troubled Kwaito singer, Mshoza
"Shadeism"
A Short Documentary
"Shadeism" is a short (and still popular) 2010 documentary written and directed by up-and-coming Canadian filmmaker Nayani Thiyagarajah -- a young woman of South East Asian descent-- that details intra-racial discrimination experienced by young women of the Caribbean, South East Asian, and African Diasporas; as they navigate the trials and tribulations of being darker-skinned within their respective communities. We often hear narratives from people who've experienced Colorism within Black-American communities, but "Shadeism" takes a more global look at the issue and its impact on young women. Intra-racial discrimination tends to be a hot-button issue whenever it's broached. It ruffles people's feathers, because, speaking within the context of my own community especially, folks deny that the problem is still very prevalent.
It's a destructive message that's notoriously endorsed by certain celebrities and perpetuated by the media, fashion and entertainment industries. Even casting calls for car commercials, require that only light-skinned Blacks need apply.In India and various parts of the Caribbean and Africa, the skin lightening cream industry continues to thrive, as people seek quick-and-easy ways to become the fairest one of all.
Part I
Part II