Defining Colorism
Before having Pseudo Intellectual Debates, Grab A Dictionary
Colorism is not a new phenomenon.
Its origins date back to at least the 1600s and most likely long before that.
On the one hand, as a brown-skinned woman who has undoubtedly seen and experienced her unfair share of colorism, I am glad we are finally starting to have these tough conversations.
However, on the other hand, I am very tired of so many people attempting to hijack the term for their own purposes and to derail our collective progress.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the concept of colorism, what it means, and how to prevent people from convoluting the term.
Definition Time
According to the Mariam-Webster Dictionary, Colorism is defined as follows:
Prejudice or discrimination especially within a racial or ethnic group favoring people with lighter skin over those with darker skin.
This definition is also followed up with the following excerpts:
Under this system of colorism — the system…
