Image Source: Peacock/Ben Symons
In a recent episode of "Love Island USA," a moment between Kuman Dameon Chandler (K.C.) and Aniya Harvey resonated with many dark-skinned Black women, including myself. While chatting, Chandler says, "I feel darker-skinned women [...] get the shorter end of the stick, and they try to put a negative connotation on you guys."
For a few moments, Chandler empowers and uplifts dark–skinned Black women, sharing how much he values the women in his family and loves melanin. "Embrace it because you're the blueprint," Chandler said as Harvey teared up. I can relate.
The idea that dark-skinned women are less valuable than those with lighter skin tones can lead to a lifetime of mistreatment, from bullying as a child, to hiring biases and medical stigmatization as an adult.It didn't take long for people to add their own colorism stories from adulthood or childhood to the social media discourse. I always knew connotations – whether positive or negative – came with my shade of brown. As a child, I was almost always the darkest one in the room. At dance recitals and school events, my mother would proudly tell me she couldn't miss my presence. "I spotted my little chocolate chip from across the room," she'd say, beaming with pride.
But when you're rarely able to find your foundation shade or hardly ever see women with your complexion cast in starring roles in TV and movies, it sends a message about your value and desirability as a woman with a darker skin tone. The idea that dark-skinned women are less valuable than those with lighter skin tones can lead to a lifetime of mistreatment, from bullying as a child, to hiring biases and medical stigmatization as an adult.
Image Source: Peacock/Ben Symons
Colorism, which is discrimination based on complexion, is like racism's lesser-known brother. Since so few people know there's a word for it and psychology behind it, they might not pinpoint it exactly – let alone identify it as bad. Much of the conversation negatively surrounding dark skin can be subtle. It's deeply embedded in our society and surfaces in insidious ways, like who is chosen for a Hollywood role and who is picked first in a dating show.
While "Love Island" has faced racism controversies in the past, including a third contestant in two years to garner backlash regarding a racial slur, it's also changing the conversation around colorism. And it's amazing to see former "Love Island USA" contestant Olandria Carthen establish a thriving career as a dark-skinned beauty icon, modeling, influencing, and collaborating with brands and pioneering makeup trends.
The more we reframe our thoughts around deeper skin tones, the more it destroys the damaging narrative of dark-skinned Black women being unattractive or less desirable and valuable. For generations to come, children will have some type of awareness of their skin; it's our job to make sure it's a positive one.
Mariah Towles is a New York City–based beauty and culture writer. Her work has appeared in The U.S. Sun, Refinery29, Her Agenda, and more. She holds a master's degree from CUNY Newmark.Hence then, the article about why the love island usa conversation about colorism is so needed was published today ( ) and is available on popsugar ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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