Colorism In Media

 Racism and colorism are both portrayed in media which is how it finds its way into colored environments. Although both are stigmatized it is through unconscious portrayal that these messages are still sent to all who are observing that source of media. An example of someone light skinned playing the part of racially minoritized group is Othello in Shakespeare. Throughout history the classic paly has been performed all across Europe and eventually the US. However, due to the stigmatism against black actors the black character of Othello was constantly played by white actors. This was done either through black face to represent the character or completely re-casted as white. People learn to endorse colorism through family members especially because it isn't as outwardly discouraged like racism. What happens is that the habits of colorism are then engrained into some at young ages and is then unconsciously carried out in their daily lives because they weren't taught any better. Families perpetuate colorism many ways. An example being through the treatment of family members based on their skin lightness. Whether this be with outward remarks or implied thoughts about how successful a family will become because of their skin lightness. Outward comments are usually the easier way to perceive and discourage colorism when family members make comments about how you should account for skin color when marrying or saying that a child is more beautiful in the winter when they have lighter skin. The effects colorism has on families can be quite detrimental. It can cause polarization between families due to the treatment of one another and cause families to divide based off of skin tone. Younger members of the family may develop a dislike for their skin tone or a superiority complex based off their lightness. Further widening the divide for the family. A good example is a friend of mine from high school was nearly chalk white, but acted a lot like his black friends who he would hang around. Everyday it would take so much convincing when he told people that his dad was black therefore making him half. He would get along fine with some white people but a lot didn't like that he acted different of them because of how he was raised. Also, many of his black friends found it hard to relate to him because he was treated so much differently because of his skin color. I do not know much about how it affected his family, but from what I gathered at school it was very rough trying to navigate and feeling like he had to explain himself. I can only imagine that his home scenario was very similar in that regard.

 News, Independent. “When Olivier Blacked up to Play the Moor.” The Independent, Independent Digital News and Media, 17 Apr. 1999, www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/when-olivier-blacked-up-to-play-the-moor-1087910.html.

Farrow, Kye. “How the Camera Sees Color.” National Museum of African American History and Culture, 21 Nov. 2021, nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/how-camera-sees-color.