We MUST Put An End To Shadeism: Discrimination That Exists Between The Lighter-Skinned And Darker-Skinned Members Of The Same Community

By Aiyana Ma’at

VIDEO: I was struck with familiar feelings as I watched this short but powerful documentary.  5 women within the African, Carribean, and South Asian diasporas spoke candidly about skin color and the toll that discrimination from within their own race has taken on them and their communities. Woooow. I could have easily been listening to 5 women of color from NY, Georgia, Mississippi, Ohio, and Boston. My crystal clear revelation–our stories are all the same. This short film is needed more than we even realize. Watch and share with your daughters (blood and otherwise) and their daughters. If we ever stand to stop the devastating effects of Shadeism we have to begin with education. It is a huge key to our liberation.

This documentary short is an introduction to the issue of shadeism, the discrimination that exists between the lighter-skinned and darker-skinned members of the same community. This documentary short looks specifically at how it affects young womyn within the African, Caribbean, and South Asian diasporas. Through the eyes and words of 5 young women and 1 little girl – all females of colour – the film takes us into the thoughts and experiences of each. Overall, ‘Shadeism’ explores where shadeism comes from, how it directly affects us as womyn of colour, and ultimately, begins to explore how we can move forward through dialogue and discussion.

3 replies
  1. Cheryl
    Cheryl says:

    Very powerful documentary. Well done.

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