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The documentary film entitled ‘Dark Girls’ is an interesting film that showcases various interviews from most typical to popular personalities about their understanding and take on the issue of colorism. Different perspectives, some of it are admirable and others are irritating, explores diverse attitude and biases among dark skinned women. I admired how Dr. Cheryl Grills, the President of the National Association of Black Psychologists, emphasized that “beauty is just a small piece of a much bigger animal. And until we understand that much bigger animal, we’ll never understand the issue of colorism.” It goes to show and I agree with her that in order to change an individual, it will definitely help if we will change and enrich the awareness among them. It is also worth noting how Mathew Shenoda brought up and discussed the effects and impact of colonialism and slavery to the current issue and how Dr. Daryl Rowe reinstated the moment pride of the Black people where they actually shouted “say it loud, I’m Black and I am proud.” Similarly, celebrity voice such as Micheal Colyar made a thought-provoking point when he discussed about the color theory as well as the association of whiteness to purity and goodness, as well as being sinister and evil to Black. Viola Davis, on the other hand, made a remarkable appearance when she explained how children bullied and called her “black ugly nigger” as a child. Her statements make me feel proud of her as she spoke the truth. Her experience as a kid being intimidated by both white and black kids in here neighborhood highlighted the facet of colourism.
Unfortunately, the film failed to examine and discuss the real and bigger issue of colourism, but instead, focus on personal self-esteem, beauty and personal responsibility. It is a bit disappointing that the film did not really touch upon how white people provoke and somehow responsible with the real issue of colourism. Rather, it highlighted the fact that white people are exerting so much effort by tanning themselves and showed how they fetish dark skin. This film could have highlighted more of men’s experiences about colorism rather than debating and endlessly discussing about their involvement with their women. The discussion appeared to as too shallow when the film showed and interviewed men with regard to their preference – light-skinned women over dark-skinned women.
Overall, the film could have more in-depth discussion about colourism had it focus on what trigger this issue, tackled and interviewed men and women, black or white, and sought for their perspective on how they understood the history generated such concern and how they intend to move forward, correct and address it. As Kola Boof mentioned “it is important that women voice their feelings and perspective with respect.” While I totally agree with her, it will also pay a great tribute to include in the discussion on how this generation will reach out, even how difficult it is, to help our women maintain their self-esteem and love for themselves through how other people, both black and white, treat her. Moving forward, this film could have another sequel of its kind, this time trying to explain and illustrate how our women, especially black women, should become.
Works Cited
Dark Girls. Dirs. B. Duke and D. Berry. 2011.
