Colorism basics
Media and beauty
History and Society
Famous voices
Solutions
100

What is colorism?


  • Discrimination based on skin tone within the same race or ethnic group


100

What is light or fair skin?


TV and movie roles often go to actors with this skin tone.


100

What is Slavery?

Colorism has roots in this American institution where lighter slaves were sometimes treated better.


100

Who is Michelle Obama?


This former First Lady of the U.S. spoke openly about being judged for her skin tone.


100

What is aware or educated?


The first step to ending colorism is becoming this.


200

What is lighter skin?


Colorism often favors people with this type of skin tone.


200

What are skin bleaching products?


These products are used to lighten skin and are popular in many countries despite health risks.


200

What is class or social status?


Lighter skin was sometimes associated with this, giving certain people more privilege.


200

Who is Beyoncé?


This Grammy-winning singer and actress has addressed colorism in her music and interviews.


200

What is break the cycle?


Talking about colorism openly in families and communities can help to do this.


300

What is skin?


  • This body part is often used metaphorically in discussions of lightness and darkness.

300

What is airbrushing or photo editing?


This type of image editing can make celebrities look lighter on magazine covers.


300

What is opportunity or success?

(Colorism based question)

In some countries, colorism can affect this aspect of a person’s life, such as getting a job or getting married.


300

Who is Lupita Nyong’o?


This actress and author of “Sulwe” has spoken out about her childhood experiences with colorism.

300

What is diverse or inclusive representation?


This type of representation in media can help combat colorism.


400

What is the same racial or ethnic group?


Colorism is different from racism because it happens within this.


400

What is Western media?


Beauty standards shaped by this often exclude or undervalue darker-skinned individuals.


400

What is “light is right”?


Some Black communities used this phrase to describe social advantages based on skin tone.


400
Who is Priyanka Chopra


This South Asian actress was criticized for skin lightening ads and later apologized.


400

What is self-love or self-acceptance?


Encouraging this can help people feel proud of their natural skin tone.


500

What is low self-esteem?

(Colorism)

A common internal effect of colorism, where people may feel inferior because of their skin tone.


500

What is India?

(Colorism based question)

This country’s entertainment industry, like Bollywood, has often favored lighter-skinned stars.


500

What is the paper bag test?


Historically, this object was used to determine if someone’s skin tone was “acceptable” in certain social clubs.


500

Who is Megan Thee Stallion?

This American rapper used her platform to raise awareness about colorism in the music industry.


500

What is promote all skin tones or avoid skin lightening?


Challenging colorist beauty standards can be done by supporting brands that do this.