Colorism

By: Aimar Rosario Ávila

Have you ever heard a person say: que negro mas fino con los dientes blanco or ella si tiene pelo bueno? Odds are if you’re part of or interact with the Latin community you have. But what is wrong with saying a woman with straight hair has good hair or that a black man with white teeth is a fine man? Simple answer, the racist innuendo in those statements has transpired from conversations to the treatment of darker Latines of African or Indegiounous descent. When the Transatlantic Slave Trade reached the Americas, about 90% of slaves were left in the Caribbean before making their way to the United States of America. Upon their arrival, a caste system began to form in these areas demming Black and Indigenous people at the bottom. Consequently, the idea of holding more European or White features would secure a different life. Fast forward millions of centuries later, the basis of this caste system continues to live and breathe. One of the worst ways these core beliefs are manifested in modern society is through colorism. Not only does colorism discriminate against those with darker complexions but most of the time this form of prejudice is practiced by those in the same BIPOC community. The basis of this prejudice continues to be ingrained by the core belief “hay que mejorar la raza” (we have to fix the race) by acting, looking, and procreating with a white man. As a result, Black and Indigenous identities were seen as inferior. But why do we have to fix a person’s color of skin to achieve equal opportunity? 

In the 21st century, these identities continue to be modified at will in mainstream media, government, and even in Latin families. After the 2010 Census in Puerto Rico, around 76% identified themselves as white despite 46% having a notable amount of African heritage. What is the problem? The idea is when the idea of a person’s whiteness is a determining factor for their rights and value as an individual. Therefore, those possessing African or Indigenous features are perceived as “cafre”, a term used to attack those individuals in poverty or low-income households for acting in an informal manner. 

The problem is as Latines, our microaggressions and prejudice towards people with darker skin continue to breed through past ideologies and values. In order to grow and repair the ongoing discrimination as a community, we must face our own biases. We must denounce the discriminatory language and beliefs. Not only in our communities but in our own lives.