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Exploring Shadeism
EXPLORING SHADEISM - ONE OF THE EARLIEST PIECES OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH ON COLORISM, NOW IN BOOK FORM!
Shadeism is a direct result of slavery – and the psychological and sociological impacts are still visible in the Caribbean - and elsewhere - today. Originally a Masters research project, Exploring Shadeism describes the phenomenon of colorism, and examines it within the context of the wider Caribbean, focusing particularly on Caribbean history and literature. It also examines two theories that are useful in explaining why shade discrimination has taken root in the Caribbean. The book includes original research conducted in Barbados, and draws conclusions about the impact of this phenomenon in several areas of daily life.
Praise for Exploring Shadeism
- "A timely addition to the conversations surrounding inter- and intra-racial relationships."
- "A fascinating glimpse into the realities of the tropical paradises many take for granted."
- "Well-written; chock full of information and perspectives - an excellent resource for any social scientist.”
- “a nuanced exploration of colour and class in Caribbean society.”
- “a significant contribution not just to the analysis of the Barbadian social landscape, but to the Caribbean and global diaspora” - Sandra Sealy, founder of Caribbean Writers
- "a timely contribution to writing and publishing in Barbados...It is timely politically, coming as it does during the debate around race, identity and #blacklivesmatter. It is also timely as a teaching tool, as grown-ups need to find ways to understand shadeism themselves so that they might guide young people struggling with self-esteem relating to their blackness." - Linda M. Deane, co-founding editor of ArtsEtc
Praise for I’m Tired of Racism, also by Sharon Hurley Hall
- “This collection of on-point and poignant pieces widens our lens for viewing a world shaped by its domination and oppression of racialized people.”
- “The power in this book comes from Sharon's ability to articulate something many people may feel or wonder about, but perhaps have not yet gained clarity as to the underlying dynamics truly at play.”
- “If you're Black, you've found an advocate. If you're white, this is an educational book.”
Shadeism is a direct result of slavery – and the psychological and sociological impacts are still visible in the Caribbean - and elsewhere - today. Originally a Masters research project, Exploring Shadeism describes the phenomenon of colorism, and examines it within the context of the wider Caribbean, focusing particularly on Caribbean history and literature. It also examines two theories that are useful in explaining why shade discrimination has taken root in the Caribbean. The book includes original research conducted in Barbados, and draws conclusions about the impact of this phenomenon in several areas of daily life.
Praise for Exploring Shadeism
- "A timely addition to the conversations surrounding inter- and intra-racial relationships."
- "A fascinating glimpse into the realities of the tropical paradises many take for granted."
- "Well-written; chock full of information and perspectives - an excellent resource for any social scientist.”
- “a nuanced exploration of colour and class in Caribbean society.”
- “a significant contribution not just to the analysis of the Barbadian social landscape, but to the Caribbean and global diaspora” - Sandra Sealy, founder of Caribbean Writers
- "a timely contribution to writing and publishing in Barbados...It is timely politically, coming as it does during the debate around race, identity and #blacklivesmatter. It is also timely as a teaching tool, as grown-ups need to find ways to understand shadeism themselves so that they might guide young people struggling with self-esteem relating to their blackness." - Linda M. Deane, co-founding editor of ArtsEtc
Praise for I’m Tired of Racism, also by Sharon Hurley Hall
- “This collection of on-point and poignant pieces widens our lens for viewing a world shaped by its domination and oppression of racialized people.”
- “The power in this book comes from Sharon's ability to articulate something many people may feel or wonder about, but perhaps have not yet gained clarity as to the underlying dynamics truly at play.”
- “If you're Black, you've found an advocate. If you're white, this is an educational book.”
85 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Hurley Hall
7 books40 followersSharon Hurley Hall is an anti-racism activist, writer, and educator. Firmly committed to doing her part to eliminate racism, she is the Founder and Curator-in-Chief of Sharon’s Anti-Racism Newsletter.
In this twice-weekly online publication, Sharon writes about existing while Black in majority-white spaces, and amplifies the voices of other anti-racism activists. She has written and ghostwritten articles for companies and non-profits looking to show up authentically with their DEIB and JEDI content. She is the author of Exploring Shadeism, and the essay collection, I'm Tired of Racism.
Sharon holds MA degrees in Media and Cultural Studies, and in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
In this twice-weekly online publication, Sharon writes about existing while Black in majority-white spaces, and amplifies the voices of other anti-racism activists. She has written and ghostwritten articles for companies and non-profits looking to show up authentically with their DEIB and JEDI content. She is the author of Exploring Shadeism, and the essay collection, I'm Tired of Racism.
Sharon holds MA degrees in Media and Cultural Studies, and in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
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December 22, 2020
Exploring Shadeism by Sharon Hurley Hall is the product of the author's MA research project written in 1998 and self-published in the form of a book in 2018. The text draws on the work of philosophers and sociologists to unpack the concept of shadeism (or colourism)- the discrimination in which darker skin folk experience greater disadvantage than their lighter skin counterparts. Hall then publishes findings from interviews conducted with over 100 Black individuals based in the Barbados.
I heard about Hall's work from a panel that we were both on and was instantly intrigued. Although written in 1998, shadeism continues to be an omnipresent reality in most (if not all) parts of the world. Unfortunately, while contemporary Black feminist writing often recognizes the existence of colourism and light-skin privilege, there isn't much explicit literature that unpacks the issue in depth. I found the interview responses published by Hall, which covered topics related to skin shade and employment, academia, romantic partnership and more, to be very interesting. I do wish that Hall had leveraged the interview findings to offer a more in-depth social critique on the impact of shadeism and the commonly held attitudes and beliefs that can either perpetuate or dismantle it.
Overall, this is a short, relevant and important read!
I heard about Hall's work from a panel that we were both on and was instantly intrigued. Although written in 1998, shadeism continues to be an omnipresent reality in most (if not all) parts of the world. Unfortunately, while contemporary Black feminist writing often recognizes the existence of colourism and light-skin privilege, there isn't much explicit literature that unpacks the issue in depth. I found the interview responses published by Hall, which covered topics related to skin shade and employment, academia, romantic partnership and more, to be very interesting. I do wish that Hall had leveraged the interview findings to offer a more in-depth social critique on the impact of shadeism and the commonly held attitudes and beliefs that can either perpetuate or dismantle it.
Overall, this is a short, relevant and important read!
Displaying 1 of 1 review