‘Dark Girls’ explores our complex about dark complexions

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‘Dark Girls’ explores our complex about dark complexions

By Michaela L. Duckett – June 1, 2011

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Good Morning! It’s Hump Day. We are half way through the work week.

Today, the weatherman says expect sunshine and a few afternoon clouds. It will be hot with a high of 98°. Tonight, it will be partly cloudy, and there is a slight chance of thunderstorms.

Here’s what is brewing in the news this morning:

She’s pretty ...for a dark-skinned girl

First Chris Rock took on black women and their issues with hair, and now producer Bill Duke is taking on black women and their hang ups about skin color.

Duke’s upcoming documentary Dark Girls features women of color sharing stories of childhood taunts and life long discrimination. They say they were treated differently, not only by white people, but by those inside their own race because they are darker than others. Many also share their own internal struggles to accept their skin.

In the trailer for the film, one woman recalls asking her mother to put bleach in her bathwater as a child so she could be lighter. She said her dark skin made her feel less beautiful, less acceptable and less loveable.

Another woman said she too tried to wash the darkness away. “I thought it was dirt,” she said.

The project, which is scheduled for release later this summer, also addresses how the black community treats women with dark complexions, particularly when it comes to love.

“Dark-skinned women... I don’t really like dark-skinned women. They look funny beside me. So, you know, I'd rather not date a dark-skinned woman,” said one man in the film’s trailer. He said he prefers light skin women with long hair.

A woman said black men are less likely to pursue committed relationships or marriage if woman is darker. “The darker you are, it’s more of a sexual approach,” she said. “It’s more of a relationship without meaning sort of approach than it is ‘I can get married to that woman and have a few kids.’”

Question: How big of an issue is skin complexion in the black community? After watching the video, use the comment section below to share your thoughts. Let us know if you agree or disagree with the perspectives being presented.

Martin Luther King’s daughter leaving New Birth

The Rev. Bernice King is stepping down as an elder at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, says the church’s pastor, Bishop Eddie Long. He released a statement by his spokesman saying that he and King had been “in discussion and prayer” for some time. King’s departure comes just days after Long settled a sexual misconduct lawsuit with four male members of his church who accused him of abusing his spiritual authority to coerce them into sexual relationships with him. (Read more at TheGrio.com)
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Possible link between cellphone use and cancer

The World Health Organization says cellphones are possible cancer-causing agents. A panel of scientists put them in the same category as the pesticide DDT, gasoline engine exhaust and coffee. The expert panel said there was limited evidence to link cellphone use with two types of brain tumors. Given the popularity of cellphones, it is extremely difficult for researchers to conduct an all conclusive study because they say it is nearly impossible to compare cellphone users who develop tumors with people who are not exposed to the devices. But many advocates say the ongoing studies raise serious concerns because they hint at a possible connection. (Read more at ajc.com)
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Naomi’s hissy fit over chocolate ad

Cadbury reportedly pulled an ad it described as “lighthearted” after British supermodel Naomi Campbell took offense to being compared to a chocolate candy bar. The ad promoting Cadbury Bliss chocolate bar reads, "Move over Naomi, there's a new diva in town." Campbell, who may be considering legal action against the company, is quoted as saying, "I am shocked. It's upsetting to be described as chocolate, not just for me, but for all black women and black people… I do not find any humor in this. It is insulting and hurtful." (Read more at TheRoot.com)