THE COLOR SPECTRUM
Skin color and racial bias23 total reviews
Comment from humpwhistle
Marisa, I am as exhausted by this obsession with pigmentation as you. But I would like to remind you during the course of history, dark skinned people have discriminated against light skinned people, too.
The coin could have just as easily have flipped to the other side.
It is the technology first achieved by the light skinned people that gave them the upper hand. The luck of the draw.
I am a firm believer that we all are equal.
I just wish to point out that the real light/dark issue could have gone the other way. The reason light skinned people have the power, is because the light skinned people developed the technology of power.
This does not make it right. But it is important for us to understand these problems in anthropological terms.
Again, Marisa, I agree with you. Just trying to provide some vital background.
Peace, Lee
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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Marisa, I am as exhausted by this obsession with pigmentation as you. But I would like to remind you during the course of history, dark skinned people have discriminated against light skinned people, too.
The coin could have just as easily have flipped to the other side.
It is the technology first achieved by the light skinned people that gave them the upper hand. The luck of the draw.
I am a firm believer that we all are equal.
I just wish to point out that the real light/dark issue could have gone the other way. The reason light skinned people have the power, is because the light skinned people developed the technology of power.
This does not make it right. But it is important for us to understand these problems in anthropological terms.
Again, Marisa, I agree with you. Just trying to provide some vital background.
Peace, Lee
Comment Written 01-Apr-2013
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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I understand completely the point you are making, Lee. However, this piece, though it happens to come down on the darker said of the color spectrum, is really all about injustice and feeling the need to speak out against it.
I could not possibly cover all the aspects and various ways one race justifies oppressing another. No one would care to read such a tome even if I were able to produce it in my lifetime.
I tend to do pieces like this as an avenue to voice my frustration and to keep the topic of inequality front and center. While progress has been made it has come slowly and painfully and there is still so much more to be done.
Thank you for your review and for providing "vital background" information. I respect and value your views on this matter.
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And I value and respect your views, Marisa.
And I appreciate your efforts. I only wish that people would understand that it's power that separates, not pigmentation.
Peace, Lee
Comment from Gregory K Shipman
You again put pen to paper and materialize something more... This is well written, well scripted and well delivered... and on a subject as deep as any well I've seen.
You, again, grab the bull by the horns and flip his ass over so we can see his underbelly.
I noticed one of your 'reviewers' suggested that the 'darker-skin' would act exactly as the 'lighter-skin' if in a dominant position. I'd hazard a guess that your essay is not about who would do what but rather the wrong of what we do as it refers to skin color, bigotry and racial preference.
I appreciate you posting this exceptional essay... it is a subject/topic that tends to create conversation.
Your author notes do justice to your passion and understanding...
Very, very well-done, Marisa
greg
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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You again put pen to paper and materialize something more... This is well written, well scripted and well delivered... and on a subject as deep as any well I've seen.
You, again, grab the bull by the horns and flip his ass over so we can see his underbelly.
I noticed one of your 'reviewers' suggested that the 'darker-skin' would act exactly as the 'lighter-skin' if in a dominant position. I'd hazard a guess that your essay is not about who would do what but rather the wrong of what we do as it refers to skin color, bigotry and racial preference.
I appreciate you posting this exceptional essay... it is a subject/topic that tends to create conversation.
Your author notes do justice to your passion and understanding...
Very, very well-done, Marisa
greg
Comment Written 01-Apr-2013
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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You are exactly right when you say my essay "is not about who would do what, but rather the wrong of what we do." Whatever the injustice being committed, that to me is the issue. I feel we need to speak out in these matters, because our voices individually and collectively do count. We must never withdraw from the fray as long as we face this issue of inequality and inhumanity. Silence is the ultimate act of acquiescence. If we keep silent then those who oppress will continue to do so.
Greg, thank you so much for your wonderfully supportive review and your always welcome comments. I greatly appreciate both and also your very generous rating.
Comment from tedanytime
Your theme identifies color as a root cause, and notes seem to indicate belief that government can solve the problems.
Greedy, jealous and power-hungry individuals and governments have throughout history created the problems you describe. Legislation will never solve a problem that wells from the human mind. Many of the problems we see are the result of people having lost and never having a moral compass.
Without moral compass individuals and nations can never change the situation. It is easy to see what politicians will do to keep their power. It is morality gone amok. Legal bribery, special interest groups, etc., prevent good results.
Religious leaders of all colors continue to promote the most biased color divisions, to push their own agenda of greed and increased power.
Politicians and the government promotes the welfare state solely for getting votes...to stay in power, resulting in "plantation ghettos."
Some of those who identify the true problems of society are attacked and vilified.
end of message.
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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Your theme identifies color as a root cause, and notes seem to indicate belief that government can solve the problems.
Greedy, jealous and power-hungry individuals and governments have throughout history created the problems you describe. Legislation will never solve a problem that wells from the human mind. Many of the problems we see are the result of people having lost and never having a moral compass.
Without moral compass individuals and nations can never change the situation. It is easy to see what politicians will do to keep their power. It is morality gone amok. Legal bribery, special interest groups, etc., prevent good results.
Religious leaders of all colors continue to promote the most biased color divisions, to push their own agenda of greed and increased power.
Politicians and the government promotes the welfare state solely for getting votes...to stay in power, resulting in "plantation ghettos."
Some of those who identify the true problems of society are attacked and vilified.
end of message.
Comment Written 01-Apr-2013
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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I do not think a lifetime would be enough time to go into all the ways we as humans find to justify oppressing other humans.
I do agree with you that it is a matter of losing one's moral compass which creates the inequalities and inhumane situations that exist in our world today.
I assure you that I do not feel government is the cure-all for righting these wrongs. I do however feel that those in power (our elected officials)can do much to alleviate suffering for those in need. They can and do have it within their power to level the playing field and we the people have the power of our vote to elect those who would work for the benefit of all and not just an elite few.
As for the "welfare state" you write about and the "plantation ghettos" you seem to think government creates. I see this as as a very cynical outlook and one that summarily throws the baby out with the bath water. Again, I see this as broad brush thinking.
There is plenty of justification for a government taking a constructive and benevolent stance where fighting poverty and social injustice is concerned. I do not want to ever be subjected to a 'toothless' government that cannot and will not seek justice and equality for all of its people. A government that is a figurehead only and just sits back and lets corporate greed take over and run the show.
Thank you for taking time to read and respond to this piece.
Comment from Gloria ....
This is a great subject Marisa!! Even our anthropological classification of human races into three categories: Caucasoid, Mongoloid and Negroid is telling as the words evoke emotional responses.
Language defines our reality, even though we think we define our reality with language, (Noam Chomsky) and whoever is in charge of the rock tablet and chisel (ie writers, government, policy makers) is the one who shapes social movement and direction.
Communication is the good and the bad of the Internet. Never before has so many diverse people been granted voice to be heard. Unfortunately, this unprecedented powerful communication tool is used for (destructive) petty interpersonal squabbles to acquire or maintain status and dominance instead of (constructive) educational purposes presented in truthful narratives because we haven't understood or accepted the fundamental limitations of our being.
We continue to act as though we are God. Sadly, the foundation for discrimination begins in even the smallest social unit, the family. We look for reasons/justifications to divide ourselves and assert our own/tribes' superiority and self asserted right to have more of the pie.
This is a most informative and thought provoking essay as per your high standard woman. It is good to be reminded that there is much, much more work to be done to achieve 'fair' social systems as we move from local neighbourhoods to global.
Keep writing because you are very good!
Gloria
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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This is a great subject Marisa!! Even our anthropological classification of human races into three categories: Caucasoid, Mongoloid and Negroid is telling as the words evoke emotional responses.
Language defines our reality, even though we think we define our reality with language, (Noam Chomsky) and whoever is in charge of the rock tablet and chisel (ie writers, government, policy makers) is the one who shapes social movement and direction.
Communication is the good and the bad of the Internet. Never before has so many diverse people been granted voice to be heard. Unfortunately, this unprecedented powerful communication tool is used for (destructive) petty interpersonal squabbles to acquire or maintain status and dominance instead of (constructive) educational purposes presented in truthful narratives because we haven't understood or accepted the fundamental limitations of our being.
We continue to act as though we are God. Sadly, the foundation for discrimination begins in even the smallest social unit, the family. We look for reasons/justifications to divide ourselves and assert our own/tribes' superiority and self asserted right to have more of the pie.
This is a most informative and thought provoking essay as per your high standard woman. It is good to be reminded that there is much, much more work to be done to achieve 'fair' social systems as we move from local neighbourhoods to global.
Keep writing because you are very good!
Gloria
Comment Written 01-Apr-2013
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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Gloria,
I only wish I had the gift of being able to state my cause with as much eloquence as you have in this review. I greatly appreciate your feedback and so agree with all you have stated.
I am so pleased that you found this piece worth the read. Thank you so much for you most valued review.
Comment from Vinita12
This is very well-written and researched, and the subject is both compelling and pertinent.
I've always been baffled by how people all over the world judge others simply by the superficial amount of melatonin in their skin!
Six stars for the quality and thought behind the piece.
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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This is very well-written and researched, and the subject is both compelling and pertinent.
I've always been baffled by how people all over the world judge others simply by the superficial amount of melatonin in their skin!
Six stars for the quality and thought behind the piece.
Comment Written 01-Apr-2013
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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You have succinctly said exactly what I was attempting to say in this piece. However, I used close to a 1,000 words to say what your few words sum up so nicely.
Thank you very much for the read and for your oh so generous rating.
Comment from GeraldS
This is a well written and well constructed essay. And, it provides a lot of food for thought. Stereotypes are a big problem. Some people can only feel better about themselves if they see others as inferior. And, the most effective propaganda is telling people what they want to hear. So, the problem you cite will be difficult to ever fully cure. Still social change is and has been occurring for a long time. And, progress is slowly being made. So there is reason for hope.
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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This is a well written and well constructed essay. And, it provides a lot of food for thought. Stereotypes are a big problem. Some people can only feel better about themselves if they see others as inferior. And, the most effective propaganda is telling people what they want to hear. So, the problem you cite will be difficult to ever fully cure. Still social change is and has been occurring for a long time. And, progress is slowly being made. So there is reason for hope.
Comment Written 01-Apr-2013
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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Gerald,
I thank you for your insightful and thoughtful review. I am happy you found the piece worth the read.
Yes, there is certainly reason for hope. The only way out of this is forward and while social change comes slowly it nevertheless must come in order for us to be the country we aspire to be.
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Bravo! Plenty of common sense wisdom here. Humans are basically a tribal group, programmed by nature to stick with and protect the tribe, a necessary survival mechanism before man became civilized and educated and began thinking more than acting out ritual behaviors. So the possibility is there, but it requires THOUGHT and EDUCATION to get people to see the value that you describe so well. We don't naturally feel comfortable outside our own "tribe"... a sorority, a religion, race or ethnicity... can be anything, and it HAS been more than just race, for sure.That's the one we always talk about because it's the most noticeable and obvious, but history shows a wider problem.
Whatever the tribal prejudices, the MIND can now overcome them. We just have to get people to stop acting like animals! We make progress in each generation, but it's not an overnight thing. :)
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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Bravo! Plenty of common sense wisdom here. Humans are basically a tribal group, programmed by nature to stick with and protect the tribe, a necessary survival mechanism before man became civilized and educated and began thinking more than acting out ritual behaviors. So the possibility is there, but it requires THOUGHT and EDUCATION to get people to see the value that you describe so well. We don't naturally feel comfortable outside our own "tribe"... a sorority, a religion, race or ethnicity... can be anything, and it HAS been more than just race, for sure.That's the one we always talk about because it's the most noticeable and obvious, but history shows a wider problem.
Whatever the tribal prejudices, the MIND can now overcome them. We just have to get people to stop acting like animals! We make progress in each generation, but it's not an overnight thing. :)
Comment Written 01-Apr-2013
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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Yes, we do tend to fall back on our tribal roots no matter how far we seem to have come in the advancement of civilization as a whole.
Thank you for your astute observations on this subject. As always, I appreciate your views and value your input.
Comment from Dawn Munro
Just a quick (possible) edit before we begin: was it an oversight on the part of Steve Olson, or did you, perhaps, miss punctuation or the separation of two sentences here: "The genetic variants affecting skin color and facial features are essentially meaningless/they..."
Marisa, I am deeply touched by this wonderful approach to an issue (one of many) that is closest to my heart. I have great respect for anyone who understands that we are all really one people - humanity - and that our variations only strengthen us. (I've actually written about it on this site too, though in poetry form.)
Bless your heart for this detailed, clear and well-researched essay. Your references are impeccable.
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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Just a quick (possible) edit before we begin: was it an oversight on the part of Steve Olson, or did you, perhaps, miss punctuation or the separation of two sentences here: "The genetic variants affecting skin color and facial features are essentially meaningless/they..."
Marisa, I am deeply touched by this wonderful approach to an issue (one of many) that is closest to my heart. I have great respect for anyone who understands that we are all really one people - humanity - and that our variations only strengthen us. (I've actually written about it on this site too, though in poetry form.)
Bless your heart for this detailed, clear and well-researched essay. Your references are impeccable.
Comment Written 01-Apr-2013
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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Actually, I copied the quote directly as printed, so I did not change any part of it, but thank you for the catch.
I want to thank you for your wonderful review and most generous rating, Dawn. I am happy that you found this piece worth the read. This is a subject near and dear to my heart and I am not surprised that you embrace the idea of our strength coming from our diversity.
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Thank you for that, Marisa - it's true though, isn't it, and so vitally important! (One of the poems I mentioned, I now remembered - it's called "Only One Flower".) At Christmas I also wrote about blending of faiths (religions), another issue that matters to me deeply because in this case, diversity has such horrendous consequences. We don't even have to look at history to know this, and the only hope is that same perspective - one people, one planet, one glorious 'mix' to keep it all so interesting and beautiful.
You are so very welcome - I admire your writing so much, whether it's serious topics, such as this, or your more light-hearted pieces. You're very talented, in my opinion.
Comment from Carole Rosa
Marisa, You deserve six stars just for your author notes, which are extremely well written. Your story is an exceptionally well told story.
This is so true: "Ethnic background, skin color or socioeconomics have nothing whatsoever to do with intellect."
I'm a 70 year old Caucasian and I have a substandard education. (High School and some college.) I have wonderful Spanish speaking neighbors, who are afraid that they will offend others. They are quiet and stay to themselves. They are hard workers, but aren't educated in the standards of the US.
I have friends who are African American, who are afraid that they will offend others. The are educated and financially able. I'm embarrassed to be white when members of my race verbally mistreat both ethic groups.
Then, I know a black lady who is verbally abusive to and about white people. The difference in these individuals are advantages, education, and financial opportunities.
In my opinion, when white, black, and other ethic groups are raised in poor and uneducated families, they don't have a chance for any type of success and it effects their attitudes. President Obama is an acceptation to the rule. He was poor, but his parents were educated.
There are white people who are just as criminal as any other race, but for some unknown reason, some of these white people feel superior to all other ethnic groups.
I think it's education, advantages, and financial opportunities. Can anyone elected change this in our life time? It seems to me that equality has not improved in the last hundred years. Verbal race prejudices has increased since our president was elected. There are still gay prejudices that remain, but they are being accepted more as the numbers of gays admit their sexuality. I think one of the worse discrimination situation going on now is the democrats verses the republicans in every walk of life. I don't usually voice my political views, for fear of discrimination.
The state of affairs is sad and I don't think there is a quick fix by anyone elected. I'm sorry that I got carried away with my opinions.
Your story is very well written and you deserve much more than 6 stars. Carole
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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Marisa, You deserve six stars just for your author notes, which are extremely well written. Your story is an exceptionally well told story.
This is so true: "Ethnic background, skin color or socioeconomics have nothing whatsoever to do with intellect."
I'm a 70 year old Caucasian and I have a substandard education. (High School and some college.) I have wonderful Spanish speaking neighbors, who are afraid that they will offend others. They are quiet and stay to themselves. They are hard workers, but aren't educated in the standards of the US.
I have friends who are African American, who are afraid that they will offend others. The are educated and financially able. I'm embarrassed to be white when members of my race verbally mistreat both ethic groups.
Then, I know a black lady who is verbally abusive to and about white people. The difference in these individuals are advantages, education, and financial opportunities.
In my opinion, when white, black, and other ethic groups are raised in poor and uneducated families, they don't have a chance for any type of success and it effects their attitudes. President Obama is an acceptation to the rule. He was poor, but his parents were educated.
There are white people who are just as criminal as any other race, but for some unknown reason, some of these white people feel superior to all other ethnic groups.
I think it's education, advantages, and financial opportunities. Can anyone elected change this in our life time? It seems to me that equality has not improved in the last hundred years. Verbal race prejudices has increased since our president was elected. There are still gay prejudices that remain, but they are being accepted more as the numbers of gays admit their sexuality. I think one of the worse discrimination situation going on now is the democrats verses the republicans in every walk of life. I don't usually voice my political views, for fear of discrimination.
The state of affairs is sad and I don't think there is a quick fix by anyone elected. I'm sorry that I got carried away with my opinions.
Your story is very well written and you deserve much more than 6 stars. Carole
Comment Written 01-Apr-2013
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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Carole,
Thank you for your most thoughtful and detailed review. I am happy that you enjoyed this piece and I greatly appreciate your comments and examples. I too believe education is the key to better opportunities for all groups.
As you say, there is no quick fix, but it is very important that we keep moving forward in our thinking and our actions.
Comment from J.R Dickinson
Diversity keeps life interesting and strays away from the bland and dull life. A perfect story to fight prejudice. This is remarkable.
I never understood growing up, why it was so bad for people to have different skin color? I couldn't understand prejudice people. I'm glad you tackled this subject, and you tackled it better than a raging stampede. Splendid job.
Sincerely,
J.R
PS. Thank you for the additional (intriguing) education you mixed in with this. I enjoyed that too.
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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Diversity keeps life interesting and strays away from the bland and dull life. A perfect story to fight prejudice. This is remarkable.
I never understood growing up, why it was so bad for people to have different skin color? I couldn't understand prejudice people. I'm glad you tackled this subject, and you tackled it better than a raging stampede. Splendid job.
Sincerely,
J.R
PS. Thank you for the additional (intriguing) education you mixed in with this. I enjoyed that too.
Comment Written 01-Apr-2013
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2013
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Thank you for your most thoughtful review and comments. I'm so pleased that you found the piece a good read.
It is patently wrong for people to judge others based on skin color. It is a small and narrow mind that thinks one is superior or inferior because of where they fall on the color spectrum.
Again, I so appreciate your views on this matter.