Disrupting The Status Quo In The Fight Of Racism And Colorism
The events and discussions that have taken place ever since the tragic and unfortunate death of George Floyd have been of great importance and impact both within the Black community and among allies. Most of the discussions have been a "us vs. them" type of discussion, however colorism, unfortunately, became a topic as well that came across my Instagram feed.
too Black or not Black enough.
In all honesty, I kissed my teeth and rolled my eyes and kept scrolling, because I was like "Really?!!" We're out here fighting for our lives, justice, and an ounce of respect and y'all want to talk about the thing that divides us?? Well, the topic came up again when I read Thandie Newton's very candid interview for Vulture magazine which was published yesterday.
The part of that interview that went viral on Twitter was, of course, the part when she was talking about Tom Cruise and the tense interaction she had with him while filming Mission Impossible 2. She was applauded by some and called a hater by others. The part however that stood out to me was how, as a Black Actress, she's found herself, either too Black or not Black enough. Thandie, whose mother is from Zimbabwe and Black, and whose father is British and Caucasian, is mixed and also light-skinned.
She recounts that for the movie Beloved, although successfully cast as the title character, there was a concern that she wasn't Black enough. But she admits that her fair skin tone has worked to her advantage in Hollywood as she acknowledges the struggle for darker complexed Black actresses as painful, as they're often overlooked for acting gigs.
[RELATED: Your Breakthrough Opportunity isn’t Based on the Colour of Your Skin]
disrupting the status quo.
Although she's turned down roles in the past, that she felt were discriminatory in nature, Newton says that she now wants to "disrupt rather than run away", which is what I want to delve into today. Disrupting the status quo. Part of my frustration when the topic of colorism appeared on my social media feed is because by nature I'm not a disrupter. I would actually say I almost run away from conflict. As a self-proclaimed (former) people pleaser, the last thing I want to do is stir the pot or ruffle anyone's feathers.
As we've found ourselves in the midst of a revolution, however, I discovered the little activist in me. As much as I moved to North America from Sweden to be closer to the "the culture", and my love for the Black community runs deep, I never thought that I would have to in essence fight to be seen and heard. Compared to living in Sweden I thought I was simply coming to root us on in a "cheerleader" manner as opposed to being an advocate. But the events after George Floyd's death had me pick up a baton for Black people to be seen in the corporate world. At my job in particular, and sharing (or possibly venting) my voice over on LinkedIn.
disrupting the status quo will look different.
Disrupting the status quo is going to look different depending on who's doing it and one way isn't necessarily better than another. I think it's important to do what we feel comfortable with in order to be effective when it comes to matters like this. Yes, stepping out of our comfort zone is definitely an opportunity for growth. But when it comes to asking for human rights and respect, we've got speak with our whole entire chest. Putting me on a stage would be as good as putting a 2-year-old up there. Not effective, cause I'll quiver. But ask me to write an email?!! Girl, I got you!! And it's not that I can't back up what I'm writing in person. I'm just better at it in a smaller group setting.
Thandie Newton wasn't in a place before, where she felt comfortable stirring the pot, she simply did what she felt best at the time which was walking away from anything that didn't serve her or the representation of Black people. And guess what? That's OK. She sure is making up for it now though by being almost overly candid in her Vulture interview. But note that her "disruption" isn't being out there demonstrating. But it's still voicing that some respect is needed in the industry.
all black lives matter.
I also didn't feel that her story was divisive in nature amongst blacks. I often found that the topic of colorism seeks to divide us, but Newton showed me that the topic can be discussed without it being a "you have it better" or " Í have it worse" kind of discussion. That Black lives matter implies that every single shade is included. And although "they" might take a preference to one shade over another, our fight is inclusive. Dark, light, straight, LGBT, young, or old - All Black Lives Matter.
“If we’re fighting each other, we can’t fight the enemy”
beauty in our differences.
I want you to know that whatever you find your role in all of this to be, own that. It's not an easy battle and your mental health is definitely vital as we disrupt the status quo. Don't beat yourself up or compare yourself to anyone. If hashtagging #BreonnaTaylor is the extent of your mental capacity, do that. There's beauty in our differences and in our various approaches, and the effects and impact collectively are what will hopefully bring about change. Because as much as we are different, so are they. Messages need to be delivered in various formats because they are received differently as well. Just like how the school system needs to realize we all learn differently, which is a topic for another day, know that your approach will make someone think (twice hopefully). Love and embrace the skin you're in, regardless of what shade you are.
Grace & Peace,
Vi.