As children, we equate our self-worth with the messages we receive. Darker skin tones are considered less flattering and sometimes contradict biased beauty ideals.
17 November 2022 – “Get out of the Sun “Girl, you’re already dark!”
It's like a razor-sharp blade pierces your heart, however the pain continues to be as overwhelming and overwhelming because it was the primary time. You suddenly wish you were alone so you can collapse into the fetal position, bury your face in your hands, and cry.
But you may't try this. People are watching. An eye roll, a fake giggle, and a half-hearted “Shut up!” could have to suffice.
This may sound extremely melodramatic, but countless people of color know exactly how this feels and will even be re-traumatized after they read this all too common example of Colorismor discrimination based on skin color, against individuals inside the same racial group.
Colorism often manifests itself through Microaggressions and indirect messages about which skin tones are considered “beautiful,” says Josephine Almanzar, PsyD, a licensed psychologist and owner of Oasis Psychological Services. These sorts of comparisons are sometimes a way of giving a “white [European] reference point,” she says.
In WebMD's latest documentary series “Color by WebMD,” we’ll take a better take a look at the mental health impact of colorism, often from those closest to us, and easy methods to cope with the trauma that may accompany these encounters.
Your core belief
One of the most important psychological effects of colorism is the damage to “core beliefs,” says Almanzar. Core beliefs are inbuilt early childhood and are largely based on interactions and messages about our self-worth. She uses the instance of wearing sunglasses to make her point.
“When our sunglasses are a certain tint, we see the world through that color,” she says. “Children with light skin receive certain messages about who they are. When my skin color is praised, it means, 'I am inherently good. I am valuable. I am lovable. I belong.'”
Children with darker skin may receive a separate kind of messaging about their skin color.
“This affects their self-image or core beliefs otherwise, making them feel worthless, unlovable and like they don’t belong. – and that influences their perspective and their view of the world,” explains Almanzar.
Due to this violated basic belief, emotional stress and symptoms such as depressionHopelessness, loss of motivation and lack of interest in activities may occur.
The ugly relatives of colorism
A counterpart to colorism, featurism, can also play a large role in how people of color are treated within their own communities, according to Dr. Radhika Parameswaran, associate dean of the Media School at Indiana University in Bloomington.
“If your facial features deviate from the ‘European ideal’, then you may be considered less attractive,” she says. “That is why you have Eye surgery in Japan. All of these cosmetic surgeries help you achieve facial features that are close to the 'European ideal.'”
This harmful ideology is continually perpetuated in many Latino communities, according to Dr. Nayeli Y. Chavez-Dueñas, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
“A person can have lighter skin, but if they have thick lips or a wide nose, or if they have curly or coarse hair, then there is this stereotype with comments like, 'Your skin color is beautiful, but look at your nose,'” she says.
Do you have a strategy
While you may not be able to prevent someone from treating you differently because of the color of your skin or facial features, you can have a plan in place to mitigate some of the emotional impact of these encounters.
Search for a Community who can offer you support, Keep a diaryand talking through your story with people you trust are all ways to boost your self-esteem, Almanzar says.
“What is your current core belief about who you are and what do you want that to look like?” she asks. “On an individual level, we can work to build people up and embrace those beauty standards.”