Tackling the Structure of Internal Colorism

Abstract

This year we have been thrust into a topic regarding race. The term, Systemic racism, is discussed daily between scholars, advocates, media personalities, and government/civic officials alike. The historical lessons regarding the oppression of people of color, particularly Blacks, is taught almost daily. And White privilege has caused some people to cringe. While we are aware and continue to learn about interracial problems, intraracial problems are often left behind. That stone remains unturned. For some time I've heard and witnessed a disconnect between people in the Latinx community. Growing up in the Soundview section, I recall being immersed in the Latinx cultures of Puerto Rico and the Domincan Republic. Their respectful parades are etched into my memory. But I noticed, some—not all, did not get along with each other. The Domincans in my neighborhood were of a darker complexion in comparison to their Puerto Rican counterparts. As a result, the Puerto Ricans would often look down upon the Dominicans, and Blacks in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, I accepted the attitude towards myself and those who identified like me. But I was confused regarding their attitude to Dominicans. To me, they were the "same". Where does this attitude come from? And Why does it exist? How is that people who speak the same language and have similar cultures and history. Colorism, like racism, is very much a problem. And it is a very prevalent problem in the Latin American community. Unlike nations and sects of the Caribbean islands which have similar cultures but different identities- and yet get along, the different cultures of Latin America are riddled with strife. This type of strife resembles the one between Whites and Blacks living in the United States. Research thus far have pointed me to the works of Cristina Beltran who examines the initial problems of Latinx Communtiy. In her book, The Trouble with Unity: Latino Politics and the Creation of Identity, Beltran looks into how the various identities of the Latinx communities contribute to how they treat one another. Colorism, is its contributions. I've also stumbled upon the works of Miriam Esther Jimenez. In articles like, 'Looking at that Middle Ground: Racial Mixing as Panacea?' Challenges to Latin American and Caribbean Racial Discourse" and "Boricuas vs. Nuyoricans—Indeed!: A Look at Afro-Latinos," Jimenez dissects the roots in which the divisions amongst the Latinx communities has. Through this research I intend to examine colorism in the Latinx community and how it has played a role in the lives of its members. In my research I hope to incorporate how one's color or belonging to a particular community affects their socioeconomic status. I'd also like to compare this colorism to racism in America. And hopefully I can also find research regarding how that affects one when they migrate to another country or continent.