Lecture on the History of Racism and Colorism in the United States

Historical Context

• 1619-1865: Enslavement of African people in the United States.
  • Africans were treated as property, akin to animals.
  • This period lasted for 246 years.
• 1865-1964: Post-emancipation era.
  • African Americans had freedom without real rights.
• 1965-Present: Civil Rights Movement and beyond.
  • Short duration of true liberation compared to time enslaved.

Impact of Slavery and Post-Emancipation

• Continued lack of basic rights until 1965.
• Colorism as a reflection of the larger racist system.

The Roots of Colorism

• Differentiation based on skin tone during slavery.
  • Stratification among enslaved people based on complexion.
  • Lighter-skinned individuals sometimes received better treatment.
• Paper Bag Test: Discrimination among African Americans based on lightness of skin.
• White features and lighter skin became falsely associated with beauty and superiority.

Psychological and Social Impact

• Internalized racism within the black community.
• Children form biases early, associating lighter skin with beauty and intelligence.
• The impact of media portrayals and societal standards.

Personal Narratives and Experiences

• Individual stories illustrating internalized colorism and discrimination.
• Accounts of how societal biases affect relationships and self-esteem.

Global Perspective on Colorism

• Colorism is not limited to the U.S., but a global issue.
• Examples from countries like Korea, Thailand, African nations.
• Skin lightening products as an indicator of internalized racial hierarchy.

Media Influence and Representation

• Media perpetuates colorist ideals through selective representation.
• Importance of role models like Michelle Obama in changing narratives.

Healing and Moving Forward

• Emphasis on self-love and rejecting societal biases.
• Importance of teaching children about their beauty and worth.
• Recognizing structural racism and advocating for accurate representation.