By Cheryl Mattox Berry
As we observe Women’s History Month, I encourage you to embrace girls and women of all hues – from white to ebony. I was reminded of how the media tend to forget women of color, especially those with darker skin tones, during the buzz leading up to Oscar night.
Everyone was making a fuss over Lupita Nyong’o, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 12 Years A Slave. The Mexican-Kenyan young woman is a beautiful actress who never makes a misstep when it comes to style. Some fashion critics have remarked how bright colors pop against her beautiful dark skin.
Funny how that works. It seems as if darker-hued girls are glorified when they’re on the silver screen or runway and speak with an accent. What happens to regular dark-skinned girls who live in this country is a different story.
In real life, many are discriminated against and made to feel less than at school, work and even their own homes because of their dark color. Sadly, some black folks are still color struck in 2014.
This has had a profound effect on the self-esteem of these girls. You’ve heard, read or seen stories on TV about black girls hooking up with light-skinned boys, especially those from other ethnic groups, so that they can have a light-skinned “pretty” baby with good hair.
A child who looks like what these girls want to be doesn’t change them. When that teen mom looks in the mirror, she still sees the same dark-skinned girl with color issues. She should have been seeking counseling to boost her self-esteem instead of looking for a baby Daddy.
Dark-skinned beauties, you don’t need anyone else to define you, especially the media, which have a distorted sense of beauty. Accept the color of your skin because, frankly, there’s not much you can do about it short of using bleaching creams.
You can’t let the opinion of others crush your spirit, stifle your ambition or snuff your dreams. Since the media have declared that you are en vogue, take advantage of it. Show off your color. Walk with confidence. Display your unique style. Be daring.
Now that you’re front and center, stay there. Never, ever let anyone put you in a box because, as Bruno Mars sings, you’re amazing just the way you are. Read his lyrics and believe.
When I see your face
There’s not a thing that I would change
‘Cause you’re amazing
Just the way you are
– Just The Way You Are, Bruno Mars