BLACK: a color or a stigma

-Jashmita Tanwar

We have learned about the various colors and the beauty of each since entering kindergarten. We used to enjoy the bright surroundings as children. Those colors were pure love; there was no dark depth to them. We were in awe of each color's unique beauty, whether it be red, yellow, white, or black. We are aware of the ideas connected to those colors now that we are adults and have encountered a variety of ways to look at those hues. Today, those hues no longer represent the same freedom and joy. These hues are now the source of many social conflicts.

Let's dive into colorism, which is the most talked-about racist practice. According to google dictionary, 'colorism' is the practice of discriminating against people based only on the color of their skin at birth. Without minimizing the hardship and humiliation endured by Africans throughout the colonial era, let's talk about the current state of contemporary culture, which is much more advanced and diversified. In our society, referring to someone with a light complexion as "white" is seen as a compliment, whereas referring to someone with dark skin as "black" in the same society is seen as derogatory. Colorism does not just appear in words; it also appears in deeds when statements are accompanied by a thorough plan of action and an attitude of hatred. For instance, there are times when we characterize someone based solely on their appearance or demeanor without knowing their name or any other information. This description is sometimes interpreted as disrespectful in today's sensitive age. However, if these descriptors lead to a course of conduct that is degrading that specific person's dignity, we are supposed to consider it to be a case of colorism.

Sometimes people carry their sensitive histories in their heads without realizing that the world is changing quickly and that their mindsets must also evolve. If colorism is put to an end in the minds of those who talk negatively about black people and those who believe they are victims of colorism after hearing that talk, colorism will not persist in society. One should consider their skin tone to be a part of their personality, and they should feel proud if others associate them with that color. The black should be seen as nothing more than a color.

It is necessary to discuss the struggles that Africans and Indians endured during the colonial era because that is where this discrimination originated. But that prejudice wasn't only an opinion of black people or a celebration of the beauty of the color black; it also included the humiliation the British perpetrated against Indians, Niggas, and Nigro. Black Africans were called "Nigga and Nigro" by British colonizers in an effort to denigrate that community. There will likely be discussion on the legality of using the terms "Nigga and Nigro" in light of the widespread use of the "N word" when referring to this community. However, why can't we use the original phrase while discussing or debating the heinous actions committed against black people throughout history? When discussing a serious incident from the past, clarity is necessary, and using the appropriate words and phrases will help us achieve that clarity. The use of expressions like the "N word" may confuse the listeners, which may spark conflict and societal unrest.

Here is an example from the author's experience: In a political science lesson, a student was given the opportunity to present one of her views regarding any type of social custom. Her worldview was founded on colorism, and her goal was to change the perception of individuals who view the color black as derogatory and disrespectful while viewing the color white as a compliment. Since she used the term "NIGGA" rather than the "N word" during her speech, every listener misunderstood what she was stating, and she was met with intense hostility from everyone in the audience. She was subject to the raucous accusations and shouts of those 39 kids in a class of 40 students, including her. The 39 students' eyes betrayed their rage and contempt. She felt like a criminal, terrorist, rapist, or killer as a result of that incident. The situation was so heated that the 39 pupils would have slashed her throat, or worse, if there hadn't been a teacher present. The shouts caused the ground beneath them to start trembling as well. This situation demonstrated that individuals are content to keep the boundaries created by the delicate past intact and are not ready to do otherwise.

This generation has developed to the point where we now need to keep our personalities within some expected bounds because, if those bounds were to be breached, we would be in violation of one or more societal norms. We are not allowed to use the word "black" in public because it invokes memories of the past; we are not allowed to mimic the way African women tie their hair because doing so would constitute social misappropriation; and we are not allowed to use LGBTQ colors because only that particular community has the right to do so. Why not just put this limitation on hold and allow people to mix while engaging in these behaviors without jeopardizing anyone's dignity? Can we just allow these lines to get a little hazy so that we can have a varied society that is homogenous? Instead of starting an argument or a dispute every time, let's have respectful conversations about the numerous issues at hand.

Let's not call ourselves as black or white, let's identify ourselves as humans. No matter what color or race we belong to, we are one and we will be.