Colorism, Coons and Accountability
Colorism
Colorism is seen around the World. African-American's aren't the creators of this sickness, but some of us are willing participants in the spreading of this illness, so there's that. I can only write about this from the standpoint of an African-American Woman...it's what I am. I won't get into how colorism began, that's too long a history. Nor will I discuss who helps this sickness along. Why? Because they are sick! And I won't give them any attention on my, small that it may be, platform. This Blog is a loving preventative! not a finger pointer.
I love being Black. I always have. I, like most African-Americans, come from a family that is diverse in our "shading." Meaning we have the very, very light to the very, very dark on both sides, paternal and maternal. It wasn't a "thing" in my families. We, all of us, were loved. I didn't know at the time how blessed we were until I was thirteen. That's the age I was when I was first told: "I was pretty for a dark skinned girl." I remember feeling very sad, but not ugly, not ashamed, just sad...for them. You see, I was raised in a household by a very outspoken Woman, who just so happened to be a light-skinned Black. A Woman who made me stand in a mirror and repeat how much I loved my nose, my hair, my thighs, my lips, etc. I was raised by this Woman and Aunts, ALL of them who would literally curse you out if they caught you talking such nonsense! That Woman, my Mama, would say things like this, and I am quoting: "If you ever forget who or what you are(as a Black person), step outside your door and let the police tell you!" Or "Light or Dark, Black is black. Don't be fooled by this "other" ignorance." There was no choice in me loving who I am, in all my Blackness. My mother was going to make it so. And that is my point. You, as parents of Brown and Black children, must make the decision to NOT pass on the sickness of colorism. If and when you come across it(and you will) stop it where it stands! Teach your children and yourself to love who you are. So they can look in the mirror and say: "I love my lips, my eyes, my skin, my nose..."
Coons
"'Coons are tryin' to get into school." "'Coons? When raccoons tried to get on our back porch Mama just chased em off with a broom."
Forrest Gump
This is how I feel about Coons. Though when White people use the word coon, they mean it as a racial slur, like in that hilarious quote above. When Black People call you a "Coon" it means something totally different. And it is nothing good! If you are something other than Black and you are reading this blog and don't know what a Coon is, do a Google search in your spare time. I had heard about Coons, read about them, I think I saw a few distantly. But never have I had the displeasure of studying one up close...until recently. The Coonery was on level fifty. If there was a prize, a trophy if you will for cooning, this person would have won, hands down! The shuckin' and jivin' was deep! So, I have taken the attitude of Mr. Forrest Gump when it comes to Coons. I run them off with a broom. I don't listen to them. I don't buy their product. I don't discuss what ignorance they just espoused. Why would I spread such self-hatred? Why would I or YOU spread the lie that other people, because of what the tone of their skin is, is better than me? Us? You? That ain't lovin' yourself & a nice segue into...
Accountability
"Accountability turns pain into peace."
This World can be hard. That goes without me saying right? So why continue to engage in behavior's, people, situations that are going to make your life even harder? I was asked to write about the above topics. My idea was to give a history and personal experiences, blah, blah, blah, but no. In my daily life, I don't give time or energy to these things. Self-hatred, lack of self-worth and low self-esteem, ALL connected to colorism and cooning. I choose happiness and I hold myself accountable to it. How about you? Are you willing to do the work?. Whatever happened to you in the past can't be undone(I wish!)Whatever happened to you, in connection to your skin shade, light or dark might have changed how you viewed the world. But I hope that family and society at large hasn't changed you so much that you can't see the beauty in yourself or your children(if you have any). Be accountable for your happiness. Love your body. Love your skin! Starting now, see the beauty in who you are. Like always, wishing you love and peace, but mostly peace.
Read: "You Can Heal Your Life" Louise L. Hay
Go To: Colorismhealing.org
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