By Hawi Bussa
Colorism, the preferential treatment of lighter skin tones within a racial or ethnic group, is a phenomenon that permeates societies across the world. From the Americas to Africa, Asia, and beyond, the issue of colorism exists, often unspoken, but with profound implications. In Ethiopia, this global issue takes on a unique flavor, intertwined with the country’s diverse ethnic groups, rich history, and shifting cultural landscape. Around the world and at home, colorism creates unacknowledged privilege and festers hidden resentment among those marginalized by this subtle yet pervasive form of discrimination.
The Origins and Impact of Colorism Globally
Colorism is not new, and its roots are deeply entangled in the history of colonialism and slavery. In colonized countries, European colonizers often promoted Eurocentric standards of beauty, equating lighter skin with power, wealth, and social status. In the Americas, for example, lighter-skinned slaves were often given less grueling tasks and sometimes elevated to positions of authority, while darker-skinned slaves endured harsher labor and treatment. The same pattern echoed in India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa, where colonial rulers entrenched the idea that lighter skin was superior.
Even after the end of colonialism, these ideologies remained ingrained in the minds of many societies. Lighter-skinned individuals are often seen as more attractive, more capable, and more worthy of opportunities in many parts of the world. This global preference for lighter skin is constantly reinforced by media, beauty industries, and social institutions that propagate Eurocentric beauty ideals. The results are obvious: a marketplace flooded with skin-whitening creams, bias in hiring practices, and a social hierarchy where lighter skin often equals privilege.
Colorism in the Ethiopian Context
Ethiopia’s story of colorism is unique yet connected to this global narrative. As one of the few African countries that was never formally colonized, Ethiopia escaped direct European rule but was still deeply influenced by European ideas of beauty. Throughout the country’s long imperial history, lighter-skinned elites often occupied positions of power. The royal family, with its ties to the Aksumite Empire and later the Solomonic dynasty, was often depicted with fairer skin tones in religious iconography, solidifying this image of beauty and power.
In today’s Ethiopia too there still exists an unspoken social hierarchy based on complexion. Lighter skin often correlates with privilege—whether in the workplace, in social circles, or in romantic settings. While beauty standards are evolving in urban areas, traditional ideals of fairness remain entrenched in the minds of many, often placing lighter-skinned Ethiopians in a position of unspoken advantage.
In urban settings like Addis Ababa, the media continues to reinforce these beauty ideals, featuring lighter-skinned individuals more prominently in advertisements, fashion, and film. The modeling and entertainment industries often prioritize fairer skin tones, making it harder for darker-skinned Ethiopians to break through. This phenomenon subtly trickles into other aspects of daily life, from employment opportunities to how people are treated in social settings.
The Unspoken Resentment and Challenge
For those who don’t benefit from this color hierarchy, the effects of colorism can be deeply painful. Darker-skinned individuals may face microaggressions or direct comments on their skin tone, sometimes in the form of backhanded compliments like “You’re pretty for a dark-skinned person.” Or nicknames that people deem as endearing but are derogatory such as shanko, barecho or tekwara. While these remarks may seem harmless, they are a reflection of internalized bias that can have long-lasting psychological effects.
Colorism also fosters resentment—an unspoken frustration among those who feel excluded from opportunities or social acceptance because of their skin tone. This resentment is often compounded by the fact that colorism is rarely addressed openly in Ethiopian society. Conversations about ethnicity dominate the national discourse, but the bias against darker skin is seldom discussed, leaving those affected to deal with the emotional toll in silence. The result is a quiet division, a wound that continues to grow beneath the surface.
Globally, this same resentment festers in communities across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. In many parts of the world, lighter-skinned individuals receive preferential treatment, creating feelings of inferiority and exclusion among those with darker complexions. The silence around colorism exacerbates this divide, as it is often seen as a taboo subject—too sensitive or uncomfortable to address openly.
Living, Growing, and Healing Through Colorism
Addressing colorism requires both individual and societal effort. One of the first steps is acknowledging its existence. Whether in Ethiopia or elsewhere, breaking the silence around colorism is critical. Open and honest discussions about the ways colorism manifests in daily life—whether in the workplace, social settings, or within families—can create awareness and pave the way for healing.
Media representation is another powerful tool in dismantling colorist ideals. Ethiopia’s burgeoning film and fashion industries, as well as its influential social media scene, can play a pivotal role in redefining beauty standards. Featuring darker-skinned individuals in ads, films, and on the covers of magazines can help challenge the deep-rooted bias against dark skin and offer a more inclusive vision of Ethiopian beauty.
Education is another key ingredient. Teaching young people to celebrate diversity in all its forms, including skin tone, can help unlearn the biases that have been passed down through generations. Schools, community groups, and cultural institutions must promote the idea that beauty and worth are not determined by skin color but by character and integrity.
Globally, this same approach is needed. Countries facing deep-seated colorism must engage in dialogue, create media that reflects the diversity of their populations, and develop campaigns that challenge the long-standing norms of lighter-skin privilege.
The Path Forward
As Ethiopians—and as global citizens—it’s important to remember that colorism is not just a surface-level issue. It touches on identity, self-worth, and societal structures. To move forward, there needs to be a collective effort to undo the damage caused by generations of biased thinking. Those who benefit from lighter-skin privilege must be willing to acknowledge it and use their platforms to advocate for greater equity.
Most importantly, there must be space for all skin tones to be seen, heard, and valued. Through dialogue, representation, and education, Ethiopians can begin to confront and heal from colorism, creating a society where all are equally respected, regardless of the color of their skin. In doing so, we can challenge the silent resentments that divide us and foster a future of inclusivity, growth, and shared humanity.