Racism within racism: The unspoken divide

Racism is often understood as the discrimination between different racial or ethnic groups, but there is a complex, often unspoken form of racism that exists within racial or ethnic communities themselves. This phenomenon, known as "racism within racism," can be as harmful as the more familiar forms of racial prejudice. It encompasses colourism, regional prejudices, and even class divisions, all of which serve to perpetuate inequalities within marginalized groups.

The Layers of Racism: Colourism and Skin Tone

One of the most prominent forms of racism within racial groups is colourism, the preference for lighter skin tones over darker ones. Colourism has deep roots in colonial history, where lighter-skinned individuals were often granted privileges, while darker-skinned individuals were subjected to harsh treatment. In many societies, this bias is still very much alive today.

In Black communities, for example, lighter-skinned individuals are sometimes seen as more "acceptable" or "beautiful" than their darker-skinned counterparts. This preference can affect everything from personal relationships to career opportunities. Within the entertainment industry, models and actresses with lighter skin have historically been favored, perpetuating the idea that beauty and success are tied to Eurocentric standards of appearance.

However, this form of racism is not limited to the Black community. In Latinx, Asian, and even Indigenous communities, lighter skin is often associated with higher social status, better opportunities, and more societal acceptance. This internalized prejudice not only harms individuals with darker skin tones but also reinforces the idea that racism can be perpetuated within one's own group.

Regional and Ethnic Prejudices

In many communities, racism within racism extends beyond skin colour. Regional and ethnic prejudices can create divisions between individuals who share the same racial background but come from different geographic or cultural regions.

For instance, within African communities, there can be animosity between individuals from different countries or regions. A Nigerian might face prejudice from someone of Ghanaian descent, or a Jamaican may encounter biases from someone from another Caribbean island. These prejudices often stem from historical tensions or stereotypes about certain regions, but they still contribute to the larger problem of division and discrimination within marginalized groups.

Similarly, within the Latinx community, there may be tensions between individuals of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, or Cuban descent. These groups may harbor biases based on regional differences or historical conflicts, yet all share the experience of being racialized in broader society. The perpetuation of such prejudices weakens the potential for solidarity and collective action in the face of racial oppression.

Classism and the Intersection of Identity

Classism is another crucial component of racism within racism. In many communities of colour, individuals who have achieved higher social or economic status may look down on those who are less fortunate, creating a divide between "respectable" or "successful" individuals and those who are struggling. This divide can manifest as judgment based on appearance, behavior, or lifestyle choices.

In the Black community, for instance, there can be a class divide between middle-class or upper-middle-class individuals and those who are economically disadvantaged. This divide is often amplified by skin tone, with lighter-skinned Black individuals perceived as more "professional" or "polished" compared to their darker-skinned counterparts, who may be stereotyped as "ghetto" or "unrefined."

This intersection of class and race creates a complex web of discrimination, where those at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder face both external racism from society at large and internalized racism from within their own communities. It's a cycle that perpetuates inequality and undermines the solidarity needed to combat systemic racism.

 

The Impact of Racism Within Racism

The effects of "racism within racism" are far-reaching, impacting everything from personal relationships to professional advancement. These internalized prejudices not only harm individuals on a personal level but also create systemic barriers within communities that should ideally be united in the fight against broader societal racism.

Personal Relationships: For those who experience colourism or regional prejudice within their own community, it can create a sense of alienation and emotional distress. Individuals with darker skin may feel inferior or less valued, even by those who share their racial background. This can lead to self-esteem issues, identity crises, and a constant sense of not being fully accepted, even within the very community that should be their source of support.

In relationships, both familial and romantic, these biases can create tension and division. For instance, within Black communities, parents may unknowingly reinforce colourist attitudes by favoring lighter-skinned children or praising them for their appearance, which can lead to feelings of resentment and inadequacy in darker-skinned children. In romantic relationships, lighter-skinned individuals may sometimes be considered "more desirable" or "more attractive," reinforcing harmful stereotypes and creating divisions that undermine the bonds of love and unity.

Professional Advancement: The impact of racism within racism also extends to the professional world. Studies have shown that lighter-skinned individuals of colour tend to have an advantage in hiring, promotions, and leadership positions compared to their darker-skinned counterparts. This creates a "hierarchy" within racial and ethnic groups, where those who are perceived as more "acceptable" in terms of skin tone or appearance receive better opportunities.

In educational and workplace environments, individuals who are considered "more palatable" because of their skin tone, accent, or cultural background may be more likely to be promoted or receive recognition for their work. This perpetuates an unfair system where merit alone is not enough to guarantee success—one's skin colour or regional heritage often plays a significant role in determining how they are treated and valued.

The Role of Media and Representation

Media representation plays a significant role in perpetuating racism within racism. When the media portrays only certain skin tones, accents, or cultural traits as the "norm," it reinforces internal biases and encourages individuals within marginalized communities to internalize these stereotypes. Lighter-skinned individuals are often seen in leadership roles, as romantic leads, or in positions of power, while darker-skinned individuals are frequently relegated to secondary roles or stereotypical depictions.

This lack of diverse representation contributes to a skewed sense of what is "acceptable" or "desirable" within the community, leading people to value lighter skin or certain cultural traits over others. The exclusion of darker-skinned individuals from mainstream media and advertising further fuels the sense of inferiority and exclusion they may already feel in their daily lives.

However, in recent years, there has been a shift toward greater inclusivity in media, with more focus on diverse skin tones, accents, and cultures. But the battle is far from over. We still see significant disparities in representation, and the continued dominance of Eurocentric standards of beauty and success perpetuates the idea that some members of marginalized groups are more worthy of visibility and opportunity than others.

Combating Racism Within Racism: Steps Toward Change

Addressing racism within racism requires a concerted effort to break down the biases and prejudices that exist within our communities. While the fight against systemic racism is vital, we must also focus on healing the divisions that exist within our own groups. Here are some steps that can help create change:

1. Education and Awareness: Education is key to challenging internalized racism and prejudices. Communities must engage in open conversations about the harmful effects of colourism, classism, and regional biases. By raising awareness and encouraging self-reflection, individuals can begin to recognize and confront their own biases. Education should be grounded in the history and impact of colonialism and slavery, as these events played a central role in shaping racial dynamics and hierarchies within communities.

2. Amplifying Diverse Voices: We must work to amplify the voices of those who are often silenced within our own communities. This includes elevating the voices of darker-skinned individuals, those from marginalized regions, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. By celebrating a diversity of experiences, we can foster a more inclusive community that values all of its members.

3. Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue: Safe spaces for open dialogue are essential for tackling racism within racism. These spaces allow individuals to share their experiences, listen to others, and challenge harmful beliefs without fear of judgment. Encouraging these conversations within families, workplaces, and communities can help build understanding and solidarity.

4. Supporting Policy Changes: On a larger scale, it’s essential to advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusivity within institutions. This includes policies in the workplace that ensure diversity in hiring and promotion practices, as well as educational initiatives that encourage inclusivity and challenge colourism. By changing the structures that perpetuate these biases, we can create a more just and equitable environment for everyone.

 

Breaking the Cycle: A Call for Solidarity

Racism within racism is a deeply ingrained issue that requires both individual and collective action to address. It's essential to recognize and confront the biases that exist within our own communities, as doing so is an important step toward healing and building solidarity across racial lines. Only by challenging colourism, regional prejudice, and classism within our own groups can we hope to create a more just and unified society.

In the fight against racism, we must acknowledge that the battle is not just against individuals or systems that oppress people of colour from outside our communities but also against the internalized prejudices that divide us from within. By recognizing and addressing these harmful dynamics, we can begin to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality, both within our own communities and in the broader world.

The road to healing is not easy, but it starts with honest reflection, open dialogue, and a commitment to challenging all forms of racism—both the ones we see and the ones we don't. It’s only through such efforts that we can hope to create a world where everyone, regardless of their skin tone, background, or class, can feel a sense of belonging and equality.

 

Conclusion: Moving Forward Together

Racism within racism is a complex and deeply ingrained issue that requires introspection and action from within our own communities. It’s essential to recognize that racism is not only an external force but also one that can be perpetuated within the spaces where we should feel most safe and supported. By confronting colourism, regional prejudice, and classism head-on, we can begin to heal the divisions that harm us and work toward a united front in the fight against broader systemic racism.

The journey toward unity and equality is not easy, but it starts with self-awareness, dialogue, and a commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for all. Only by addressing the racism within ourselves can we begin to create a world that is truly just for everyone, regardless of their skin tone, cultural background, or socioeconomic status.