Throughout history, Black women have faced an uphill battle trying to get a seat at the table. An African American woman can’t turn off her Blackness on a whim based on her mood or how many likes she receives on social media. Additionally, her skin color has denied her job promotions, pay increases or even employment.
How can we diss Ayesha Curry or any other Black woman who shifted her appearance? Trying to look “White”? Really? While we fail to criticize White women who transform their faces and bodies to look Black? Why do you support those who perpetrate Blackness but condemn your dark-skin sister?
We protest in the streets demanding racial justice and equality with the Black Lives Matter movement but don’t discuss it within our communities. There are those that question the desirability of a potential partner grounded in the color of one’s skin. More importantly, there is a more significant issue here — colorism. New Oxford American Dictionary defines it as prejudice or discrimination against individuals with dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group. Colorism directly affects your self-esteem and self-worth, more so among those of color. As a result, we have a division within our communities and a complete lack of empathy for those who don’t meet a certain standard.
It’s time to make a change. Surface conversations aren’t beneficial; instead, it requires deep, meaningful dialogue about history and its lingering effects.
Blackfishing is wrong and hurtful to Black communities. But what’s more disturbing is the anti-Blackness attitudes we dish at each other. It’s time to empower, not discourage.
It’s time to speak out against blackfishing and speak up against colorism. People of color shouldn’t continue to allow our beauty, fashion or music to be an asset to you as long as you’re not Black.
Anissa D. Blair is an Atlanta-based author and blogger with a passion for writing and being a mother and wife. In her blog, “Straight, No Chaser,” she represents everyday women “just trying to cope doing average s—” and covers all topics — from the good, the bad and the ugly of navigating through life’s obstacles and roadblocks, to building and keeping successful relationships while trying to maintain your sanity. No taboo topics here. You can read her work at rollingout.com/anissa/ and follow her on social media @anissadblair on Instagram and @anissablair on Facebook.
