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September 19, 2005
Abdul Ali
Two thumps up for the thought provoking article "The Legacy of the Brown Paper Bag." Unfortunately, I don't believe colorism is going anywhere until black people start thinking and questioning for themselves.
I want to believe that we are beyond the brown paper bag, but evidence points to the contrary. We're now dealing with a 21st century "brown paper bag."
Marita Golden, in her latest work "Don't Play Out in the Sun" offers incredible evidence about how black and white America is still grappling with colorism.
She cites that in Atlanta there is an agreement that only a light skinned black can run for mayor. Statistics show that light skinned blacks earn considerably more money than their dark-skinned equals.
I even have a friend on campus who said to me during orientation "I thought there would be a whole lot more light skinned girls on campus." If this isn't evidence enough that there is still a problem I don't know what is.
Let's admit it; it's a tough conversation to have, although worthwhile. I've been in classrooms where this topic has come up and out comes the finger pointing: "You did less work during slavery. I can't stand you light skinned bourgeois n*gg*s." This is such a sore nerve for many black folks, throughout the Diaspora.
I challenge the Hilltop to offer more coverage of this issue. Comparisons in perspectives of Howardites old and young, might offer some new insights on such a taboo topic that is as old as slavery, and will probably be with us for another millennia.
http://www.thehilltoponline.com/media/paper590/news/2005/09/19/Editorials/Colorism.Lingers.In.The.21st.Century-989387.shtml
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