When considering character, trustworthiness and integrity, does the darkness of the skin count? According to a National Public Radio report put out today, 'Study: Political Bent Affects How We View Skin Tone', there is an inclination toward higher regard for a lighter skin tone. Surprised?
Using photos of President Obama that were enhanced by either lightening or darkening his skin, Liberals who favored Obama identified him with the lighter skin tone while Conservatives who disliked Obama said the darker skin tone was the real Obama.
Like the Beyonce cosmetics ad a few months back, where her skin tone was lightened to sell the product or the Tyra Banks episode a few weeks ago where she interviewed persons of color who bleached their skin, is there a valid assertion that lighter skin is better received? Why?
A researcher at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, Eugene Caruso says, 'Our data suggest that people's beliefs affect how light or dark they perceive someone to be.' The skin tone of a biracial person will be lightened or darkened in the mind of the observer in direct correlation with whether or not the person is liked. So, change what they think to change what they see?
Taking this premise a step further, if Obama announced that he does not consider himself to be a black man; if he explained that he is an American Collaborative, American first, with probably more ties to the white community than the black and being a separate entity, he can be the equalizer, would that help?
Would people think of him differently and therefore see him differently? With all the negative connotations to the word 'black', perhaps it is time to introduce a more accurate title for those who are biracial, in order to mitigate their future in a brighter light. Excuse the pun.
There are a growing number of American citizens who can change the 'tone' of racial discord in America by making a name for change and demonstrating the time to accept. If, ultimately each of us teaches others how to treat us, as one thinks so one will be. If enough biracial people consider themselves to be Americans first, what do you think the impact would be?
Comments