Why is 'Lightskinned' Offensive?

Episode 69 presents a spirited debate on labels.  We had a new caller on who identifies as an 'earthling' (read:  there's no more need for labels).  Fanshen said that she has heard this often from White people, but not as often from People of Color - and made the assumption that the caller was White.  Heidi questioned this assumption, reminding us that her father (who is African American) had a similar philosophy.  What's your take on this?  Is there hope - and would it be desirable - to no longer identify ourselves by race or culture?

Also, we chose this episode topic because we have been told - sometimes directly but often indirectly - that the terms 'lightskinned' and 'mixed' are offensive, offputing and alienating.  But honestly - we do not understand why.  Would you please leave your comments on this?  We're looking forward to the conversation and open to understanding why this hurts you (or those you know).  Thanks!

Comments

[Chica Linda]

This is a really late comment I know. I'm relatively new to the Mixed Chicks Chat circuit and really appreciate what you, Heidi and Fanshen are doing! I am also mixed and while some would choose to describe me as "light skinned" I have chosen not to use this word for several reasons. First, in my family I'm really not considered universally light-skinned. This is a highly subjective term that to me really relates mostly to black/African American communities. In other mixtures involving different cultures my skin could be considered dark or in the middle somewhere but by no means light. There is no universal point where light skin begins and dark skin ends so it's pretty meaningless. I also feel that it is a divisive term within the black community whereas the real difference between my skin tone and that of my darker complexioned sisters and brothers is not really that much. I feel it is important to recognize that there are negative connotations involved in the term light-skinned which include beauty, wealth, access and power in certain contexts (I'm thinking talented tenth, music videos, beauty pageants, etc). I remember growing up people would always make comments like "that girl is pretty for a dark skinned girl" but you would never hear something like "that girl is pretty for a light skinned girl." I hate this kind of talk with a passion so that is my reason for rejecting this term.

[Kay Brown]

I believe Billmo comments explain it best, Like he said, it can be offensive because of "the historical baggage of colorism." Terms like Light-skinned separate the black race (The House niggers from the field niggers) Some folks had and still have the attitude that the closer to white the better, or similar thoughts that "white is right" or superior.
Just think about it, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity back in 1906 discriminated against its own people by not allowing men darker than a paper bag to join.
This topic reminds me of the movie "School Days" by Spike Lee

[Ehav Ever]

Throughout history there has always been labels. Whether they are regional, cultural, linguistic, religious, etc.

One of the reasons that I think using light skinned or mixed is considered an offense, in America, I think is because there people who are living by unwritten codes when it comes to race. To these people they like to have the ability to condemn people for not choosing their side, or castigating people choose their side, but to them represent some element of their enemy.

So to said people, a mixed person is a problem when a person claims one side in the opposite direction. Said mixed person is also an opportunity for jokes and disdain if they choose the other side. There are some who may see the mixed person as a threat, because supposedly said mixed person can jump ship if they want.

That just how I kind of see it.

[BillMo]

On the subject of race and culture, I think and hope they are here to stay. Maybe if the Earth got attacked by Martians we would put our differences aside for a little while and come together as Earthling brethren and sistren and sneeze all over the little green buggers, but after the threat passed, it'd be back to normal.

People have a need to identify with a tribe larger than themselves. It could be race, nationality, religious faith, or baseball team fans.

I don't think we'd be well-served by erasing these differences. Homogeneity is stagnation. We need to preserve and share as wide a variety of heritages, cultures, faiths, etc. as we can to stay vibrant as a species.

I value my Black heritage and will never give it up.

That's not to say that an individual's identity can't be fluid. We need White folks to become Black and Black folks to become White. This interchange is the engine of cultural evolution.

Obviously what we need to get rid of is bigotry, segregation, exclusion, etc. But we can do that without losing our diversity.

[BillMo]

Here's what my ear tells me.

First of all light-skinned is used to describe Black folks. Even if the subject is Mixed, the use of light-skinned means they're being considered in a Black context.

There are plenty of scenarios where the term can be simply descriptive and there are no hard feeling from either the speaker or the subject.

The hurt comes all the historical baggage of colorism, where lighter is presumed better than dark. This attitude can create all kinds of tension. "I'm light-skinned therefore I'm better than you." "You're light-skinned therefore you think you're better than me." Everyone is hurt--speaker, hearer, subject--when this crap flies around.

So like any controversial word one must be careful when using it because it could be misconstrued. There's a world of difference between wearing a "Mixed and Proud" t-shirt and wearing a "Light-skinned and Proud" t-shirt.

It's appropriate in the title of Heidi's book because (a) it's art, and (b) it's a quote from external sources, not a declaration of superiority. Plus a good title should be a little edgy. But some could take it the wrong way.

There are some powerful scenes in Spike Lee's "Jungle Fever" on this topic. Here's one:

http://www.lonettemckee.com/film_junglefever01.html

[Kathrin]

Thanks for opening this discussion here. We have had a similar discussion on Black Germans on NING. Terms such as "mixed" "mulatto" and mestizo" carry considerable baggage in Germany. Perhaps it could be equated to the history behind the term "negro" here in the US.

I identify as AfroGerman (or in some contexts Black German), as these terms are a source of empowerment for me.

[Teri LaFlesh]

If race truly didn't matter, we would not need labels to identify ourselves. If race didn't matter, then it would be silly to mention it at all. However, race *is* an issue, whether it's people wondering what race you are, or telling you that you don't look like enough of either race to belong to any of them.

To be able to define ourselves in a way that makes us feel more at peace within our skins is a relief. I would much prefer defining my own label than having to take those forced upon me by others. I love to be able to call myself "mixed" or "biracial". I also sometimes call myself "mulatto", because it's a name that is specific for what I am, and it's empowering to take this name back, make it a positive affirmation of a part of who I am. It's cathartic to be able to call myself something that fits me, instead of trying to squeeze into labels that are meant for other races (not that labels are good, but they are a reality).

Though I am much more than just my race, my race is how the world often sees me. My race is also part of who I am, just as my eye color, my hair, my voice, being right-handed, or my pancake-flat feet are.

To call myself what I am means I no longer have to pretend to be only one thing, where I can finally acknowledge both my halves. We should be able to define who we are. Other people will do it for us anyway.

Okay, I know I go on and on, but whether we like it or not, we do get labeled. Someday, hopefully, race won't matter. And if we all keep mixing, race really won't matter because no one will be one of anything anymore (go mixies!) and it will cease to matter as much as it does now. Until then, I'd much rather be able to claim my own identity than have one put on me that doesn't fit.