HOW DOES IT FEEL TO HAVE BLACK SKIN?
When we think of Black, we often are thinking of a race of people. Not necessarily all who live in America, but people of what was once and [sometime] still called the African/or Negro race. I recently held a discussion with a few Black people, I being a mediator of the feelings of Black people asked: "How does it feel to have Black Skin? " In this small /short discussion I wanted hear a few opinions. Now, let me enlighten you' if I may. I am not necessarily writing of Blacks as a race, I leaning more toward Blacks who have really dark skin. The skin shade of darkness. We are all aware that shades and skin tones have been a fight among many Blacks for years. Often people with real dark skin are ridiculed in many ways in by people of color. They are less likely to be looked upon as beautiful, and they are often stero-typed for being born having really dark skin. Lots of black-skinned babies are considered less becoming. Look, too often when one sees a beautiful dark-skinned man, or woman, they are often observed with stares and are seldom complimented for their beauty. Even when one with dark-skinned who are not so charming looking, often are met with giggles and joking. Many of them said they face scorn almost everyday!
I recall in my years at grade school, because I am a dark-skinned girl -- I felt I had a tougher time being accepted by my peers all because of my skin color. The light skinned girls/boys were considered the prettiest and most handsome, and they were the ones who won all the beauty contests, and pageants. I'm not kidding, Black skin was a step back even among my own race of people. What I heard most from my short exhibition in the ones I questioned with dark skin was today most of the dark-skinned people, or Black people feel little has changed within it's acception of them within his or her own race of people.
How so often we say whites are prejudice of Blacks, but the truth of it racisim is right at home in own view of others with darker skins as well . The discussion was short, but I have gained a more opened view of how I will see my darker brothers and sisters from now own. It shows me that racism is not a just a case of show from white only. Racism has many places it can land. Since the discussion, I have to start my observation with looking at the person inside the skin. Blacks who are dark-skinned often feel racism from their own people. A Dark-skinned Black may live with racism everyday among Blacks and Whites.
I recall in my years at grade school, because I am a dark-skinned girl -- I felt I had a tougher time being accepted by my peers all because of my skin color. The light skinned girls/boys were considered the prettiest and most handsome, and they were the ones who won all the beauty contests, and pageants. I'm not kidding, Black skin was a step back even among my own race of people. What I heard most from my short exhibition in the ones I questioned with dark skin was today most of the dark-skinned people, or Black people feel little has changed within it's acception of them within his or her own race of people.
How so often we say whites are prejudice of Blacks, but the truth of it racisim is right at home in own view of others with darker skins as well . The discussion was short, but I have gained a more opened view of how I will see my darker brothers and sisters from now own. It shows me that racism is not a just a case of show from white only. Racism has many places it can land. Since the discussion, I have to start my observation with looking at the person inside the skin. Blacks who are dark-skinned often feel racism from their own people. A Dark-skinned Black may live with racism everyday among Blacks and Whites.
Thank you Irma..for your honest comment. It takes a real down to earth person to admit they may have some draw backs when it comes to a real dark-skinned person. I appreciate your comments, your encouragement that a person to be strong and proud of themselves and their wholeness...blackness of skin. The few people I spoke with didn't have a problem of knowing themselves, most deal with it with little effect on their personal views, even when they are reminded with a racial slur. I admire their inner strength. You're right they do have beautiful teeth!
Clark: I read your comments too! I have listened similar experiences among light-skinned persons. It's so in depth what you've written... We are left with all these years of stero-types that linger from one generation to the next. Your last sentence made a highlighted point of view: [ That “black people” would play out these age old stereotypes amongst themselves, without being forced, tells you just how powerful this racial propaganda campaign was. ] /Thanks for your response.