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Jammin' On The Job with
Freddy Colon
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It's black history month and I can't help think about the many things we have to be proud of. At the same time it's also a time that really pisses me the f$%k off.
When I look around and see the many bleached out faces it makes me wonder, where is that sense of black pride? Remember when we used to say "black is beautiful" with so much conviction, is that no longer the case? Know it's more like "white is right."
What is it about our colour that drives many to put their health at risk all in seeking that product that will let them appear much lighter than they really are? What is so repugnant about having a caramel, mahogany or deep dark colour that, in my opinion, is the most beautiful thing to behold?
Then again, I wonder if the poor suckers can help themselves as I have time and time again heard comments such as "anything too black nuh good," "meck sure unno pickney (your babies) have some colouring" implying if you are dark skinned, you should talk to someone who is much lighter.
Little girls growing up were not made to feel a sense of pride as the dolls they were given to play with were anything but black. I have even heard of little girls bluntly tell parents that a doll was "ugly" cause it was not pale in complexion.
Believe it or not we are programming them to feel as if there is nothing beautiful about our colour when we glorify another. Forget the old brown paper bag test, it seem that is even to dark these day.
Ironically, I can't help but be amazed at how some whites put their health at risk by staying in the sun or paying high prices all in the hope of looking "darker." When they visit my home land and other Caribbean shores they make it a point to get their hair "corn row with beads" a style, which we are slowly doing away with!
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month let's make the conscious decision to start valuing ourselves and our beautiful skin even more. No more bleaching, if you are tempted take a good look into the mirror and tell yourself that you are God's beautiful creation and perfect just as you are.
If you have to bleach for someone to love you then they definitely are not worth your love. In closing think about this, is white really right, does lighter mean better or are we still being held back like crabs in a barrel? Why is William "Willie" Lynch's speech still dictating the way we as a people function?
Remember this line from James "The God Father of Soul" Brown
"SAY IT LOUD, I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD!!!"
