The Many Shades of Discrimination: Colourism in Nigeria

What is the purpose of 'brown?'

Colourism happens where there is a color line.

A colour line is drawn whenever a social and cultural premium is granted to individuals and people based on the faulty concept of “race by pigment” developed by European slavers and colonizers and popularized in all slave and colonial societies they founded.

Africa is home to an extensive spectrum of skin tones, which is entirely independent of any external genetic influence. Some individuals possess lighter complexions, while others have darker hues. It is commonplace to witness the darkest of children born to the lightest of parents and vice-versa, as observed within my own extended family. No inquiries are made regarding this natural diversity; it is simply accepted as it is. The concept of "race by pigment" suggests that individuals should perceive and treat others with different skin tones as "Others," implying that lighter skin is more valuable and respectable than darker skin—the lighter, the better.

A lighter skin tone signifies purported "superior" European ancestry, whereas a darker skin tone indicates "inferior" African lineage. This notion is a palpable vestige of black slavery and colonialism, where Whites once held dominion as colonial masters. The persistence of such a legacy is both perplexing and revealing. Intriguingly intriguing, isn’t it? Shall we continue?

Unsplash/Clay Banks

“You see, to be looked upon down by a white person because you’re black, is a type of evil. But to be looked down upon by a black person because you’re dark skinned is equal parts hilarious, scary and heart-wrenching,” X-user, Dedoyin, may have well spoken for all of us today. This was after a post shared by another X user, Miss Taiwo went viral—

“Hilarious, scary and heart-wrenching…” I could feel her exasperation from those three words because—how?

One may argue that most/all humans are prejudiced, I hold certain sentiments, and for many different reasons, I believe the term "racist" is much overused, and even if the percentage of racism in a society declines significantly, this may still be the case. Most forms of racism are overt and institutional, like when people are denied opportunities because of their race or membership in a certain group, or when derogatory language and laws are used. But it's likely more realistic to characterise a large number of the attitudes and actions that we categorise as racist as cultural. Cultural conflicts between groups within a broader community or between different societies can lead to hostile or avoidant behaviour even when there is no desire to be unfriendly in the first place.

Human beings inherently exist in social collectives. A certain degree of wariness toward those outside one's immediate group may not always constitute racism; rather, it is likely an ingrained response ubiquitous to human nature. We are instinctively predisposed to trust a stranger who resembles and communicates similarly to us, if only marginally more, than one who does not. The potential for danger is irrelevant in this context. An individual situated among a culturally divergent group, even within the same racial framework, will experience a measure of unease despite the absence of any threat. This observation in no way serves as a justification, but I digress.

"Heart-wrenching," she lamented. I witness depravity; I observe devastation. That someone could be subjected to discrimination due to their darker skin tone is both absurd and repugnant.

Colourism, coined from the intersection of race and color, refers to the social hierarchy that privileges lighter skin tones over darker ones within communities of color. It’s a form of discrimination that has, unfortunately, deep roots, emerging from colonial histories, global beauty standards, and traditional practices. It is an insidious force that has permeated various aspects of Nigerian society. In Africa, it is crucial to recognize that colourism does not exist in a vacuum; instead, it intricately interweaves with issues of tribalism, misogyny, and societal stereotypes.

To comprehend the pervasive nature of colourism in Nigeria, we must first recall the shadow of colonialism that once loomed over the continent. The imposition of Western beauty ideals engendered a valorization of lighter skin, perpetuating a cycle of self-loathing among many individuals with darker complexions. Within Nigerian communities, this mindset frequently manifests as social and economic advantages for those with lighter skin tones. From media representation to romantic preferences, individuals with fairer skin often disproportionately reap opportunities and receive favorable treatment.

Colourism and Tribalism: Twisted Dance of Superiority

Nigeria is a confluence of diverse ethnic groups and tribes, each with rich features of history and culture. Yet, colourism often exacerbates the existing rifts between these groups. When particular tribes equate lighter skin with elevated status or beauty, it inadvertently fuels tribal tensions and division. Imagine residing in a society where an individual's worth is not solely measured by their cultural heritage or contributions but is overshadowed by the hue of their skin. Within the realm of beauty pageants, social media influencers, and the entertainment industry, lighter-skinned individuals often traverse spaces of privilege and popularity.

Professing support for #BlackLivesMatter while exclusively hiring fair-skinned women as receptionists, ushers, and secretaries epitomizes sheer folly, condescension, ignorant segregation, misogyny, and colourism. I abhor the fact that such a bias exists; it should not persist in any enlightened society.

This, sadly, also impacts societal perceptions of various tribes and perpetuates stereotypes. For instance, some tribes might be seen as less attractive or less desirable, leading to further division and tension. We’ve seen several of these social media feuds—the one between the fair skinned Igbo woman & the mostly dark skinned Yoruba woman. The subtle subs, “Oh, you’re getting darker..” “If she dark, she no go fine…” We cannot ignore that these perceptions are often glorified in popular media—think of those commercials and music videos that showcase lighter-skinned individuals as the epitome of beauty and desirability! Consider the case of a job interview where a darker-skinned candidate is passed over for a lighter-skinned one, despite having superior qualifications. Or the scenario where a darker-skinned child is teased and bullied in school with the “Blackie,” “Koro ishin,” “Charcoal” tags, affecting their self-esteem and academic performance. These examples illustrate how colourism operates on a daily basis, shaping people's lives in profound and often detrimental ways.

The Feminine Experience: Misogyny Amplified

Shifting focus to the female experience within this tumultuous nexus of colourism, tribalism, and misogyny, women in Nigeria frequently encounter an additional layer of complexity. Traditionally, women's value has been inextricably linked to their physical appearance, and when beauty becomes synonymous with lighter skin, it imposes an intolerable burden on dark-skinned women. Social media exacerbates these unrealistic beauty standards, consistently showcasing lighter-skinned models and influencers. Consequently, the practice of skin lightening, or bleaching, has burgeoned into a multi-billion-dollar industry within the country. Advertisements for these products predominantly feature models with fair skin, perpetuating the notion that lighter skin is more desirable and attractive. The tragic irony lies in the fact that many of these products contain harmful chemicals, leading to severe health issues, yet societal pressure compels many Nigerians to use them.

The interplay of misogyny propels this already dire situation. Women are often pressured to compete not only based on skin color but also in accordance with tribal beauty standards. This societal pressure fosters a profound internal struggle for identity and self-acceptance. Numerous dark-skinned Nigerian women share poignant stories of their journeys toward self-love amidst overwhelming societal expectations.

The Domino Effect: Discrimination in Various Facets of Life

Colourism, sadly, is not confined merely to beauty standards; it spills over into various avenues of life. In the job market, studies have shown that individuals with lighter skin receive more job callbacks and promotions compared to their darker counterparts. Imagine gearing up for an interview, prepared and capable, only to find that your skin tone plays a significant role in your employability! Educational opportunities can also be affected. The prejudices tied to skin color can hinder the way people view candidates, adding yet another layer of injustice.

In interpersonal relationships, dating becomes another battleground. How often do we hear young Nigerians expressing preferences for partners with lighter skin? The phrase "I only date light-skinned girls" and conversely, “I only do dark-skinned men” echoes through social circles, reinforcing harmful stereotypes about beauty and desirability. This filtering based on colourism can perpetuate a cycle of internalized racism, where darker-skinned individuals or otherwise feel unworthy or less attractive, diminishing their confidence and sense of self.

The modern repercussions of colourism in Nigeria are as pervasive as they are pernicious, subtly infiltrating the very fabric of contemporary society, and this is why more people should speak about this. We should not sit tight till it eats us all out from the inside. Its treachery perpetuates a hierarchy predicated on skin tone, exacerbating existing social stratifications and deepening the chasms of tribalism, misogyny, and socioeconomic disparity. The psychological ramifications are profound, often leading to an internalized sense of inferiority and a pervasive quest for validation in a society that extols lighter skin as the epitome of beauty and success.

In the professional realm, colourism manifests as a perfidious bias that skews recruitment and advancement processes, favoring those with lighter complexions and relegating their darker-skinned counterparts to the periphery. This not only stifles the career trajectories of many but also perpetuates a cycle of disenfranchisement that is difficult to break. Educational institutions are not immune to this blight. The implicit biases held by educators can affect the academic performance and self-worth of students, thereby perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage that begins at a tender age. In social contexts, the preference for lighter-skinned partners engenders a landscape where romantic and social success is inextricably linked to skin tone, fostering an environment rife with exclusion and rejection.

The preponderance of lighter-skinned individuals in prominent roles and advertisements that only marginalizes those with darker skin and reinforces a monolithic standard of beauty that is both narrow and exclusionary must be confined. This lack of representation perpetuates a vicious cycle of invisibility and devaluation, denying darker-skinned individuals the visibility and recognition they deserve.

The path to dismantling colourism is not insurmountable. It requires a concerted effort that encompasses education, advocacy, and a fundamental shift in societal attitudes. By fostering awareness and promoting inclusive representations across all media, we can challenge the pernicious narratives that underpin colourism. It is imperative to celebrate the difference in skin tones that constitute the Nigerian populace, recognizing that true beauty lies in diversity and inclusivity.

Ultimately, the eradication of colourism will herald a society where individuals are judged not by the hue of their skin but by the content of their character and the strength of their contributions. This vision, though ambitious, is attainable through collective action and an unwavering commitment to equity and justice. As the nation strides towards a more inclusive future, it must shed the vestiges of colourism and embrace the full spectrum of its cultural and human richness. Only then can we forge a nation that truly reflects the ideals of unity, respect, and mutual dignity.

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