Shades

I caught myself encouraging the division of a people, doing the exact opposite of what I feel i should be doing. Since when did the complexion of a race that brought together begin to divide and determine our success, beauty and value as people? If you're dark skinned then you are perceived to be angry, evil and toughened by the so-called hard life that comes with your color. Dark is ugly today. The same shade that once connected you to your ethnicity is now a shade that will make you an outcast of your people. However, you are expected to be more black than our light skinned counterparts. You should know how to play basketball or football and be more involved in high risk activites. Light skinned are thought to soft, smarter than our dark skinned people and more beautiful especially amongst the women. And I believe this perception comes out of the self-hate of our people. A sort of embarrassment or the idea that we can't succeed. The lighter skin means you're closer to white skinned people and thus makes you a higher person. God gave us sight so we could see the beautiful things he's laid on our world. Dark or light, I am Black and I have pride in that I have the power and mind and determination as my ancestors did who made it possible for my voice to be heard. Black or white, we are people.

Inspired by..... Wale - Shades