Dark Girls: New Documentary From Producer Bill Duke Tackles Colorism In The Black Community

We often talk about racism and bigotry toward African-Americans in this country, but there is an ism within our communities that we could shy -- we shy away from, and that's colorism. For as long as we've lived in this country, there has been a separation -- conscious or unconscious -- between light-skinned and dark-skinned African-Americans. "Dark Girls" is a powerful documentary on this issue. And before we talk to producer Bill Duke, here's a short preview showing just how early this prejudice begins.

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  News & Politics

[peopleplacethings]

Our people have some real issues they need to deal with

[helen andezion]

this is not a strictly african-american issue at all. being an african, more dark-skinned than most of my familymembers, i grew up hearing that the lighter the better. i have traveled extensively around africa, and in some countries i was considered light-skinned compared to the "natives" and therefor highly attractive. in other countries i was quite dark-skinned compared to the people there, and therefor "unattractive":....we need to grow outta this stuff!!

[Chrissea Olam]

Funny how your dark skinned mother married someone fair skinned...

[tillallareoneluv]

It there a 'big headism'? If so, Roland would be doomed.

[jmanx35]

You can't grow out of natural attraction just like you can't tell homosexuals to grow out of their attractions. Sorry

[mscamille44]

u just stated the same mess this documentary is talking about! You were upset because the face on the doll was very dark...SMH!!

[creolelady182]

Beyonce doesn't care if she has to dye her hair or lighten her skin. The fact is if artists want the white audience, they simply have to rearrange their looks to sell their music. True about actresses as well. The white standard of beauty is perpetuated by the Jews that own the media.

[astmapiippu]

Its global and its roots are not even in Europe. The most obsessed people with skin color can be found in Arab countries and in North-East Asia. The reason why Arabs originally covered their women is that they wanted them to stay pale.