Salem, MA
United States
I always find time in the day to compliment other women, specifically women of color who are of African descent. I am a proud dark-skinned woman and I realize that my beauty has not been celebrated culturally or in the media. Often, and in many countries, dark skin is despised and rejected; women of my complexion are judged and socially labeled inferior or the subordinates of other women that are more Eurocentric and possess European features. I champion natural beauty and women who walk their path baring their chocolate skin, large curves, wide noses, kinky hair, natural curls, and big lips. It is important for us women to compliment one another and be "enough" for ourselves. We do not need permission to celebrate our beauty and the things that make us who we are. As a mom of a little woman of color, it is important to teach our daughters that our skin does not define us and it is our responsibility to love ourselves; we set the bar for others.
I am automatically labeled because of my skin complexion and I feel that the prejudgment involved in the hierarchy of skin complexion is largely misleading. I choose to continue shining light on the topic although many people of color have spoken out about the issue and completely defied the odds. Dark skin should not determine my outcome in life; it isn't a handicap or a disability. Having dark skin does not mean that I am incapable, unintelligent, subordinate, or ignorant. Melanin is not a curse, it is a blessing that permits me to co-exist and thrive collaboratively with a multitude of external forces. Labels do not dictate who I am or my capabilities as a "hueman" in the society in which I exist. My participation is purposed to emphasize the notion that labels can be harmful and don't provide a complete story of the individual.