Africans endured years of being ripped away from their homes and suffering unspeakable atrocities at the hands of Europeans. Not only were they all forced into labour, but the Africans were given different tasks that differed in labour intensity based solely on the colour of their skin. Which over the years has manifested into the phenomenon known as colourism. As defined by Nittle (2019) colourism is discrimination against someone if the same race based on skin colour which disadvantages darker-skinned people while affording privilege to those of a lighter complexion.  The terms “Brownin'” and “Blackie” are some of the terms that are used to identify a person’s complexion in the Caribbean. Many are also familiar with the phrase “fi a black person you look good/pretty.” We often find this as a compliment, however, in truth, the phrase is an insult and it highlights colourism that we have witnessed and have inadvertently learned. 

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The event of slavery and later indentureship have influenced colorism in our society presently. During these periods blacks were seen as ugly and inferior than the other races and as a result were segregated and denied certain rights and privileges. The Europeans and the indentured laborers were acceptable, and their skin color were seen as the ideal type as compared to the blacks, hence the blacks felt uncomfortable in their own skin. Consequently, the Caribbean society is intolerant of Eurocentrism because of the psychological impact slavery had.

Caribbean people, due to Eurocentric ideals, believe that person of Caucasian descent are superior to those of African descent (racism) and also that persons of a lighter complexion are preferable to those of darker complexions (colorism). This phenomenon, though rarely admitted in today’s society is still prevalent. As there are cases where lighter skinned individuals receive job opportunities and overall better treatment over there darker skinned neighbours, especially due to the fact that a lighter complexion, in the minds of some persons are linked to a higher level of intelligence(). Colourism also manifests itself in the skin bleaching epidemic that is still running rampant through society, which was aided by the promotion of skin bleaching through music. Songs from popular artists such as Adidja Palmer, known by his stage name ‘Vybz Kartel’ and recording artist, Savage, portrayed bleaching in a positive light, giving the message that they received the things that they desired once they had lightened their skin tone. This caused a number of persons of both genders and including adolescents children to begin bleaching their skin as can be seen in the pictures provided below.

It must be noted however, that in recent years the voices of the brave individuals who have always believed that that their melanin rich skin is just as beautiful as all the other skin complexions, are finally getting footing and are being heard and are striking a balance. From actresses such as Lupita Nyong’o to our very own Grace Hamilton, known by her stage name ‘Spice’ with her song ‘Black Hypocrisy’, where she tells of some of the negative comments made about her and her future due to her being of a dark complexion and expresses her promotion of self-love. 

Slavery is one of the antecedents to the mistrust that has come to be a defining feature of the Caribbean. Form the feelings of inferiority at being taken from their homes and forced into becoming slaves to the inferiority darker-skinned slaves would have felt at being given harder labour to some of the field slaves being put in charge of other slaves and to the fact that during the marronage it was slaves themselves who informed the planters on the location and plans of the slaves trying to escape to the maroon villages in the hills. Hence, a concept of mistrust is developed among persons of the Caribbean society because all the slaves were in the same position, but each was to their own benefits and was against the other blacks on the plantation and likewise persons in our society today. 

The poem below also serves to sum up the origin of intolerance and mistrust in the Caribbean.

Intolerance and Mistrust

                                                      _{by Amina Thomas}

If we ponder on the events of history,

And how it influences intolerance and mistrust,

which are evident in our society,

Then the theme of Colorism especially is a must.

During Indentureship and slavery,

These periods treated blacks unjust,

Messed up their psychology,

To the extent as to whom today men lust.

At Present we still prefer the lighter complexion,

And is intolerant of the darker shade,

We offer them a higher position,

But the darker ones are often underpaid.

Some denies the colorism conception,

Yet they would never hire a white maid!

Therefore, colorism exists in the region,

Because then and now blacks are seen as a downgrade.

Mistrust is highlighted in all Caribbean’s natives,

As each man is to his own,

Its apparent since the Europeans held our ancestor captive,

As betrayal was their same dark skin tone.

We now observe and question everyone’s motives,

Hence the Caribbean stands united yet somehow trod alone,

History have made intolerance and mistrust quite active,

And  Even so further impacts and influences are still unknown.

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