The Perfect Dream

As I stated in my last entry, there are so many variations in the color of Black women and it puzzles me that people are so fixated on two kinds. Often, I have asked myself why do certain characteristics or traits have to define what kind of woman I am. Is it because of the divide of color between Black women? Is it because of the media's influence displayed in music videos and commercials? No one knows. As the world evolves, I seek for change to be in effect and for these stereotypes to finally cease. Of my aspirations, I hope that I will not be defined by the external attributes I possess but defined by the internal qualities I hold within.





Indeed, I am light skinned with long hair, with a bright smile and a positive attitude... This is who I am--nothing more, nothing less. Being light skinned--caramel complexioned to be exact--is just a shade, a tone, a color. This does not make me any more special than the next woman. I aspire that people will end the continuance of conforming to these kinds of negative and ignorant labels of light skinned and dark skinned women. Black women, themselves, do not need to participate in the behavior of discrimination and criticism by stereotyping each other. Because of this, these stereotypes have been able to survive and thrive within the Black community which has transformed into an even bigger issue for Black girls and women.





I hope that little Black girls who are impressionable and easily influenced will recognize and embrace their color, whatever shade or tone they may have. They should be comfortable in their own skins with the attributes they have. As a young child, I grew up being criticized from my own peers because of my features and I do not want any girl, of any nationality or ethnicity, to experience the trials I have endured. Growing into Black women, I desire that no one will be able to tear them down because they realize the worth and importance of their color and themselves. I want them to acknowledge their individual beauty and uniqueness that they each bring to the African American culture.





In general, I request that African American men to stop labeling Black women with the inaccurate stereotypes in which light skinned and dark skinned women are affected. In my entry, High Pedestal, I explained personal situations in which my male friends would pick and choose whom they were interested in based off of their features and qualities. Some of the most crippling criticism comes from our Black men who are swift to assert certain qualities of a light skinned and dark skinned woman. Because of this disapproval, African American women are driven to believe these flawed stereotypes. But it is not only the Black man misjudging--it is the Black woman as well.






Throughout my lifetime, I have seen firsthand disparage and ridicule between Black women that has been damaging to each of their self-esteems and self images. Some black women will condemn one another for being skinner or curvier than the other, smarter than the other, or having better clothes than the other. It is all a big fashion show, a big ego parade, a big competition for dark skinned and light skinned women. This should not exist. Every black woman is unique and special; no specific characteristics should place Black women in a certain section of color.