| Thesis Abstract--Idaho State University (2016)
Concerned with actual skin tone, as opposed to racial or ethnic identity, colorism provokes prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically by people of the same ethnic or racial group. Recent studies indicate that colorism has a sustained presence in the black community and other communities of color. I conducted two focus groups with 12 black men between the ages of 18 and 25 to explore how black men understand, talk or think of colorism; how skin tone plays a role in their day-to-day experiences in aspects of self-esteem, masculinity, and intimacy and the different domains that influence positive and/or negative aspects of colorism. Utilizing W.E.B. Du Bois' concepts of 'double consciousness' and 'veil,' I argue that as black men embark on the pursu it of white privilege and opportunity, they undergo identity conflicts in the
struggle of being both Black and American. I also utilize Pierre Bourdieu's theory of the
habitus to demonstrate that socialization plays an important role in internalizing ideals and practices of colorism. Findings indicate that stereotypes and perceptions about light and dark skin documented in earlier generations of black Americans persist. However, both light and dark skinned men in this study have very similar experiences.
Compensatory and discriminatory practices dictate behaviors and interactions with other black members and people of other races. The findings also reveal the role of family, school, relationships, and the media in mediating these scripts and practices. Yet, despite the negative stereotypes associated with dark-skin. most dark-skin males embrace a
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feeling of 'black pride.' This research adds empirical findings and theoretical conceptualizations to the phenomenon of colorism in the 21st century. |