Colorism Trauma in Black Women
If you’re a racially unambiguous black woman raised in the U.S., these childhood memories might sound familiar:
-Not seeing yourself represented favorably in media
-Trouble finding beauty products that honor your undertones and hair texture
-Being called unattractive or undesirable no matter what you did to keep up with beauty standards
-People saying you’re pretty “for a black girl” (this is intended as a compliment, but by implying you’re the exception to the rule, it’s extremely insulting)
The social fallout resulting from skin-tone related exclusion is as nuanced as it is harrowing. It’s largely systemic, and by virtue of how insidious racial bias is, it can affect in-group dynamics as well. For instance, common problems I hear from clients include how differently they were treated from their siblings growing up, or that they were taught to overcompensate for their “masculine” features by adopting a hyperfeminine presentation.
It influences numerous aspects of daily life including family dynamics, employment outcomes, and academic prospects. In school settings, lighter children are encouraged to seek higher learning opportunities and are assumed to be more intelligent than children with darker skin-tones (Hunter, 2007). According to a 2013 research article, darker-skinned girls often experience lower quality parenting compared to their lighter-skinned siblings (Landor et al. 2013).
As I specialize in anxiety management and self-esteem, I see this type of relational trauma show up in the majority of my black female clients at the start of treatment. It informs the health of their inner dialogue in addition to how they experience romantic and platonic relationships. But you know what’s upsetting?
Colorism isn’t a subject that comes up in counseling coursework often, if at all.
There are no specific trainings on it.
It’s not listed as an area of concern on therapist directories.
It’s an issue that, though it has tangible implications for mental health and life outcomes, is largely ignored in therapeutic spaces. However, there are counselors who prioritize having knowledge in this area and practice using an informed lens. When consulting with a new therapist, here’s what you can ask to make sure it’s a good fit:
What’s your perspective on cultural competence?
I’ve experienced skin-tone based discrimination. How comfortable do you feel discussing this issue?
These open ended questions can start a productive conversation with your therapist during the consultation. Remember, your experiences are real, and they deserve space in your treatment plan.
