The trailer for new documentary Dark Girls surfaced late last week. It’s about the complexities of dark skinned black women. It only seemed intriguing to me based on the twitter conversations I saw, so I had to view and of course make my own opinion.
I know too many beautiful black women, of all complexions, who are proud of who they are, so this story doesn’t resonate for me. I do acknowledge that dark skinned women sometime do get treated differently. I’ve definitely heard the “she’s pretty, for a dark skinned girl” comment over the years, primarily from men. This documentary seems like it should be telling a different story, but it seems to tell the story I’ve hear over and over in a different manner. We all know our slave history, and we know that these views stem from that era, so why can’t we change the way we think about beauty and move on as a people? It continues the divide and conquer mentality, pitting black women against each other. If it’s not skin color, it’s hair or ethnic background.
As black people, our variety makes us unique. Although I haven’t seen the documentary, maybe this is what it leans to in the end. I know that this is a story about dark skinned women and their experiences, but it’s not every dark skinned black girl’s story. We should just be proud of who we are.
Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo.
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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