The subject of colorism has attracted the attention of scholars, researchers, and policy makers around the world. In addition, it is a subject that has featured widely in discussions involving activists. Colorism can be defined as "the differential treatment based on skin color, especially favoritism toward those of lighter skin tone and mistreatment or exclusion of those with a darker skin tone, typically among those of the same racial group or ethnicity" (Dictionary.com, 2020). In addition, it can be described as discrimination or prejudice against people who have a darker skin tone. In most instances, the discriminatory practices are done by those who belong to the same racial or ethnic group with the victim. The origin of the term colorism has not been determined conclusively. There are a number of theories that have been put forward to explain the possible origin of colorism and how it has affected members of the community ( Villarreal, 2010 ). For example, it has been argued that the concept emerged during the colonial era when the colonizers used the various shades of skin color to differentiate members of the indigenous community. In other instances, it has been argued that the term emerged during the colonial era when the masters used skin tones as the basis for identifying their employees. In this case, it is argued that the slave owners would, for instance, differentiate the field workers from the house workers based on their skin colors. Another theory that has been put forward is that colorism emerged during slavery and it was used as the basis for identifying the children that were born of a slave owner. The theories provide some ideas on how the term may have come into existence. However, they are not conclusive and do not explain how it become a major problem in many communities. Irrespective of the origin, colorism, remains a scary term that has resulted in division in communities around the world.
The Hispanics are considered to be one of the groups that have been facing discrimination over the years. This particular group is considered to be the longest-established European-American group in the United States. Most members of this particular group have lived in the United States for centuries. Others have made the US their homes and established business in the country (Gonzalez-Barrera, 2019). However, life has not been easy for the Hispanics. In the recent years, concerns have been raised regarding the issue of colorism among the Hispanic community. A recent survey that was conducted by Pew Research Center showed that about six in every ten Hispanic adults have experienced discrimination or have been treated differently due to their ethnicity and race (Gonzalez-Barrera, 2019). The experiences that members of this minority group experience usually differ depending on the skin color. In the same survey, it was reported that approximately two-thirds of the Hispanics who took part in the study revealed that they were being treated unfairly because of their darker skin color. The discrimination is more pronounced among those who have a darker skin color compared to their counterparts who may have a lighter skin tone. The researchers noted that the discrimination experiences usually hold even after controlling for other variables such as the level of education, gender, and age.
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The Hispanics who have a darker skin color compared to their counterparts with lighter skin are likely to report cases of discrimination both in the workplace and in their neighborhoods. Most of the victims of colorism argued that the were treated as inferior members of the community because of their skin tone, In other cases, the Hispanics become victims of jokes, slurs, and ridicule because of their appearance. Such trends are unfortunate since there is no evidence suggesting that Hispanics who have a darker color are inferiors to those with a lighter skin tone. Furthermore, the trend shows the extent to which minority groups such as the Latinos are stull be discriminated because of their skin tone. The negative treatment that such Hispanics face can adversely affect their wellbeing. For instance, the treatment can lead to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
There appears to be a consensus among researchers and experts that the issue of colorism continue to exist among members of the Hispanic community. Although the kind of treatment that such individuals may face differ from one instance to the other, it is undeniable that the practice is unacceptable and can adversely affect them (Gonzalez-Barrera, 2019). In most instances, colorism entails showing preferential treatment to individuals who tend to have lighter toned skins compared to their counterparts with dark skin ( Villarreal, 2010 ). The treatment is unfortunate since such people may belong to the same ethnic group and have the same experiences in life. In some cases, it has been stated that Hispanics are very color conscious individuals. Furthermore, some members of the Latino community use color classification systems to identify individuals from different groups and categories. In neighborhoods where such individuals live, it is not uncommon to hear about terms such as Mulatta, India, Negro, and blanco. The trend is attributed to the fact that some members of such community do not identify with race. Instead, they identify with the labels that are tied to their skin color, hair type and facial features.
The members of the Hispanic community also have a racial classification system that is similar to those that have been used among the Spanish communities living in the Caribbean. In addition such systems have been reported in the West Indies where color has been used as the basis for identifying individuals and determining how they should be treated. While the practice may appear to be deeply rooted among the Hispanics, the basis is linked to external sources. In particular, it has been argued that the social and race based constructs were initially invented by members of the European community who wanted to divide the local communities. Through the use of the race based systems, the Europeans believed that they could maintain a superior standing over the rest of the population even with the full understanding that the statements lack any kind of scientific merit ( Villarreal, 2010 ). It is also worth stating that through the race-based illusions, the Europeans were able to manipulate the communities that they believed were inferior. The primary objective was to justify their conquest of colonial lands and explain why they were considering themselves to be superior. Once the foreigners stated using the colorism based systems to differentiate people, the local communities also got used to them and made them part of their daily lives. Among the Hispanics, the process entailed differentiating people not on their basis of abilities but rather the skin tone. The lighter skinned individuals were considered to be more like the whites and thus superior that the darker skinned communities. The trend has continued over the years and resulted in an ideology that does not have any kind of scientific basis.
The idea of categorizing people on the basis of the skin tone developed due to the incorrect belief that some people were inferior compared to others. In addition, it has provided a basis for justifying some of the negative practices that the dominant groups in the community continue to engage in either consciously or unconsciously. Among the Hispanics, the problem continues to persist today even with the changes that have been made with regards to promoting quality in the country. As a result, researchers have strived to explore the concept with the aim of understanding its basis. In other cases, researchers have studied the concept to identify its root causes or to develop mechanism through which it can be addressed. Villarreal (2010), for instance, opined that the issue of colorism among the Hispanic community was a worrying trend. The author stated that some members of the Hispanic community tend to prefer the light skin tone. The trend is attributed to the wrong belief that those who have a light skin are closer to the Europeans in terms of social status. Unfortunately, the practice has resulted in adverse effects on the wellbeing of some members of the Hispanic community. Those who are deemed inferior are usually discriminated and denied the chance to live a normal life. Alvarez (2019), on the other hand, stated that colorism has resulted in disintegration among the Hispanic communities. It is a practice that places some people at the higher side of the social status just because of their skin tone. In the long run, it affects the level of integration in the community.
The issue of colorism remains a huge concern in the Hispanic community. It is a practice that is deeply rooted in the history of the Hispanics and the kind of experiences that they have had over the years. Those who engage in the practice tend to base their judgments on skin color. Furthermore, the show preference for those who are light skinned. The practice can adversely affect the mental and physical health of those who are being treated badly. Therefore, there is a need to carry out further studies into the subject and create mechanism for addressing it.
References
Alvarez, F. (2019) "Mestizo, Negro, Blanco—What Does it Mean? Racism and Colorism’s Effects in the Latinx Community. https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/socresp_etds/18
Gonzalez-Barrera, A. (2019). Hispanics with darker skin are more likely to experience discrimination than those with lighter skin. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact- tank/2019/07/02/hispanics-with-darker-skin-are-more-likely-to-experience- discrimination-than-those-with-lighter-skin/
Villarreal, A. (2010). Stratification by Skin Color in Contemporary Mexico. American Sociological Review, 75 (5), 652-678. doi:10.2307/20799484
