Colourism is a term most commonly associated with interactions between different races. Unfortunately, some Kenyan women have become all too familiar with this phenomenon.
This story aims to delve deeper into the intricacies of Colourism, specifically exploring biases favouring lighter skin tones over darker ones.
According to research, Colourism is a form of discrimination where dark-skinned people of colour are perceived and treated less favourably than their lighter-skinned counterparts within the same ethnic group.
Newszetu interviewed several dark-skinned individuals to understand their experiences: the challenges they face, their initial encounters with Colourism, how it has affected their self-esteem, and how they have learned to overcome it.
Serena’s first encounter with Colourism occurred when she was a young girl in primary school. Due to her age, she couldn’t quite articulate it, but she definitely felt discriminated against.
“I was around 9 or 10 years old when I started sensing a divide among us kids—between those with darker skin and those with lighter skin, even within our small play groups,” Serena recalled.
Adhiambo experienced Colourism at the age of 7 or 8, which deeply impacted her self-worth.
“I remember preparing to perform at a parents’ day event when a teacher suggested they choose someone else because I wasn’t light-skinned enough to captivate the audience,” Adhiambo said. “It shattered me because I began to question if there was something wrong with me or my skin. Am I not normal or pretty?”
Both Serena and Adhiambo shared that they have faced differential treatment due to their skin color. They recounted being called various unpleasant and hurtful names because of their darker complexion.
“I remember a classmate who was also a friend once called me ‘Black widow’. It left me conflicted because I knew they said it because of my skin color,” Serena recalled.
Adhiambo mentioned that she was often referred to as ‘Blacky’ by matatu touts and bodaboda operators—a term that emphasized her dark complexion. She noted that lighter-skinned people were often praised with terms like ‘Rangi ya thao’ for their fair skin.
Both women explained that Colourism initially affected their self-perception, but over time, they turned it into a catalyst for appreciating their natural beauty.
“For a long time, I struggled with low self-esteem and a negative self-image. I always felt judged before people even knew me,” Adhiambo shared.
“We were treated differently, almost like second-class citizens. In my class, the lighter-skinned girls were often glorified, receiving better treatment and compliments about their beauty, while dark-skinned girls didn’t receive the same recognition,” Serena added.
Serena noted that she gradually developed resilience over the years. She surrounded herself with supportive people who helped her appreciate her skin tone.
“Over time, I learned not to let such comments or treatment affect me. I’ve always known that God created me this way for a reason. I knew my skin was unique and beautiful,” Serena affirmed.
The media plays a crucial role in shaping young minds’ views and perspectives. Serena noted that the shows she watched often glorified lighter-skinned women.
“In these shows, lighter-skinned girls were portrayed as disciplined and calm, while dark-skinned girls were depicted as loud and unruly,” she observed.
Both women emphasized that learning to love and appreciate themselves required effort, affirmation, and self-love.
“I coped by affirming myself, accepting positive affirmations from others without hesitation, understanding that I am made in God’s image, knowing my skin is beautiful, and seeing influential figures who look like me living confidently,” Serena explained.
Adhiambo added that changing her perception was crucial: “I’ve learned to embrace my dark complexion and recognize my own beauty.”
They both encouraged young dark-skinned girls to embrace their natural beauty and self-worth.
“To have such dark skin with melanin is a blessing. You are truly beautiful just as you are, so please remember that. Always affirm yourself so you won’t accept any criticism about your skin tone,” Serena encouraged.
“You are perfect as you are. Don’t let anyone else define your beauty standards. Love and appreciate yourself. It’s challenging, but if you don’t love yourself, who will?” concluded Adhiambo.
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