hair texture is also judged just as harshly. If it is too kinky, then that person is called an African (meant to be hurtful) or a crackhead.
ReplyDeleteI grew up seeing all of this and it is a MIRACLE that I have enough sense to know better and to not have allowed this upbringing to warp my thinking. Regardless of the ethnic background I think we can all relate to Shadeism and its effects on a person's self esteem, body image and overall self worth.
It is sad to see that we are in 2011 and this kind of nonsense is being entertained.
Thank you for posting this video. I had no idea that this issue was an international issue. Not just an issue in america. I totally agree with Jasmin on how this can effect a person so greatly. How can one accept his/her being with societies and families horrible perception of beauty? Honestly, I don't think this issue will ever go away. It will just continue to be modernized. :(
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy! In Haiti, there is also this shadeism going on, the lighter skin long hair well to do that live in the better more prominent part of Haiti, and the dark skinned, short coarse hair poor folk. I teach my kids to love themselves and what they have. In the case of Black America, this goes back to the slaves days. Not hatin on white folks, but they f$%&! us good! We have issues with our hair, our skin, etc.. We need to teach the right information to the next generation
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this video with us. It spoke nothing but the truth for us women of color. I will be sharing this video on some of the forums I am active on. =)
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