I have learned so much since i came to this country.One of the most interesting but sad thing is color complex among African Americans.Growing up in Africa skin color was never an issue.All i know is that dark guys were considered more handsome than light skinned (brown)guys.But here in America it is different,i am currently reading the color complex by Kathy Russell
It is a very eye opening book on the "politics of color among African American."I never knew people of the same race would discrimate each other regarding their skin tones.The issue is mostly among African American and rare or even unheard of among Africans.
The lighter skin tone,the straighter hair one has among African American,the more beautiful one is considered to be.
I think this is an interesting topic it makes me want to scream because the whole concept is stupid.
But i also learned that this dates back to the Slavery period,the lighter skin toned slaves were given lighter work or would work in their masters house while the darker ones would do harder chores in the field.I think slavery is the root of all African American "evils."Everything that is complained about if you research carefully has ts roots in slavery.Everything started from there.
And you would think the concept of favoring or regarding lighter skinned slaves would end with the slavery time, No,it's still alive among the African American Community.Sad fact.
The perception is that lighter skinned African Americans get better jobs,make more money,have easier time dating,are more attractive, more popular,less intimidating and so on.All the good things.On the other hand,darker skinned African Americans are perceived to be assertive,aggressive,having attitude etc
The color complex issue is very complex.I will stop here for now but stay on the look out for Part 2 of this.
I am still doing my reseach.
I really admire reading about how you feel the change and difference within cultures. I am Filipino, and I was born there. My mom is Filipino, and she grew up in the Philippines. She moved here when I was 16 months old, anyway; I sense the cultural differences all the time. The things I am accustom to at home, things that my dad has accepted (he's American), are different for everyone. I grew up thinking that it was something everyone does, but then I realized that it was my culture vs. the culture of America. So, I really enjoy reading your blog, because I can understand and relate to the way you feel.
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