African American Girls Navigating the Complexities of Colorism

By Lori Spradley

Within the constantly changing environment of adolescence, African American teens must contend with complex and unstable issues (Rosario et al., 2021). As they work through the intricate dance of self-identification, social acceptance, and the weight of systemic oppression, these young adults experience a confused and often unstable process. The core of this argument is the concept of colorism, a phenomenon with complex connections to the historical legacy of slavery and the ongoing biases that privilege lighter skin tones. The findings show that the impact of colorism extends beyond individualized experiences, infiltrating the educational, economic, and medical outcomes in African American communities (Cénat, 2022).

Researchers have noted that African American adolescents tend to view their reality based on a negative perspective, stifled by the implications of colorism and the societal prejudices for some skin shades over others (Dove, 2021). This issue is augmented by the ubiquitous imagery in the media that tends to reflect Eurocentric standards of beauty and does not portray the wide range of colors present within the African American population (Abrams et al., 2020; Dove, 2021). A healthy self-concept and a solid sense of identity are essential in early adolescence. However, the additional burden of having to negotiate racial identity along with the nuances of colorism can be highly disconcerting for such adolescents (Abrams et al., 2020). During this sensitive phase of identity development, adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the impact of negative stereotypes and inadequate representation, which can exact an enormous cost on their psychological and emotional lives.

Research findings show that the weight of colorism is not a trivial issue but an entrenched problem that can have pervasive effects on African American adolescents' overall growth and well-being (Wilson et al., 2021). It is vital to tackle the systemic issue and create a world that embraces the diversity and intrinsic value of individuals irrespective of the color of their skin. Creating an empowering and inclusive narrative in media and school environments can be as important a step toward reducing the adverse effects of colorism as it is toward enabling African American youth to accept their various identities (Abrams et al., 2020).

Abrams and Martin's studies sought to solicit additional insights into African American teenage girls' beliefs regarding this phenomenon during their adolescent years. The results indicated that African American colorist sentiments are complex and frequently internalized at early developmental stages. Focus groups and interviews with African American girls indicated three of the most salient themes: perceived linkage between skin complexion and physical beauty, social class, and personality or behavioral characteristics (Jones & Rogers, 2023). These results illustrate the widespread nature of colorist attitudes and the need for a comprehensive, intersectional strategy in addressing this problem.

The impact of colorism on the mental health of African American adolescents is a multifaceted and entrenched problem. It is important to combat this systemic problem and create an environment that honors the differences and inherent value of the person, irrespective of complexion (Wilson et al., 2021). The findings of this study highlight the ubiquity of colorism and its impact on the self-esteem and self-image of African American adolescents. Colorism is a multifaceted issue that intersects with more significant issues of racial identity, social justice, and the ongoing quest for equality and representation in society (Major et al., 2023). Addressing this endemic problem from numerous vantage points is essential to enabling African American youth to flourish and reach their full potential.

The effects of colorism on the mental outlook of African American adolescents are significant, particularly in intersection with the general difficulties inherent in the precarious phase of early adolescence (Abrams et al., 2020). At this phase of development, teenagers are engaged in developing their identity, being, and self while simultaneously managing the physiological and emotional evolution accompanying this life phase. Nevertheless, for African American adolescents, the impacts of colorism add to these complications, causing a greater sense of self, ambiguity, and even confusion regarding their value and position in society (Stalnaker-Shofner, 2020). Scholars indicate that the historical consequences of slavery and privileged treatment afforded to individuals with lighter hues of skin have had tremendous influences on the self-concept and self-esteem of African American adolescents (Dove, 2021).

In American society, teens relate experiences of facing modern colorism biases in which skin color is strongly connected to determinations of physical attractiveness, social status, and even moral personality traits (Abrams et al., 2020). Such experiences can generate intense feelings of isolation and difficulty accepting their identity since they are repeatedly subjected to messages that dismiss their physical appeal. In order to tackle this challenge, it is essential to take a multi-pronged approach. Diversity and representation in mainstream media are important factors in the development of African American youths' self-concept since these platforms expose the viewers to characters with similar skin tones and physical features as their own (Sanders & Ramasubramanian, 2012). Incorporating anti-bias education in schools and providing open discussions in community settings can effectively address entrenched biases and enhance comprehension of the historical and social origins of colorism (Dove, 2021). With the recognition of the profound impact of colorism and confronting it with a comprehensive and inclusive strategy, African American adolescents can be empowered to go through this tumultuous phase with resilience, self-acceptance, and a heightened sense of identity.

A comprehensive range of interventions, from increasing representation and diversity in the media to incorporating anti-bias education within schools, enables us to address underlying biases and build an environment that respects the inherent dignity of all people, irrespective of their color. By confronting this systemic problem through various avenues, we can successfully enable African American youth to grow and attain their full potential (Jones & Rogers, 2023).

Early adolescence is a formative developmental period for African American teenagers, and it is a complicated mix of physical, emotional, and psychological transformation. As they go through this phase of change, they have the additional weight of dealing with the social implications of colorism, a problem with profound roots in the history of slavery. Abrams et al. (2020) indicate that colorism, or the prejudicial preference for persons with lighter skin complexions, has had a profound impact on the self-concept and overall well-being of African American teenagers. Adolescents, being the vulnerable group they naturally are, are exceptionally prone to adverse effects of colorism (Saunders et al., 2022). Oftentimes, they view their existence from a perspective that is plagued by negativity, while the stress of colorism strongly influences them psychologically, determining their self-identity as well as their choices in life. Discrimination due to their complexion can make them feel inadequate and self-conscious, and they find it tremendously hard to express their true selves. Colorism, a persistent legacy of slavery and colonialism in the United States, has developed a preference for lighter skin over darker skin, with lighter-skinned people often receiving better treatment and higher social status (Craddock et al., 2018; Stalnaker-Shofner, 2020).

Ingrained bias could have a profound impact on the development of young African American teenagers, who may develop the internalized belief that their bodies, and more specifically their skin color, are not appropriate or welcome (Abrams et al., 2020; Stalnaker-Shofner, 2020; Wilson et al., 2021). This group's vulnerability is compounded by the media it accesses, which often does not provide positive representations of multiple skin tones (Abrams et al., 2020). The lack of representation by characters that resemble their physical features and include their range of melanin levels can significantly affect their self-perception and sense of belonging, leading them to create a more negative image of themselves and their future.

As young people transition from childhood to adulthood, they experience a significant period characterized by intellectual and emotional maturation, highlighted by the challenges associated with identity development and the quest for personal uniqueness. During this developmental stage, their physiological and emotional reactions to various challenges are bound to become more severe, and the additional weight of colorism further interferes with their capacity to forge a healthy and positive self-image (Abrams et al., 2020). Adolescents, a vulnerable group by nature, are more prone to the ill effects of colorism (McLoyd, 2022). They tend to view their lives from a highly negative perspective, and the impact of colorism takes a serious toll on their mental states, influencing their self-esteem and prospects for the future. Their discrimination based on the color of their skin can induce feelings of inferiority, self-consciousness, and an inherent inability to accept themselves for who they are. The effects of colorism on African American adolescents are exceedingly complex, as they must contend with deep-seated cultural favoritism for lighter skin that is rooted in the history of slavery and the systemic exclusion over the long term of individuals with darker skin. The bias towards lighter skin tones has been reinforced and passed down through multiple generations, influencing the attitudes and lived experiences of African American adolescents, who are likely to feel coerced into adhering to such social prejudices and believe that their darker skin tone is considered less desirable or socially acceptable (Craddock et al., 2018; Abrams et al., 2020; Stalnaker-Shofner, 2020; Wilson et al., 2021).

This inclination, usually learned and passed on in their social environments, might result in a deep feeling of inferiority and an urgent attempt to fit in, trying to be considered "acceptable" by peers and society alike (Craddock et al., 2018; Abrams et al., 2020; Stalnaker-Shofner, 2020; Wilson et al., 2021). The media landscape can exacerbate these challenges with its often limited and biased representation of diverse skin tones. Adolescents might struggle to find positive, identifiable role models with similar physical characteristics. This lack of representation can lead to a distorted view of self-image and self-esteem, causing teenagers to view their appearance as possibly flawed or unwanted. To deal with these problems, African American communities must promote honest discussion regarding the historical and contemporary effects of colorism and actively confront the harmful standards of beauty and biases that have become entrenched in American culture. By providing African American teenagers with positive and varied images through media and popular culture and by promoting acceptance of their distinct physical characteristics, there can be a more remarkable improvement in their ability to build a stronger sense of self-esteem and confidence, thereby empowering them with greater strength in navigating the challenges of their adolescent life.

Editors’ note: This feature has undergone peer review.

References

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African American Girls Navigating the Complexities of Colorism

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