Colorism Does Not Happen to Light Skinned People

What Do You Call It When Colorism Happens to Light-Skinned People?

The question of what to call it when light-skinned folks experience colorism has been long contested, long debated. But let me lay that to rest.

But first—let me rewind.

Hey, sunshine! I’m Dr. Donna Oriowo, a sex and relationship therapist in the Washington, D.C., area, helping Black women feel free, fabulous, and f*cked. (And as you know, that effed is for the algorithm. 😉)

One of my specialties as a therapist is understanding how colorism and texturism impact mental health, sexual health, and self-esteem. So, let’s get into this.

Colorism vs. Color-Based Prejudice

I do not call what happens to light-skinned people colorism.

I call it color-based prejudice.

And here’s why: The -ism in colorism implies a system, a structure that upholds and reinforces discrimination. And there are no systems in place that discriminate against light-skinned people. Period.

But there are systems—worldwide systems, in fact—that harm dark-skinned people. You can see it in health outcomes, income disparities, housing discrimination—every single area of life. Dark-skinned Black women face greater obstacles not just because they are Black, but because of how their Blackness appears to the world.

"But What About Reverse Colorism?"

Nope. Doesn’t exist.

Just like reverse racism isn’t real. Just like reverse sexism isn’t real.

Why? Because the power dynamic is not equal.

There is no power in being a woman under patriarchy. There is no power in being Black in a white supremacist society. And there is no power in being dark-skinned in a world that prioritizes proximity to whiteness.

The power, instead, lies with men. With white people. And, in the context of colorism, with light-skinned people.

"But I Don’t Feel Powerful…"

I hear you. I do.

Being light-skinned doesn’t mean you don’t experience struggle. It doesn’t mean life is perfect. But privilege isn’t just about what you get—it’s also about what you don’t have to deal with.

And one thing light-skinned folks don’t have to deal with? Their skin tone being the very thing that keeps them from opportunities, from success, from safety. That’s just not the barrier standing in their way.

So, Let’s Be Clear

Colorism happens to dark-skinned people.
Color-based prejudice happens to light-skinned people.

It’s not about minimizing anyone’s experience—it’s about naming things for what they truly are.

Alright, y’all—sound off in the comments. Where are you with this? Let’s talk. Discourse, not disrespect.

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