Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo.Bracing New
The documentary “Dark Girls” delves deeply into the unique experiences and challenges faced by dark-skinned women, focusing on the intersection of racism and colorism both within and outside the Black community. Directed and produced by D. Channsin Berry of Urban Winter Entertainment and Bill Duke of Duke Media, the film offers a poignant and unfiltered look at the emotional and societal impact of being a dark-skinned Black woman in America. After two years in production, Dark Girls premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, shedding light on an enduring issue that remains deeply ingrained in American culture and beyond.
Historical Roots and Lingering Impact of Colorism
The roots of colorism in the United States trace back to the era of slavery, where lighter-skinned slaves often received preferential treatment compared to their darker-skinned counterparts. This discriminatory practice created a hierarchy based on skin tone, a painful legacy that continues to reverberate in the lives of Black Americans today. The filmmakers highlight that this internalized bias has not only persisted but, in many cases, intensified, creating a complex web of discrimination that affects self-esteem, personal relationships, and professional opportunities.
A Personal Mission
Berry and Duke approached the subject matter with a shared sense of urgency and personal connection. Both directors, themselves dark-skinned Black men, have experienced the sting of colorism within their communities. This shared understanding informed their approach, as they sought to amplify the voices of Black women while addressing the broader societal implications of colorism. Berry recalls being immediately drawn to the project, recognizing the need to confront and dismantle these harmful biases that diminish individual self-worth.
Unveiling the Psychology of Colorism
The film revisits a famous psychological study conducted in the late 1960s, where young Black children were presented with dolls of varying skin tones. When asked to identify which doll was “not pretty” or “not smart,” the children overwhelmingly chose the darker-skinned dolls—a heartbreaking revelation of internalized racism. Decades later, CNN replicated this study, revealing that little progress had been made. This enduring mindset serves as a focal point for Dark Girls, as the filmmakers aim to shift these perceptions and empower future generations to embrace their natural beauty.
Stories of Struggle and Resilience
Dark Girls features interviews with women from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, offering an intimate glimpse into their experiences with colorism. The documentary explores the added challenges faced by dark-skinned women in corporate America, where biases extend even to perceptions of hair texture, with women having “good hair” often being favored over those with “kinky” hair. The film also includes perspectives from interracial relationships, showcasing the experiences of White men in loving partnerships with Black women who have been overlooked or undervalued by their own communities.
A Global Perspective
The documentary extends beyond the Black American experience to include dark-skinned women from Latin American and Panamanian backgrounds, emphasizing that colorism is not confined to one culture or country. This broader scope underscores the pervasive nature of skin tone bias and its detrimental effects on individuals worldwide.
A Call to Eradicate Colorism
Berry and Duke believe that Dark Girls is more than a film—it is a call to action. Berry describes the project as an opportunity to spark a long-overdue conversation about the skin tone bias that continues to divide and harm communities. Their ultimate goal is to inspire change by fostering understanding and acceptance, removing the metaphorical “finger” of judgment that has weighed so heavily on dark-skinned individuals for generations.
By amplifying the voices of women who have been marginalized and challenging ingrained societal norms, Dark Girls opens a pathway for healing and progress. It is a film that not only educates but also empowers viewers to confront colorism head-on and envision a future free from its insidious grasp.
